Entrepreneurship Mindset Workshop by Ms. Niveditha Chowdary, Founder, Indissa at JD Institute
JD Institute of Fashion Technology organised a warm and inspiring on-campus industry workshop in the presence of Ms. Niveditha Chowdary, the renowned Founder of eco-friendly fashion brand Indissa. The “Entrepreneur Mindset” workshop was graced with an enthusiastic group of interior design and fashion design students, who were all keenly waiting to learn about fashion entrepreneurship from one of the top minds of the fashion industry today.
About the Speaker – Ms. Niveditha Chowdary
A name made familiar with purpose-driven fashion, Ms. Niveditha Chowdary is the visionary entrepreneur and designer behind Indissa, an indigenous fashion brand which has recently made ripples in sustainable, ethical, and artisanal fashion. A firm believer in conscious consumerism and women’s entrepreneurship, Niveditha has established a niche of her own in an increasingly competitive market that keeps expanding by the minute. Her visit to JD Institute was not only inspiring—it was life-changing for a lot of the students who were on the verge of embarking on their design journey.
Workshop Topic: “Entrepreneur Mindset”
The session’s sub-theme, that is, “Entrepreneur Mindset,” rang loud and clear with the students. Being emerging designers and future brand founders, most are already envisioning going into business on their own. This workshop offered a first-time chance to see what’s on the mind of an entrepreneur to think, do, and thrive in the creative arena.
Right from the start of the session, Ms. Chowdary made sure to stress that entrepreneurship is neither trend-following nor an overnight phenomenon. “It’s about producing something that helps solve a problem, being consistent with yourself, and creating something that endures,” she put it. She took us through her experience—how she began Indissa on zero, running it out of a small studio, and scaling it all into a nationally accepted, eco-friendly brand.
Key Takeaways for the Students
Throughout the two-hour session, Ms. Chowdary unpacked various dimensions of the entrepreneurial mindset. Here are some of the key highlights and takeaways:
- Vision Over Hype: Entrepreneurs need a strong, clear vision. Ms. Chowdary stressed that chasing viral fame or copying others won’t lead to sustainable success. “You have to know your ‘why’—why you’re starting this, why it matters.”
- Resilience is the Answer: She talked openly about setbacks—product failure, rejection, and loss of money. Her message takeaway? “Resilience is your greatest strength. The ones who keep going are the ones who get there.”
- Sustainability as a Superpower: As the founder of a sustainable fashion brand, she asked students to consider design not just in looks. “Design must have a purpose. And now, that purpose must have responsibility towards the world.”
- Love Collaboration, Not Competition: Ms. Chowdary emphasised how networking, collaboration with artisans, and mentoring others assisted her in developing Indissa. “It’s not about who gets ahead first—it’s about growing together.”
- Start Small, Think Big: She urged the students to never forget that to wait for the ‘perfect time’ is just an excuse. “Start where you are, with what you have. Even a 5-piece collection can spark a movement if your intention is right.”
Interactive Q&A and Student Interaction
The most popular aspect of the workshop was the open Q&A session. Students approached to ask a wildly diverse set of questions—how to set the price for a product, how to source ethical manufacturers, how to market on a shoestring, and even how to handle creative block.
Ms. Chowdary responded to every question with careful consideration, frequently using actual anecdotes from her experience. “There’s no one formula,” she said, “but your instincts, your network, and your willingness to learn will guide you.”
A Transformative Experience
After the session, the buzz among students was palpable. Many students recounted the workshop as a turning point in the way they envisioned their future profession, not only as designers, but as innovators and change-agents.
Referring to the incident, a JD Institute faculty member said, “Having speakers like Ms. Chowdary connect class with reality. Her arguments were so relevant, particularly for students who wish to start their labels one day.” Closing Thoughts
With the expansion of the design industry, organisations such as JD Institute of Fashion Technology are preparing their students not only with an attitude but also with skills. The “Entrepreneur Mindset” workshop by Ms. Niveditha Chowdary was a great example of this very intention in practice.
Students didn’t merely leave with notes—they also left with ideas, inspiration, and a greater sense of confidence in their own capability to produce something of value. And as Ms. Chowdary finished, “The best brands aren’t just built with fabric—they’re built with purpose.”
