Aakriti Rawal - The Progress Catalyst
- Chief Editor's Desk
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 minutes ago
Weaving heritage into modern fashion
Aakriti Rawal is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of House of Chikankari, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand that revitalises the traditional Indian embroidery art of chikankari for contemporary wardrobes. Alongside her mother, Poonam Rawal, she launched the venture in October 2020, aiming to bridge the gap between artisans and modern consumers. Aakriti Rawal's innovative approach has positioned her as a catalyst for progress in the Indian fashion industry.
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Parents: Poonam Rawal
Education:
BSc in Economics and Management from King's College London
MSc Strategic Marketing from Imperial College Business School
Employment History: Co-Founder, House of Chikankari
Impact Maker Aakriti Rawal
Aakriti's journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she returned to India after studying and working abroad. Recognising the untapped potential of chikankari, a traditional embroidery technique from Lucknow, she collaborated with her mother to create a brand that honours this craft while making it accessible to younger generations. House of Chikankari started with a modest revenue of ₹33 lakh in its first year and has since scaled to an expected ₹17–18 crore, employing over 10,000 women artisans. The brand's success underscores Aakriti's impact on preserving cultural heritage and empowering local communities.
Change Maker Aakriti Rawal
Aakriti's vision extends beyond fashion; she aims to transform the unorganised chikankari sector into a structured industry. By establishing a transparent supply chain and providing consistent work to artisans, she has brought stability to many families. Her appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2 resulted in securing ₹75 lakh in funding, further validating her business model. Aakriti's efforts have not only modernised a traditional craft but also created sustainable livelihoods, marking her as a significant change maker in the industry.
Progress Catalyst Aakriti Rawal
Through House of Chikankari, Aakriti has catalysed progress by blending tradition with innovation. The brand offers a range of products, from kurtas to co-ords, appealing to a global audience. Aakriti's commitment to quality and authenticity has garnered recognition, including being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024. Her work exemplifies how cultural preservation can coexist with modern entrepreneurship, inspiring others to pursue ventures that are both meaningful and impactful.
Achievements
Co-founded House of Chikankari, a brand that modernises traditional Indian embroidery
Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 for Retail & E-commerce
Secured ₹75 lakh funding on Shark Tank India Season 2
Expanded operations to employ over 10,000 women artisans
Achieved significant revenue growth, projecting ₹17–18 crore in recent fiscal year
Media References
Businesses visited this article while also looking for
Aakriti Rawal House of Chikankari founder
Modern chikankari fashion brand India
Empowering women artisans in Lucknow
Shark Tank India successful fashion pitch
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia fashion entrepreneur
Traditional Indian embroidery modernised
D2C fashion brand preserving heritage
Scaling artisan-led fashion businesses
Sustainable fashion entrepreneurship India
Reviving chikankari for contemporary markets
