Jasneet Kaur: Transforming Fashion with Sahyara’s Fusion of Heritage & Modernity

Jasneet Kaur, the founder and Creative Director of Sahyara, has transitioned from a successful career in Human Resources to becoming a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Kaur’s journey from Ludhiana to the UAE encapsulates a story of perseverance, passion, and innovation.

Born and raised in Ludhiana, Jasneet Kaur grew up in a business-oriented family where the entrepreneurial spirit was deeply ingrained. Her grandfather, father, and uncles were all involved in their respective businesses, providing her with early exposure to the value of hard work and dedication. Despite a natural inclination towards fashion, Kaur initially followed her parents’ wishes and pursued a degree in Information Technology. This technical background provided her with essential skills, including proficiency in database management systems like Oracle and PeopleSoft.

Growing up in a Sikh joint family, she was deeply influenced by her grandparents. Her grandmother taught her patience, attentive listening, and discipline, which naturally guided her into Human Resources. Her grandfather’s high-spirited nature and positivity also shaped her approach to both her HR career and managing her clothing line, Sahyara. Determined to blend her interests with her career, Jasneet furthered her education by earning an MBA in Human Resources from Panjab University in Chandigarh. This advanced degree enhanced her communication, management, and leadership skills, which proved beneficial in her subsequent HR roles.

After completing her MBA, Jasneet Kaur began her career as an HR specialist with an Oil & Gas company in India. The transition to the UAE presented significant challenges, including difficulty in securing a job due to a lack of local experience. Despite this setback, she took a position as a student information specialist in the education sector. This role provided her with a deeper understanding of the local market and HR practices in the UAE.

The experience taught her the importance of adaptability and perseverance, lessons that would later prove invaluable in her entrepreneurial journey. As she established her network and gained local insights, Kaur transitioned back into HR roles and eventually channelled her entrepreneurial drive into launching her venture.

The idea for Sahyara, Jasneet Kaur’s fashion brand, was sparked during her time working in Dubai. While attending a high-profile event, Kaur struggled to find attire that combined Indian heritage with formal requirements. This experience highlighted a gap in the market for elegant, business-appropriate Indian wear.

Determined to address this gap, Kaur founded Sahyara to offer stylish, sophisticated clothing that merges cultural heritage with contemporary fashion. The brand aims to provide women with versatile options suitable for various occasions, beyond traditional festive and wedding attire.

Since the inception of Sahyara, Jasneet Kaur has focused on establishing a strong brand presence. She has been actively involved in content creation and building a social media presence over the past five months. The Sahyara website, set to launch in the end of August, will enhance customer experience by offering a streamlined shopping platform.

Kaur is also working on branding and marketing campaigns designed to make fashion accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for women in the UAE and beyond. In addition to her business endeavors, she is mentoring young HR professionals, sharing her knowledge and experience to foster growth in the HR community.

The fashion industry has faced a decline in sales in 2023-24, attributed to new high-quality brands and a shift in consumer preferences towards affordable, high-quality products. Despite this, the UAE’s status as a global hub and government initiatives to attract expatriates present growth opportunities in the fashion market.

Sahyara is poised to adapt to these evolving demands by curating unique styles that blend Indian craftsmanship with modern trends. Kaur’s approach aims to offer fresh, stylish options that resonate with contemporary preferences while honoring cultural heritage.

Outside of her professional life, Jasneet Kaur is passionate about yoga and badminton. These activities contribute to her physical and mental well-being, enhancing her focus and creativity. She also enjoys music, having learned to play the piano in school, and finds inspiration in listening to various genres.

Kaur’s journey reflects her commitment to continuous learning and ambition. She has embraced new skills and knowledge related to managing inventory, business operations, and content creation. Networking with industry professionals and attending events have provided her with valuable insights and opportunities for growth.

As she continues to develop Sahyara and mentor future HR leaders, Jasneet Kaur remains dedicated to balancing innovation with practicality. Her approach involves staying informed about industry trends, seeking new knowledge, and effectively executing ideas to achieve lasting success.

Jasneet Kaur’s transition from IT and HR to fashion exemplifies a successful blend of passion, resilience, and strategic vision. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, demonstrating how dedication and adaptability can lead to remarkable achievements. To her, success is measured by reflecting on her journey and recognizing progress despite challenges. Balancing her corporate HR career with managing her clothing line, Sahyara, has been deeply fulfilling. While her most rewarding moment may still be ahead, finding happiness in excelling in both fields defines success for her.