About

Renuka Kumar

Fashion Designer

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Our Story

A desire to be able to work from home and care for her two children led Fijian-born Renuka Kumar to start a successful Pacific clothing business. “Back home Pacific attire is what we wear even in formal settings. I know how people should feel when they’re wearing my clothes,” she says.  Having learned how to sew from her mother, Renuka added to her skills by studying fashion and design, building the business steadily over the past 15 years. 

“I think the advantage is that I didn’t rush my progress. This came from planning and knowing why I was doing what I was doing and foreseeing what I wanted to do next. I think planning is so important and having the backing of your family is fundamental as well. You can have the best of both worlds if you have these two things.”

She has many loyal returning customers who have given her positive feedback. “I’ve never had to advertise; it’s always been word of mouth, and I love that because it tells me that my work is quality. I now have part-time workers with me.”

Business took a surprise turn with COVID-19, making urgent sewing and delivery of masks a top priority. “We made and sold a lot of masks. Whatever was left over we donated to different community groups like churches and homeless shelters. For me it makes me feel good knowing I’m able to give back to my community.”
Renuka would like to further expand the business so she can offer employment and an income to others. 

Sewing classes for adults are also in the pipeline. “My next step is to take a course on how to teach adults. I would like to run classes teaching people how to sew so
they can do things for themselves, either to try and generate an income or to mend things without spending a lot of money.”
Her advice to young women starting out in business: “Don’t lose hope, it may take time, but you’ll get there.“

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