From the heart of Edappal, a city in the Malappuram district in Kerala, a dream flourish into reality because Aswathy Balakrishnan etch his name in the world of wedding fashion design.
With the vision of weaving magic on the fabric, Aswathy embarked on her journey in 2023 by establishing Avaanah in a rented room with an investment of 6 ₹ Lakh, which she secured with a loan.
From a modest start with only two assistants, her designs quickly captured the heart of hundreds of brides. Today Avaanah is synonymous with beautiful wedding wear.
Her wedding dresses are sought after in countries such as Australia, Great Britain, USA, UAE and Ireland. With materials from northern India, the design creations of Aswathy such as Lelengas, Dresses and Sari are awarded between 10,000 and 50,000 GBP.
Her traditional Christian wedding dress is especially popular abroad.
When Aswathy looks back on his journey, the rays are proud. She not only built a successful brand, but also created opportunities for many and inspired others to follow their business dreams.
Aswathy Balakrishnan while working in his studio in Edappalam.
Her confidence has accepted the main clients such as Sithara Krishnu Krishnakumar, Mridula Warrier, Rimi Tom, actors Sreekumar, Shithi Rajanikanth and Veena Nandakumar.
Aswathy’s journey to fashion design came from Thaikkattusse near Thrissur and was supported by her innate passion for art. She pursued a diploma in fashion design and raised her creative talent for her zoology and Malaysian academic background.
Only after her marriage and relocation to Edappal did she discover her niche in the wedding design and marked the beginning of her journey with Avaanah.
She appreciated the Taluk Industries Center and Kudumbashree for their supporting roles. “They provided consistent encouragement, clear instructions, and helped easily make loans easier,” he says.
Aswatha experience serves as a lighthouse of hope for novice entrepreneurs who often face bureaucratic obstacles. It reveals the myth that government aid is limited to common or small businesses.
The District Industry Center says, providing valuable instructions for beginning applicants. “Women should take this opportunity,” advises aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Her inspirational story was recently shared in interacting with the main Minister Keral Pinaray Vijayan during the celebrations of the fourth anniversary of the state government in Malappuram.
Published – 25 July 2025 06:41
