Celebrating “Her” Showcases Women Entrepreneurs
“Celebrating Her” A Culture-Focused Event Gathered For Women Entrepreneurs, Artisans, And Creators At Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad’s growing interest in cultural experiences and women-led enterprises was on display recently when Wedding Avenue organised its event, Celebrating Her, at The Belvedere Golf & Country Club in Adani Shantigram.
The gathering brought together women entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, homemakers, artists and creators from different parts of Ahmedabad. Rather than focusing only on fashion or retail exhibitions, the event centred on personal stories, traditional craftsmanship and the experiences of women building businesses and communities.
One of the main attractions of “Celebrating Her” was a showcase of handcrafted sarees and textile traditions from different parts of India. Visitors viewed collections featuring silk, Chanderi, Mashru silk, cotton-linen blends, Banarasi tissue and tussar fabrics. Several traditional decorative techniques were also presented, including Kantha stitch, Kalamkari artwork, Pichwai-inspired designs, zari embroidery, appliqué work and eco-printing.
India’s textile sector remains one of the country’s oldest and largest industries. According to government and industry estimates, it supports millions of jobs across farming, weaving, dyeing, embroidery and garment production. Handloom and handicraft traditions continue to play an important role in preserving regional culture while providing livelihoods to artisans in rural and urban communities. Events that bring these crafts directly to consumers have become increasingly common as interest grows in handmade and sustainable products.
Wedding Avenue traces its roots to the textile and saree business led by founder Rashmikant Shah, who has worked in the fabric and saree sector for more than four decades. Through Wedding Avenue and its designer label, ALIEN’S ZUBAA, the organisation has developed collections that draw on Indian textile traditions and artisan partnerships.
The event was conceptualised by Dr. Kiran Jha, Chief Executive Officer of Wedding Avenue and a relationship and communication clarity coach. According to organisers, the programme was designed to encourage women to share their work, experiences and achievements in an inclusive setting.
A major feature of the evening was a segment titled A Ramp for Real Women. Unlike conventional fashion shows that typically feature professional models, the runway included women from everyday backgrounds. Participants represented different professions, age groups and life experiences.
The format reflected a wider trend seen across India and internationally, where community events increasingly feature ordinary participants rather than professional performers. Supporters of such initiatives say they help broaden ideas of representation and encourage greater participation from people who may not normally take part in public events.
Women-led businesses were another focus of the programme. Entrepreneurs used the platform to display products, interact with visitors and connect with other business owners. Small and medium-sized enterprises run by women have expanded steadily in India in recent years. Government programmes, digital marketplaces and social media platforms have enabled many women to reach customers beyond their local communities. However, industry studies continue to identify challenges such as access to finance, mentorship and market visibility.
The Ahmedabad event included discussions around collaboration and community support among women entrepreneurs. Such networking opportunities have become increasingly important as business owners seek partnerships, customer connections and peer support in competitive markets.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Kiran Jha said, “Celebrating Her was created as a space where women could simply show up as themselves — through their stories, creativity, work, and individuality. The most meaningful part of the evening was witnessing women encourage and celebrate one another so wholeheartedly.”
The response from attendees suggested strong interest in both the handcrafted collections and the personal narratives connected to them. Organisers reported that visitors spent considerable time learning about the origins of the textiles and the techniques used in creating them.
Ahmedabad has long been associated with India’s textile heritage. Often referred to historically as the “Manchester of India” because of its textile mills, the city continues to maintain strong links with fabric production, design and craftsmanship. Institutions such as the Calico Museum of Textiles and the National Institute of Design have contributed to preserving and promoting textile traditions while supporting innovation in design.
Against this backdrop, events that combine heritage crafts with contemporary themes continue to attract attention among urban audiences. The combination of traditional textiles, women-led enterprises and community participation at “Celebrating Her” reflected a broader movement towards experiences that connect culture, identity and entrepreneurship.
As cities such as Ahmedabad continue to balance rapid development with cultural preservation, programmes that provide visibility to artisans, small businesses, and community voices are becoming an increasingly visible part of the social and cultural landscape. The event demonstrated how traditional craftsmanship and personal stories can come together to create meaningful public engagement while supporting local networks of creators and entrepreneurs.
