We recently connected with BHAVINI PARIKH and have shared our conversation below.

BHAVINI, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

In the bustling world of fashion, Bhavini Parikh, a passionate and driven social entrepreneur, has been making her mark for over three decades. With each passing year, she witnessed the mounting textile waste, a dark cloud hovering over the industry. At the same time, she couldn’t ignore the plight of countless women seeking meaningful work to secure their futures.

With a heart full of compassion and a mind buzzing with ideas, Bhavini embarked on a journey to marry these two seemingly unrelated problems. Thus, Bunko Junko was born – a shining beacon of hope for a sustainable and socially conscious fashion future.

At Bunko Junko, upcycling became the mission and the driving force. Bhavini and her team ingeniously repurposed discarded textiles, transforming them into exquisite and high-quality fabrics and garments. The ethos of upcycling, rather than contributing to the growing landfill problem, allowed Bunko Junko to give new life to forgotten materials.

But Bunko Junko was more than just a brand. It became a platform for empowering women, offering them a chance to break free from vulnerability and exploitation. Through skill-building and employment opportunities in the fashion industry, Bhavini ensured that the women involved became self-sufficient and embraced happiness.

As the years passed, Bunko Junko’s impact grew beyond the bounds of the fashion industry. It became an eco-friendly initiative with a profound social purpose. The brand’s relentless commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment garnered widespread recognition and appreciation.

With a steadfast vision, Bhavini and Bunko Junko continued to make a significant difference. They stood as an inspiring example of how a social enterprise can transform the world, one stitch at a time.

Today, Bunko Junko thrives both online and offline, with a global presence that inspires others to embrace sustainability and uplift women. Bhavini Parikh’s dedication to her mission, her unwavering spirit, and her ability to create a powerful impact continue to drive Bunko Junko’s journey towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

BHAVINI, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Bhavini Parikh, a dedicated social entrepreneur from India. My journey into the world of textiles and fashion began with a passion for creativity and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am not only a Textile Artist and Fashion Designer but also the Founder and Creative Director of Bunko Junko & Dezinelife social welfare foundation.

My career started in the garment manufacturing industry, where I noticed the increasing textile waste and the struggles of women seeking employment opportunities. This realization sparked the idea of upcycling waste fabrics and using them in garments, home furnishings, and decor. I exhibited these creations, providing a unique platform for social innovation.

My vision was to empower tribal and rural women by reviving their craftsmanship and talent. Through Bunko Junko, I offered them employment opportunities and contributed to their socio-economic growth. To date, we have positively impacted the lives of over 1000 women, giving them a chance at a better future.

One of the key challenges we tackled was transforming fabric waste and scraps into commercially viable products using eco-friendly upcycling and manufacturing methods. This approach not only reduced environmental impact but also created sustainable products that people could cherish.

I am immensely proud of the unconventional business model we have developed, which addresses social and environmental issues related to waste fabrics and materials. Over time, our efforts have been recognized and honored with various awards.

For me, nothing is impossible when you have the passion and determination to pursue your goals. My mission is to inspire others to embrace sustainability, empower women, and create a positive impact on society and the environment.

I invite you to join us in this journey toward a better and more sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference and leave a positive mark on the world.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to unlearn on my journey as a social entrepreneur was the belief that I could do it all by myself. In the early stages of building Bunko Junko . I had a tendency to take on too much and try to handle every aspect of the business on my own. I believed that no one else could fully understand my vision and passion for the cause, and I wanted to control every detail to ensure its success.

However, as the business grew, I soon realized that this approach was not sustainable. I was spreading myself too thin, and it was affecting both my personal well-being and the efficiency of the business. I was burning out and not able to give my best to any particular task. It became evident that I needed to let go of some control and trust others to contribute to the cause.

The turning point came when I started collaborating with like-minded individuals and empowering my team members. I began to delegate responsibilities and tasks, allowing each person to bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table. This not only eased the workload on me but also led to fresh ideas and approaches that I hadn’t considered before.

The lesson I unlearned was that it’s okay to ask for help and rely on others’ expertise. Collaboration and teamwork are essential in any endeavor, especially when working towards a larger social and environmental goal. By embracing this mindset, I was able to create a more supportive and efficient work environment, and together, we achieved greater success in our mission.

Now, I cherish the support of my team and partners, recognizing that it takes a collective effort to drive positive change and bring my vision to life. This lesson has made me a better leader, and it has allowed Bunko Junko to grow and make a more significant impact in transforming textile waste into beautiful upcycled fashion while empowering women and promoting sustainability.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 1990, I found myself at a point in life where I wanted to do something meaningful and impactful for society. I had completed a course in home science, and though people often joked about it being just about making bread, I knew there was so much more I could achieve. My daughter, Capt. Jill, was my inspiration and motivation to make my life worthy not only for myself but also for the community around me.

As I searched for ways to generate income for our basic needs, I tried various avenues like providing tuition, giving demonstrations on television, and starting a cooking class and toy library. However, it was when I approached a garment export house to do hand embroidery work from home that I faced my first major challenge. They demanded a minimum of 100 pieces in a day, and my capacity was only 5-10 pieces. But determination and persistence led me to Leela Lace, where after much convincing, they agreed to give me a chance with 100 pieces, but I had just one week to complete them.

With excitement and tension, I wondered how I would finish the work on time, as I could manage only 50 pieces in a week by myself. That’s when I got a brilliant idea from my maid, who told me about women in her area making bread and pickles for a meager income. I saw an opportunity to empower them and teach them beadwork on garments. They were unsure about their skills, but I assured them that I would train them, and together, we completed the 100 pieces in just four days.

However, the elation was short-lived when the pieces got rejected due to loose beads. My husband was not supportive and disapproved of my endeavors. I cried and sought help from my mother and the women who had worked on the pieces. We altered all the pieces and earned the company’s trust, which resulted in them giving me 500 more pieces.

Over the next 30 years, my journey as a social entrepreneur thrived. I produced three crore hand-embroidered pieces and worked with over 5000 women. My daughter’s pilot training in the USA also led me to gain international exposure and broaden my vision. She joined me in the business, and together, we exhibited products made from textile scrap.

In 2018, my daughter encouraged me to start my own brand, and I embarked on a new chapter. Learning English and taking courses from Google helped me grow, and I became part of various incubation programs. Bunko Junko, my brand with a mission, was born, and I continued my journey of empowering women and creating sustainable fashion.

My story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of not giving up. I faced countless challenges and setbacks, but I never let them deter me from my path. I am proud of the impact I have made on the lives of countless women, and I am grateful for the opportunities that came my way. My journey is a testament to the fact that with passion, hard work, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible, even if you start from humble beginnings and language barriers.           

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bunkojunko.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunkojunko/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhavini.parikh
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhaviniparikhbunkojunko/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bunkojunko1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi5vlE3Hjor4cQNCAccBN8Q