Vandana Kalagara and Smruti Rao: Crafting Sustainable Kidswear Success Story

In the vibrant landscape of India’s children’s fashion, two enterprising individuals, Vandana Kalagara and Smruti Rao, have seamlessly combined their talents and aspirations to create a remarkable brand that resonates with conscientious consumers. Their brainchild, Keebee Organic, not only offers sustainable kidswear but also embodies a heartfelt journey of passion, innovation, and determination.

The Genesis of a Vision:

Vandana Kalagara and Smruti Rao, once classmates, embarked on a transformative journey when they founded Keebee Organic in 2016. Vandana’s background in fashion design and a subsequent master’s degree from FIDM in the US laid the foundation for her creative aspirations. Following a brief hiatus from her career to embrace motherhood, Vandana’s daughter sparked a revelation that would drive the duo’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Vandana recalls, “My daughter’s innocent desire to emulate her grandmother and me ignited a spark. I realized that sustainable and organic clothing options for children were surprisingly limited. This revelation sowed the seeds of Keebee Organic.”

Nurturing Sustainability through Innovation:

Keebee Organic’s commitment to sustainability is not merely a tagline; it’s ingrained in every thread of their creations. The brand curates a diverse range of kidswear products, from casual wear to ethnic ensembles, catering to boys and girls up to the age of 10. What sets Keebee Organic apart is its dedication to organic materials and manufacturing practices that align with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

The company’s journey towards sustainability has been steadfast. Operating out of GOTS-certified units in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, Keebee Organic ensures that their products adhere to the highest ethical and environmental standards. Additionally, their in-house manufacturing unit in Hyderabad is a testament to their commitment, where they aim to achieve GOTS certification in the near future.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience:

The path to success wasn’t without its challenges. Vandana’s initial foray into entrepreneurship presented hurdles in finding reliable organic cotton suppliers and GOTS-certified manufacturers who could cater to their specific requirements. In a quest to realize their vision, she tirelessly reached out to potential partners across the country, undeterred by the limited responses.

“I sent countless emails, knocking on the doors of various manufacturing units. Our persistence led us to Cotton Eco Fashion, a garments manufacturing unit in Gujarat, which understood our mission and embraced our vision,” Vandana explains. This partnership marked a significant milestone, cementing their dedication to creating sustainable kidswear that leaves a positive impact.

From Visionaries to Market Leaders:

Keebee Organic’s rise is not only a testament to their unwavering dedication but also to their ability to innovate and evolve. From their inception in 2016, Vandana and Smruti have navigated the landscape of e-commerce, strategically positioning their brand on popular platforms such as Myntra, FirstCry, and Nestery, among others. Their direct-to-consumer model through their website has also proved to be a compelling avenue.

With an eye on the future, Vandana shares, “Since our debut in 2017, we’ve witnessed steady growth, and our annual revenues have climbed to an impressive Rs 36 lakh. Our aspiration for this year is even greater, targeting revenues of Rs 75 lakh.”

A Sustainable Legacy in the Making:

Vandana Kalagara and Smruti Rao’s journey with Keebee Organic epitomizes the spirit of entrepreneurship driven by purpose and resilience. Their commitment to crafting sustainable kids wear has not only found a niche in the market but has also established a model that champions ethical practices, innovation, and a profound connection to the environment.

As Vandana and Smruti continue to lead Keebee Organic towards new heights, their story stands as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates of sustainability alike. In a world where conscious consumerism is on the rise, Vandana Kalagara and Smruti Rao have not just created a brand, but a movement that weaves compassion, innovation, and style into the fabric of children’s fashion.