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“I am FAB”: Dipali Patwa, Chief of Brand and Community, Fabindia

Dipali Patwa is the group head of brand, media and community of Fabindia – a store chain, retailing garments, furnishings, fabrics and ethnic products, hand-made by craftspeople across rural India. She is a social entrepreneur who has worked on both sides of the globe with an extensive history in digital and omni-channel platforms working with consumer brands in the fields of fashion, home furnishings, personal care and wellness.

Ms Patwa joined as the first creative director of Fabindia 15 months ago. It was here that she began to understand the grassroots artisanal approach, along with building communities sustainably. She has travelled extensively in India to work with various craft sectors and artisan groups. She is currently also on the board of directors of Organic India US, which is the partner brand of Fabindia, focused on health and wellness.

In a lively chat with Sharmila Chand, Ms Patwa provides a peek into her personal life.

 

How do you define yourself? 

Collaborative, passionate, creative, analytical and fun

 

What is your philosophy of life?

Live, and let live.

 

What is your passion in life?

Learn more, travel more.

 

What is your management mantra?

Adapt, innovate, execute.

 

What would you like to say about your work?

Love what you do, and it’s not work anymore.

 

A business leader you admire the most...

William Bissell (founder of Fabindia), who introduced me to social impact-led design and community building, shared values economy, which has a long-term, sustainable impact by putting purpose and passion together

 

You are a ‘tough’, serious boss or…

Tough but Fun boss-mate, I would hope

 

What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?

Music and good company

 

How do you de-stress?

Running, guided meditation

 

What is your fitness regime in life?

Running and resistance training

 

Your mantra for success...

Success is a relative phenomenon, but I would say one mantra that works – Show Up.

 

Your dream...

I am living it.

 

Give three lessons that you have learnt in life as an entrepreneur.

Grit, gratitude, luck

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