Leaders

PECKD is India's (and perhaps the world's) first 'Compostable Apparel' label. A conscious team of designers with a strong sense of eco-sustainability who have been collaborating with like-minded pattern makers and tailors to produce fashion that makes jaws drop - without affecting the globe or life on it. PECKD goes beyond sustainability to develop compostable apparel that is not only fashionable but also thought-provoking. PECKD's journey begins with understanding what compostable fashion is and what makes it so remarkable. All of PECKD's clothing – from button to thread – are not only natural and organic, but also compostable. This implies that if anyone wants to get rid of your PECKD clothing, you may bury it in moist soil in a pot, or in a garden / backyard, and everything about the garment will decompose organically within 180 days.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Hitesha Deshpande, Founder at Peckd gives us anpeek into her career and the unique traits of the company:

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What motivated you to create an eco-conscious fashion brand?

From an early age, I was enthralled by the fashion sector. After taking part in a few fashion events, I was eager to try my hand at replicating some of the pieces that stole the show on the runway. Exploring this intriguing world, I enrolled in a fashion design diploma programme. Every now and again, I fantasized about having my own fashion line. But I didn't do anything to follow up on this. Himanshu Kulhari, my business partner, was the one who drew this fantasy back to life. He was passionate about crafting a fashion statement that mirrored the spirit of the person wearing it. His enthusiasm was enthralling.

As part of our study to develop a new brand, we began connecting with a variety of vendors. The more we dug into it, the more surprised we were. The level of apathy about the extent of pollution created by this sector was startling. Pollutants generated by the textile industry were harming aquatic life. Landfills were overflowing with fabric waste, which leached into and poisoned the groundwater. All of these environmental restrictions gave birth to PECKD, wherein, a two-and- a-half-year research was carried out to find the appropriate kind of raw material, the right kind of people, and the right kind of audience.

What are the various roles & responsibilities that you currently shoulder at Peckd?  

I am in charge of the products at PECKD. This implies that I lead the research that goes into partnering with the ideal vendors for the raw materials we require. I am also in charge of the design team, which is inspired by the theme of the month. And it is my responsibility to guarantee that we have a fantastic final product that will help the brand grow a dedicated fan base.

Tell us about the varied expertise that you possess in the field of fashion. How has your prior industry experience helped you in your current role as the Founder at Peckd?

As a filmmaker and producer, I've seen firsthand the high desire for fashion. Whether it's a little TV commercial or a feature film, the way you present yourself makes all the difference. After being a part of both small and large productions, my admiration for fashion design and brilliant designers grew. In addition to being a filmmaker, I am also an author and a digital entrepreneur. After establishing Niraksh Films, an events and production company, in 2013, I ultimately expanded into collaborating with the creation of a worldwide brand consultancy and digital marketing business. My background as a marketer has aided me in identifying an audience for PECKD.

What have been the most significant milestones that you have achieved so far in your professional journey? What is your guiding leadership philosophy?

Creating PECKD is a significant achievement in and of itself. It demonstrates that perseverance pays off. If you have the courage to dream, you must also have the commitment to pursue it tenaciously. I've realized that it's all too simple to give up. It takes a lot more guts to believe in yourself and stick with it. I've also discovered that sacrifice is unavoidable. When you have a broader aim in mind, you tend to give up a lot. It is disappointing in the short term. Every time you fall, it hurts, and it's difficult to get yourself up and keep going. But if you can find the fortitude to believe in what you do, you will have the strength to see it through.

“Goya basic’s usp is that we combine natural and organic Substances in such a way that our star ingredient becomes increasingly effective”

How do you keep yourself well aligned with the periodic evolutions occurring within your respective field of work? What trends is the fashion sector witnessing going forward?

Surprisingly, there are a lot more individuals like myself. Fashion icons that aspire to make a difference by bringing mindful fashion to the forefront of the fashion industry. One of the most valuable things that PECKD has provided us is the opportunity to meet some of these people. We continue to brainstorm ways to make compostable& sustainable fashion more accessible, pervasive, and popular. The world is experiencing a wave of awakening. Fashion, like any other business, is undergoing transformations.

Popular businesses and brand loyalists are embracing recyclable and sustainable apparel. In the near future, fashion will not slow down, but will become more mindful, aware, and kind.

As a successful businesswoman what would your advice be to young women and girls who aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Don't allow anybody to convince you that you or your concept are inadequate. If you believe you can accomplish it, go ahead and attempt it. The right time to try anything is now . Be ready to work not just hard, but even harder. Be ready to face disappointment and rejection. Be prepared to keep going in the face of adversity. For some, the path to success is short; for others, it may be longer; but the destination can only be reached if you keep going. The only true failure is giving up on oneself. Anything is conceivable till then.

Hitesha Deshpande, Founder, Peckd

Shivangi is an entrepreneur who specializes in a variety of disciplines, including education and beauty. Motivated to work exclusively in industries that have great market potential, as an entrepreneur Shivangiisn't afraid to take risks, and believes transparency is vital for growth.