Priya who left her village at a young age is now a fashion entrepreneur

KOCHI: Having left her village in childhood, Priya had experienced the hardships of being an orphan when she was a very small child. However, she wasn't ready to give up. Priya's past experiences were important in her success up to this point. She is about to establish herself as a fashion designer. S. Priya is preparing for a fashion start-up situated in Kochi, with the help of the State Scheduled Tribe Development Department. She received her degree from Mumbai's National Institute of Fashion Technology.

Priya's life took an unexpected turn when she went to the Aluva Tribal Office to inquire about the possibility of obtaining a house through the government's housing program. Priya's talent was noticed by Tribal Extension Officer R. Anoop, who remarked, "If you try, you can buy your own house." He offered her every assistance in her quest to become a self-sufficient business owner. Then, with the help of the Kochi Municipal Corporation, he gave her access to Rs 5 lakh as working capital under the government's 'Udayam' initiative. Anoop also took the initiative to seek funding of 10 lakhs from Startup Mission. Priya is currently busy starting a fashion venture.

Priya was born in 1986 in a tribal village in Mananthavady. Despite having many close relatives, circumstances brought her to an orphanage. She reached the SOS Children's Village in Thrissur when she was 10 years old. It was the life here that helped to rise. After completing her schooling, she first thought of becoming a teacher. It was her friends who suggested to join the field of fashion because of her ability to draw. Priya thus joined Chalakudy Nirmala College for a Fashion Technology degree. Winning the 'Best Concept' award in the fashion show held as part of the course was an inspiration. The models on that day included Amala Paul, who later joined the film industry. PG study from Mumbai imparted her more knowledge. After graduating in 2011, Priya became an assistant in photoshoots, fashion shows and commercials. Priya got the opportunity to design the costumes for the flash mob presented by thirty students of Kakkanad Tribal Settlement on the occasion of Republic Day.