Biography of Sujata Chatterjee: Founder and MD of Twirl.store- Entrepreneur
Story of Sujata Chatterjee:
A Foundation in Engineering and Management
Sujata Chatterjee's journey began with a solid educational
background. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering,
followed by various management degrees that shaped her understanding of both
technical and business landscapes. Her commitment to continuous learning is
evident in her completion of a Marketing certification from Cambridge
University and an Innovation Readiness course at the University of Texas at
Austin.
Early Career at Hewlett Packard
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Sujata gained
valuable experience as a Sales Manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise from 2004
to 2009. In this role, she honed her skills in sales and management, learning
the intricacies of operating within a global corporate environment. This
experience provided her with a strong foundation for her future ventures.
The Birth of Twirl.store
In May 2017, Sujata took a bold step by founding
Twirl.store, a sustainable retail initiative dedicated to reducing fabric waste
and empowering women. Her vision for Twirl.store was to create a positive impact
on both the environment and society by transforming unwanted clothing into
valuable products. The initiative quickly gained traction as it aligned with
the growing emphasis on sustainability.
Mission of Upcycling and Empowerment
Twirl.store operates on a mission to turn waste into wonder.
The organization collects unwanted fabrics from individuals and organizations
across India, giving these materials a new lease on life. The process not only
focuses on recycling but also aims to provide livelihoods to women in rural
areas, creating a sustainable cycle of employment and environmental care.
Innovative Product Offerings
The collected fabrics serve multiple purposes: some are made
into clothing for those in need, particularly in slums and remote villages,
while the rest are upcycled into eco-friendly products such as bags and
accessories. This innovative approach not only addresses waste but also creates
beautiful, functional items that resonate with environmentally conscious
consumers.
Empowering Rural Women
At the heart of Twirl.store is a commitment to empowering
women. The initiative employs talented rural women, providing them with
training and employment opportunities. Sujata believes in the transformative
power of education and skill development, which allows these women to improve
their lives and support their families.
Recognition and Awards
Sujata's efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been
recognized by numerous organizations, including UN India and UN Women Asia
Pacific, for her contributions as a woman entrepreneur. Her accolades include
the "Devi Award" presented by Union Minister Smriti Irani and several
other honors for her commitment to women's empowerment and sustainable business
practices.
Leadership in Women’s Commerce
In addition to her role at Twirl.store, Sujata serves as the
President of the Women’s International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI)
for the West Bengal Sustainable Business Council. This position allows her to
advocate for women's rights and promote sustainable business practices on a
larger scale, furthering her mission to empower women in various sectors.
Biography of Sujata Chatterjee: Founder and MD of Twirl.store- Entrepreneur/ Age/Net worth/Investor/eco-friendly products/livelihoods for rural women
Influential Speaker and Trainer
Sujata is also a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer.
She shares her insights on empowerment, sustainability, and entrepreneurship at
various conferences and educational institutions both in India and abroad. Her
participation in events like the Women’s Economic Forum and IET London
showcases her commitment to inspiring others.
Media Engagements
Her influence extends to the media, where she has appeared
on platforms like ZeeTV, Radio Mirchi, and TV9. Through these engagements, she
discusses her work and the importance of sustainability, reaching a wider
audience and raising awareness about the issues she is passionate about.
Vision for Sustainable Retail
Sujata’s vision for Twirl.store encompasses a sustainable
retail circle that benefits both society and the environment. She aims to
create a model where eco-friendly practices are integral to business operations,
proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. Her philosophy revolves
around the idea that collective action can lead to significant change.
The Philosophy of Togetherness
“Together we can all Twirl to a better world” is not just a
slogan for Sujata; it embodies her approach to social entrepreneurship. By
collaborating with various stakeholders, she emphasizes that meaningful change
is achievable when individuals come together with a shared purpose. Her
leadership at Twirl.store reflects this belief in community-driven solutions.
A Lasting Impact
Sujata Chatterjee’s journey is a testament to the power of
passion and purpose. By blending her expertise in engineering and management
with her commitment to social entrepreneurship, she has created a platform that
addresses critical issues like waste reduction and women’s empowerment. Her
story inspires many to think about how they can contribute to a more sustainable
and equitable world.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
Sujata continues to innovate and inspire through her work at
Twirl.store and beyond. Her dedication to sustainability and women's
empowerment serves as a model for future entrepreneurs, demonstrating that
business can be a force for good. As she forges ahead, Sujata remains focused
on creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
A timeline of Sujata Chatterjee's journey:
2004-2009 - Works as a Sales Manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise,
gaining valuable corporate experience.
2017 - Founds Twirl.store in May, a sustainable retail
initiative focused on reducing fabric waste and empowering women.
2017-Present - Twirl.store collects unwanted fabrics to
create eco-friendly products and provides livelihoods for rural women.
Recognition - Receives multiple accolades, including the
"Devi Award" from Union Minister Smriti Irani and recognition from UN
India and UN Women Asia Pacific.
2021-Present - Serves as President of the Women’s
International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) for the West Bengal
Sustainable Business Council.
2024 - Aims to create a sustainable retail model that
integrates eco-friendly practices and collective action for meaningful change.