The Yarn Bazaar Stories

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the textile industry's paradigm shift with Jyoti Kapoor, the Country Director of Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). Delve into the heart of BCI's farmer-centric strategies, designed to elevate agriculture through education, sustainability, and ethical practices. Join us for an in-depth journey into the sustainable revolution transforming cotton farming practices. Jyoti Narain Kapoor, our guest for the podcast, is a seasoned leader with 20+ years of success in social sectors and foreign banking, currently heads India for Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). With a track record of establishing impactful ventures like Mpower and driving growth at major financial institutions, she brings expertise in strategic leadership and successful business management. Jyoti's career is marked by her commitment to sustainability and driving positive change in diverse sectors.

The final episode of the sustainability series by Color Ashram along with Slow Textiles in association with The Yarn Bazaar is here!Embark on a conversation about sustainable fashion's role in addressing global concerns! Our podcast with Mr. Shripat Jagirdar, founder of Weaving Vibes, covers crucial topics like social responsibility, perceptions of Hemp products, and the pivotal role of consumer education in fostering the growth of slow fashion.Mr. Jagirdar emphasizes the need for prominent brands to champion the health benefits of sustainable fashion. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on fostering a sustainable fashion future!

Our riveting roundtable explores the dynamic world of sustainable, naturally dyed textiles. Uncover the allure of natural colors that resist fading, and the biodegradability inherent in natural fibers, a magnet for buyers seeking eco-conscious options. Join our discussion on the vital production challenges shaping the future of naturally dyed textiles, where sustainability resonates beyond mere price points. Our esteemed panel of guests include: Mr. K D Sharma, Co-founder of DESCAT-UK, a B2B social impact startup for fashion goods. Mr. Sharma is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Techno-Commercial fields and community-driven initiatives. With a career spanning diverse roles in Uttarakhand's government, Ministry of Textiles, and reputable textile mills like Vardhman and DCM, he combines expertise in Natural Resource Management, Livelihood Promotion, and Training & Capacity Building for grassroots empowerment. Mr. Sandesh Saxena, Head of Fiber Sales at GENCREST, Sandesh holds over 27 years of diverse experience in the Textile Industry, spanning Market Operations, New Product Portfolios, and Distribution Networks. He played a pivotal role at PT Gokak Indonesia, contributing significantly to the company's growth. he possesses extensive expertise in both domestic and international markets. With a deep understanding of production processes and corporate marketing, Sandesh has honed significant techno-commercial acumen. Mr. Yawer Ali Shah serves as the CEO and Co-founder of AMA Herbal Laboratories PVT LTD, boasting extensive experience in international business development, start-ups, and turnarounds. His leadership steered AMA Herbal to become the global leader in Natural Textile Dyes, pioneering the commercialization of extract forms of natural dye formulations. Yawer's unwavering commitment to Sustainability, Health, and Environment has solidified AMA Herbal's position as the primary exporter of Natural Textile Dyes worldwide. Mr. Periasamy S, an esteemed advisor in the Textiles and Apparel Industry, currently advises AIC-NIFT TEA Incubation Centre for Textiles and Apparels, supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Govt. of India. Formerly the CEO of the same incubation center, he is dedicated to catalyzing growth, fostering innovation, and nurturing entrepreneurship in the sector. With a focus on sustainability, Periasamy empowers startups by imparting comprehensive knowledge and strategic positioning within the competitive marketplace.

Slow Textiles along with Color Ashram in association with The Yarn Bazaar brings you a vibrant roundtable colored with the celebration of natural dyes – Natural Dyes Color Festival 2024 This three-days color fest will take place in Ahmedabad in January 2024 (Jan 19-21) Embark on a journey into the world of natural dyes and their subtle yet powerful impact on the textile industry. Discover how these eco-friendly alternatives aim to minimize environmental footprints. However, the path is not without challenges, including color variations, the need for mordants, and limited colorfastness. Dive into the intricacies of natural dyes with our insightful roundtable discussion. Slow Textiles Born from a desire to reshape the textile landscape, Slow Textiles seeks to elevate sustainable fibers & natural dyes. They are demystifying slow production, bridging producer & buyer, and complement the traditional fashion by offering a more sustainable alternative. Color Ashram is a natural color academy and innovation lab that specializes in the research and application of natural dyes. Based in Mysore, India, it provides guidance on applying herbal dyes to a wide range of materials and offers an incubation space for ideas. The foundation caters to students, hobbyists, artists, startups, and textile industries, providing training and products for natural color applications, including TrueTone inks. Our distinguished panel for this insightful roundtable comprises: Namrata Bhutoria, founder of Biome and Cofounder of Color Ashram, embarked on her natural dye fabric journey, initially selling her friend's products. Inspired by the beauty of sustainable creations, she ventured into crafting clothes, laying the foundation for Biome, a unique and eco-conscious clothesline. Arun Baid, Director at Truetone Ink and Cofounder of Color Ashram, started by turning waste into profit, but the mountains of untreated textile waste polluting rivers ignited a passion. In 2002, he researched ancient Ayurvedic dyeing, replacing harmful chemicals. His innovation garnered incubation at IIM Ahmedabad and patents in India and the US. Prerna Nataraj, Founder of Origin Studio, a soul ignited by sustainability and history, is an avid researcher in the realm of design and craft. Her fascination with natural dyes stems from a desire to rewrite the narrative, to remind us that beauty, like change, is woven into the very fabric of existence. Aboli Naik, Associate Professor at NIFT, Mumbai, Textile Technologist and sustainability advocate brings over her several years of expertise to unravel the fascinating tapestry of Sustainability and Innovation in Fashion. azaar

We sit down with Mr. Akshay Golyan, MD of Golyan Groups, in this comprehensive episode exploring the complexities of the industry and the reduction in the cotton market's prominence. We’ll learn the pivotal role of the yarn industry in Akshay's journey, and the unpredictable terrain of commodity markets. Delve into strategic nuances surrounding market expansion and adaptability to sudden shifts. This episode will provide you with insights that resonate in the dynamic world of textiles. With more than 12 years of expertise as the Managing Director of Golyan Group, Mr. Akshay Golyan spearheads a diversified business portfolio spanning agriculture, hotels, energy, and manufacturing. As the leader of a prominent private sector enterprise in Nepal, Golyan Group boasts a robust workforce exceeding 5000 and achieves an impressive annual turnover surpassing $400 million. Holding an MBA from ESADE Business School and a BBA from American University in Dubai, he possesses a solid academic foundation and a global perspective on business and management.