How Parveen Padalkar Turned Setbacks Into Her Entrepreneurial Strength

At the Digital Women Awards 2025, Parveen Padalkar, founder of Ekori, was recognised in the E-commerce category for her work in building a sustainable clothing brand rooted in India’s rich handloom heritage. Ekori works with skilled artisans to create pure handwoven sarees and modern fabrics, manufacturing and supplying innovative designs to leading stores and fashion brands across the country.

While accepting the award, Parveen shared her path as an entrepreneur and the triumphs and challenges she faced along the way.

“This is not my first attempt at entrepreneurship. I have been trying for the last 10 years, and not even once have I lost the passion to try the next time after the failure," Parveen expressed. 

"The first time, I didn’t have enough money. The second time, I had a difficult pregnancy. This is my third attempt, and even if I have to make 10 more attempts, I will keep doing it till I get success."

Her story embodies the spirit of the Digital Women Awards, celebrating resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering determination of women who refuse to give up.

Parveen Padalkar: Digital Women Awards 2025

STP: What does Ekori do?

Parveen: We are a sustainable clothing brand rooted in India’s rich handloom heritage.

From pure handwoven sarees crafted by skilled artisans to modern fabrics designed for today’s aesthetics, we bring together tradition and innovation.

As manufacturers, we supply to leading stores, boutiques, and major fashion brands across the country, ensuring authenticity at every weave.

STP: In What Ways Do Technology And Digital Tools Contribute To The Growth, Efficiency, And Overall Success Of Your Business?

Parveen: Technology at the Core of Our Business. Technology drives every part of our business, from how customers experience our brand to how we manage operations behind the scenes.

Our user-friendly digital interface makes browsing and ordering seamless. We’ve streamlined order processing, payment systems, and communication channels to make transactions faster and more transparent.

Even our B2B operations are powered by tech; we take wholesale and bulk orders online, making it easy for stores and boutiques across India (and beyond) to access our collections directly.

This digital-first approach allows us to stay efficient, scale faster, and strengthen our network of artisans and business partners.

STP: What Were Some Key Challenges You Faced While Building Your Business?

Parveen: The main challenge was convincing artisans to experiment to bring traditional weaves onto modern fabrics and make sarees relevant again.

STP: As An Entrepreneur, What's The One Motto You Live By? 

Parveen: I don’t believe in being fulfilled. I believe in staying hungry to do better every day. To grow, to create, and to be responsible for those who depend on me.

STP: Why Is It Important For Entrepreneurs To Prioritise Health And Emotional Well-being? 

Parveen: I believe in fitness, both physical and mental. As a mother, I want to be a role model for my child to live a healthy, balanced life. Unless I’m fit, I can’t give my 100% at work or to the people who depend on me.