Shilpa Belavadi’s journey from HR professional to entrepreneur wasn’t just about building a brand—it was about breaking barriers. From founding a recruitment firm at 24 to launching Indyvarna, she has consistently challenged the bias that women-led businesses are not ‘serious’ ventures.
Q: Can you share a bit about your journey—from corporate life to entrepreneurship?
A: My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight path—it was one filled with detours, challenges, and reinvention. I started my career as an HR Executive at Accenture, a comfortable role with stability. But deep down, I knew I was meant for something more. After two years, I took the leap and founded my first company, Ethisma Consulting, a recruitment firm.
Business was thriving, but life had other plans. Pregnancy and health complications forced me to step back, and for a while, I embraced the role of a homemaker and mother. But that fire within me never dimmed. My passion for public speaking and fashion led me to pursue certifications in Image Management, Soft Skills Training, Life Coaching, and NLP. That’s when I founded my second venture, Purple Persona—helping professionals craft their personal brand and build confidence through appearance and behavior.
Q: How did Indyvarna come to life?
A: While working with clients, I noticed a glaring gap—India lacked a workwear brand that truly blended professionalism, comfort, and heritage. I shared this insight with my husband, my biggest supporter, and together we traveled across India, meeting artisans, studying fabrics, and understanding what women really needed in workwear. And that’s how Indyvarna was born—a brand that redefines workwear for the modern Indian woman.
From HR to Image Consulting to leading a fashion brand, my journey has been anything but traditional. But at the heart of it all is one mission—to empower women, not just with clothing, but with the confidence to own their space, wherever they go.
Q: What biases did you face as a founder, and how did they impact you?
A: Starting my entrepreneurial journey at 24, I quickly realized the world of business wasn’t always welcoming to a young woman trying to make her mark. The assumption that women entrepreneurs—especially in fashion—are not "serious" business leaders was a bias I encountered often. People saw fashion as a hobby, not a scalable, profitable business. In meetings, financial and strategic questions were often directed to male colleagues, even though I was leading the company.
At first, this affected me. I second-guessed myself, wondering if I had to prove my credibility at every turn. But over time, I learned that the best way to challenge bias is not through words, but through results.
Q: How did you overcome this bias and establish yourself as a strong business leader?
A: Instead of arguing against stereotypes, I let my work do the talking. I deep-dived into every aspect of my business—finance, supply chain, marketing—so that no one could question my leadership. I walked into meetings prepared, confidently answering business strategy and financial questions myself. I built Indyvarna as a structured, data-driven business, proving that a women-led brand can be both creative and commercially successful.
I also surrounded myself with mentors, experts, and a strong support system that reinforced my belief in my capabilities. Ultimately, I overcame the bias by simply refusing to let it define me.
Q: How does personal style influence confidence, in your experience?
A: For the longest time, I didn’t realize how much appearance influences confidence. Early in my career, I dressed in what I thought was "appropriate," but I never truly owned my style. Over time, I learned that power dressing isn’t about following trends—it’s about wearing what makes you feel in control.
Today, as an Image Consultant and the Founder of Indyvarna, I use my journey to empower women through professional wear that makes them feel both strong and stylish. Indyvarna isn’t just about clothing—it’s about helping women step into their workplaces with confidence.
Q: What advice would you give to women starting their careers?
A: You will face doubts, rejections, and biases. But never let the world define your worth. Walk into every room knowing you belong there.
Q: What does power dressing mean to you?
A: Power dressing is about being confident in your own skin. It’s about shedding the weight of expectations and owning your space unapologetically.
Q: If you had to define 'breaking the bias' in one sentence, what would it be?
A: It’s about rewriting the rules, not waiting for permission to play.
Q: What’s next for Indyvarna and for you as a leader?
A: Right now, my focus is on growing Indyvarna into a brand that transforms the way women approach workwear in India. I want more women to step into their careers feeling powerful, prepared, and proud of who they are.
This journey has taught me that confidence isn’t just built—it’s worn, lived, and embodied. Let’s break the bias together, one confident step at a time.
