Monika Sinha (ID 7951)

I was born and brought up in Bihar. My father was a Civil Engineer, and my mother was a homemaker with all the simplicity and strong cultural roots. We were a total of 4 siblings, me being the eldest daughter. I have spent my early days at my aunt’s place in the small town of Bihar. During those days women were not motivated to be self-dependent. Besides, my aunt knew sewing but she did not have any machines back then. So, she used to hand stitch. I remember I was in 5th standard, I was fascinated looking at my aunt creating different designs and patterns by her hand. I decided to learn it too, I was about 10 years or so when I made my first pillow cover by myself. I must say it wasn’t a simple pillow cover, I had done embroidery too. Although it was a simple embroidery, it was something I had created by myself. It was loved and appreciated by each and everyone. It was only then when I came across my hidden talent. It was not only about stitching, but I could also sketch well. I used to create portraits. It was very easy for me to see anything and sketch it. In the field of arts, I was an expert in all, dance, music, cooking, sewing, weaving, embroidery etc. I excelled in all with equal interest. Yes, but this does not mean that I was less interested in studies, I was always good with academics. But, as I was growing, the burden of studies also started bundling up and due to which my focus on sewing started decreasing day by day. The urge in me to be a Fashion Designer has been there ever since and I dreamed of getting into this industry one fine day. So my journey of being a fashion designer began when I got married and shifted to Mumbai. The city of dreams and hub of the Fashion Industry. Well for many marriages are the end of dreams, but for me, it was the beginning. Of course I was new in the city so I was buckling myself to get familiar with the city and explore as much as I can and with this a year had passed. A year later I was blessed with a daughter and we named her Tulika. I always wanted a daughter and with her coming into my life I had my “in house model” to showcase my creativity. I used to create new and different dresses almost every day for her, which was praised by everyone. On one fine day, I decided to ask my husband to buy me a sewing machine and I wanted the best one. "Fashion Maker” was then trending in the market. However, it was pretty expensive. It was difficult for me to convince my husband as he did not realize that I could professionally create garments too, so we decided to bring in a simple sewing machine and I convinced myself. But in the back of my mind I told myself I will create such unique and beautiful garments on this machine that soon he will buy the Fashion Maker I wanted. Once the machine was home, I used to create some or other dresses every day for my in-house model. This made my husband happy and realised that I had the talent and the drive, and it shall by all means be nourished and guided well. As time flies my daughter turned one year old, her birthday was nearing and we wanted to make it a memorable one, so we decided to have a grand celebration. So, my husband suggested that we should buy a "Birthday Dress" for Tulika from one of the best fashion kids' showroom. But I wasn't convinced as I had already designed a dress for my girl. So I suggested to my husband that let me create a dress for her first and if you don't like it then we will purchase it. As he had already started trusting my talent so without wasting much time he said yes for it. And within 4 days I created a beautiful frill and net dress along with the headbands and shoes for my daughter and it was not less than a surprise for him, he was astonished looking at the dress and couldn’t believe that I created this in 4 days and at home. With this, the big day arrived and the birthday party was a success. Everyone appreciated my creativity and my daughter just looked not beautiful and less than any doll. This boosted my confidence rapidly. With this the very next day itself I had my dream machine "Fashion Maker" with me. The happiest moment for me. Not only was the machine home but my husband also advised me to take admission in a fashion designing institute so that I could be considered as a designer rather than a tailor and this could help me to work professionally in future. Soon I enrolled in a known Fashion Institute of Mumbai and I started studying along with family responsibilities. It was my self-confidence and dedication that I completed my studies in fashion designing with distinction. Once I completed my course I decided to have my own boutique by the name of "Monica Creations". I used to have regular exhibitions in Lokhandwala and many more places in Mumbai. I completely enjoyed doing it and I was heading towards being self-dependent. I remember when I made my first designer wear, which was designed and crafted by me for the Lokhandwala exhibition. I was nervous and blank about what will happen next, but I sold my first exclusive designer wear at the exhibition. That moment was priceless. I almost had tears in my eyes. A beautiful feeling I am sure I can't express in words. This went on for a long time. This was time consuming with a lot of pressure. I couldn't forget that I am a married woman and a mother of two growing up children. So I decided to hold on and get into the teaching field. I had a keen interest in being a faculty too. During my fashion school days, I used to enjoy helping my fellow friends of my institute as they found my teaching rather simple and innovative. As I had to give time to my children and manage household stuff, I decided to enroll as a Fashion Designing Faculty. So, I joined a fashion institute as a faculty and the dream of teaching began. In a few days I was the best in the eyes of the students. Along with this I taught in two or three other institutes as well and I had the same feedback everywhere, it made my vision clear. I decided that if I have my own institute, then I can create my own teaching pattern, guide students as per the current fashion trends and uniqueness. I could explore a lot and share a lot with them. I will create such designers who will enter the fashion industry with different concepts & style. I shared my view with my family. To be frank, all of them were a little hesitant. Everyone looked at me as if they saw a ghost. But I was determined that my dedication and craziness for it would pay off well. We soon started our research, what is the process and how it shall be formed. By the grace of god, in 2013 we had our very first branch of my dream Institute, we decided to name it, Institute of Designing and Fashion Technology (IDFT). It was an overwhelming and a monumental day of my life, my wish was fulfilled. With this the responsibility and pressure increased. Running an institute is not a cake walk. Everyday is a new surprise and you have to be immensely dedicated with a 24/7 “NEVER GIVE UP” attitude. I had to manage this along with my household responsibilities, education of my children, grocery shopping and so on so forth. With my journey from Bandra to Mira Road everyday, the drive to have a large pool of students coming to IDFT and to stand up to the ever increasing expectations of the students was my motivation. We were also successful in organising our first ever fashion show, and the institute started getting recognised slowly. We soon opened another branch in Andheri. I have been awarded with the prestigious "Best Humanitarian Award" for my work in the Fashion Industry. But the real reward for me is seeing my students getting placed with top designers of the country. It is a serene feeling seeing their overall development not just as a fashion designer but also as a good human being. Today, when I look back, it seems that God has been very kind to me by allowing me to live my dream, but it was probably because I found my inclination in my very early days and I was focused and determined to achieve my goals. No journey is meant to be easy, life will constantly test your metal and growth is not less than a battle. However, if you have your priorities straight and your heart in the right place then no one can ever stop you from achieving what you truly from the bottom of your heart desire.