Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakshmi Subramanian
Hi Lakshmi , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Lakshmi Devi Subramanian from Tamil Nadu, India. After moving to Austin, Texas, in 2007, I earned my Master’s degree in Computer Science from Texas State University, San Marcos. I used to travel to Dallas almost every weekend to be with family and friends, and it was during those visits that my love for the city truly began. The fond memories of those early days in the US, spent exploring Dallas and connecting with loved ones, are some of my most cherished.
I spent eight years working as a software professional in Austin. Despite a successful tech career, I decided to pivot and return to India to pursue my passion for creative arts. This journey led me to launch my brand, INAKI The Label.
INAKI The Label is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the traditional crafts of Tamil Nadu. Our focus is on creating sustainable clothing and accessories that honor the rich heritage and artistry of local artisans. By showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship, INAKI not only supports these communities financially but also preserves their cultural legacy. Each product tells the story of its maker, merging traditional techniques with modern design to reflect my vision of a sustainable and connected world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting as a new fashion designer without a formal background in fashion was like setting sail on a stormy sea without a map. The journey began with a dream and a sketchpad, but the path from inspiration to reality was fraught with challenges.
Without a fashion background, the initial struggle was often understanding the intricacies of the industry. There’s a steep learning curve in grasping concepts like fabric types, garment construction, and design principles. This knowledge is crucial not just for creating a cohesive collection, but for communicating effectively with the execution team, suppliers and artisans.
Finding skilled artisans was another significant hurdle. Finding artisans for hand embroideries on our garments and artisans for basket weaving. I was very much interested in the Basket Weaving craft, as I grew up watching my grandma make handwoven baskets for my school lunches. It was a dying craft and I wanted to come up with products with contemporary take on this to revive and sustain the craft and support the craftsmen. So sourcing materials for this was also a challenge as , I wanted to use recycled plastic wires for basket weaving.
Both of my products (Garments and Handwoven plastic wire bags) heavily rely on craftsmanship, and locating the right people to bring my vision to life requires more than just searching online. It involves building relationships, understanding different specialties, and often dealing with the frustration of miscommunications and unmet expectations. For someone new to the field, it was overwhelming to navigate these connections.
Moreover, understanding the business side of fashion is equally challenging. Fashion design is not just about creativity; it’s also about managing budgets, understanding customer needs, and developing a brand identity. Learning to balance artistic vision with practical business decisions—like pricing, marketing, and distribution—adds another layer of complexity.
These struggles are compounded by the inevitable obstacles of the industry like competition, and the constant pressure to innovate. Despite these difficulties, perseverance and a willingness to learn were my keys to overcome these challenges. For me, every setback was a lesson, and every challenge was an opportunity for growth.
Leaving a high-paying job to pursue a career in fashion design was a huge leap for me, but my husband’s support made all the difference. His belief in my vision and financial backing during the early, uncertain days allowed me to focus on my work without constant worry. Beyond just financial help, his emotional support—through constructive feedback, and celebrating small victories, kept me motivated and resilient. His faith in me has been a crucial part of turning my dream into reality.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Though I am a designer by profession, my heart has always been deeply rooted in art and creativity. What sets me apart in the fashion world is my passion for supporting and collaborating with regional artisans and craftspeople. This commitment to working with local talent is not just a professional choice but a celebration of my cultural heritage.
My designs are a reflection of the rich traditions and nostalgia of my native state, Tamil Nadu, India. Tamil Nadu, often called the temple state of India, is renowned for its stunning temples adorned with intricate figures and carvings. With a history that spans thousands of years, Tamil Nadu boasts a rich and ancient culture. The state’s handicrafts are an integral part of this cultural heritage, with each city specializing in different craft forms. These crafts include Tanjore paintings, handwoven silk sarees and textiles, jewelry, woodcarving, stone carving, metalware, pottery, basket weaving, and more. The traditional Tanjore paintings are particularly distinctive, known for their use of pure gold foils and semi-precious stones for decoration. Growing up surrounded by this cultural richness evokes a deep sense of nostalgia for me, reminiscent of the summer flowers, temples, and places I visited with my family, and the stories that accompanied them.
Growing up, I watched my grandfather, a sculptor, create God and Goddess statues for temples, and my grandmother weave handwoven baskets for my school lunches. These baskets are still used in our home for many years, which sparked my interest and curiosity in the craft of basket weaving. As I explored further, I realized that very few people still practiced this art, and that basket weaving is a dying craft in need of design intervention and revival. This motivated me to start creating functional, contemporary modern baskets using traditional techniques, working alongside rural artisans to ensure the craft’s survival. This blend of personal history and cultural pride infuses my creations with a unique and heartfelt authenticity, setting my designs apart in a world that often overlooks the beauty of regional craftsmanship.
This work is deeply important to me because it allows me to preserve and share the rich legacy of the Tamil roots and culture I grew up with, while also bringing greater awareness to the craft and its artisans. There’s a wealth of hidden knowledge within these crafts, and I find great joy in connecting with the craftsmen and learning their untold stories. Through my work, I hope to spread the beauty of our art, architecture, and culture to the world and inspire younger generations to appreciate and carry it forward.
As a designer, collaborating with rural artisans significantly enhances their employment opportunities, allowing them to achieve independence and support their families by providing meals and education for their children. By working together, we contribute in a small yet meaningful way, enabling artisans to continue their craft, remain in their villages, and sustain their livelihoods. Even a small impact from my work can lead to greater exposure for these artisans, attracting more designers and amplifying the benefits for their craft and lives. Most importantly, this work brings them confidence and dignity, which is truly invaluable.
I started the basket weaving project in 2019 with just one artisan, and today my team has grown to include 15 women artisans. My goal is to triple this number by 2027 by nurturing traditional craftsmanship, building long-term partnerships, providing steady income to the artisans, and actively promoting sustainable fashion and accessories.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Dallas for its vibrant, diverse culture and the sense of community that thrives here. The city’s rich array of small, independent boutiques and restaurants offer a unique experience and supports local businesses. The farmers markets are another highlight, providing fresh, local produce and a great atmosphere for connecting with the community. Additionally, the large, close-knit family circle that surrounds me here adds a warm, welcoming touch to life in Dallas.
While Dallas has many great qualities, there are a few aspects I find challenging. The traffic can be quite overwhelming, especially during peak hours, which can make commuting stressful. Additionally, the intense summer heat can be relentless and uncomfortable. Some parts of the city can feel quite spread out, which can make it harder to access certain amenities or find a strong sense of local character in more commercial areas.
Pricing:
- $35 – Mini handwoven bags
- $45- Medium handwoven Totes
- $55- Medium Speciality handwoven Totes
- $75- Large Market handwoven Totes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inakithelabel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaki_thelabel/
Image Credits
Image Credits : INAKI THE LABEL
