Journey of Pabiben Rabari: Founder & CEO of Pabiben- Entrepreneur
Biography of Pabiben Rabari:
Humble Beginnings
Pabiben Rabari hails from Bhadroi Village in Kutch, Gujarat,
where she began her embroidery journey at a young age. Born into a family
facing financial struggles after losing her father, Pabiben had to drop out of
school after the fourth grade to help her mother care for her siblings. Despite
these hardships, she discovered her passion for embroidery, a skill deeply
rooted in her community’s traditions.
Learning the Craft
Growing up in a culture where embroidery was a rite of
passage for women, Pabiben learned the intricate techniques of her community.
However, just as she was honing her skills, the local elder council imposed a
ban on wedding embroidery, believing it delayed marriages. This ruling
challenged Pabiben, but it also motivated her to find alternative ways to
practice her craft.
A New Opportunity
Determined not to let her skills fade away, Pabiben joined a
women’s group in 1998 that allowed for professional embroidery. This led her to
collaborate with other artisans who sought to create a new form of embroidery
that adhered to community rules yet preserved the essence of their craft.
Together, they invented ‘Hari Jari,’ which combined traditional handwork with
machine techniques using readymade elements.
The Birth of the Pabi Bag
With her newfound expertise in Hari Jari, Pabiben designed a
prototype of a shopping bag, which quickly gained popularity and was aptly
named the “Pabi Bag.” This innovative product marked the beginning of Pabiben’s
journey into the contemporary market, capturing the attention of fashion
enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.
Expanding Horizons
As the Pabi Bag made waves in both Bollywood and Hollywood,
Pabiben’s work gained international recognition. The fusion of traditional
craftsmanship with modern aesthetics allowed her products to resonate with a
global audience. The bags not only served as stylish accessories but also
symbolized empowerment and resilience.
A Community Driven Approach
Recognizing the potential for social impact, Pabiben aimed
to create a platform that would benefit other women in her community. She
established a business model that focused on employing local artisans,
providing them with the opportunity to earn a stable income while working from
home.
Building a Brand
In 2016, Pabiben met Nilesh Priyadarshi, an expert in the
arts and crafts industry, who shared her vision of establishing a brand
identity for her work. Together, they launched pabiben.com, an online
marketplace showcasing her products and those of other indigenous artisans,
marking a significant step towards elevating traditional crafts.
Journey of Pabiben Rabari: Founder & CEO of Pabiben- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/Pabiben story/Pabiben Rabari story/Shark Tank India
Overcoming Challenges
One of the primary hurdles was gaining acceptance for
products labeled under Pabiben’s name. Initial resistance from brands was a
challenge, but with persistent efforts to raise awareness about her story of
empowerment, acceptance grew. Pabiben’s narrative soon began to resonate within
the market, opening doors for her brand.
Empowering Women
Today, Pabiben employs around 300 women artisans, providing
them with a source of income that allows them to contribute to their families
and communities. Many of these women work from home, which gives them the
flexibility to balance their responsibilities while honing their craft. This
setup has also reduced migration from their villages, helping maintain the
local community.
Recognition and Success
Pabiben’s achievements have earned her recognition on
prominent platforms, including Amitabh Bachchan’s “Kaun Banega Crorepati” and
“Shark Tank India.” On Shark Tank, she successfully secured an investment of
₹50 lakh, further validating her business model and expanding her reach in the
handicraft market.
Financial Growth
Pabiben’s brand has seen significant financial success, with
a profit margin of 35% and sales reaching ₹36 lakh in the previous year. Her
ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern demand has established
her as a leader in the artisan sector, and she continues to thrive.
A Vision for the Future
Pabiben remains committed to her mission of empowering women
through entrepreneurship. She encourages other women to believe in themselves
and pursue their dreams, emphasizing that determination and hard work can lead
to success, regardless of one’s background.
A Legacy of Craft and Empowerment
Through her journey, Pabiben Rabari has not only revitalized
traditional embroidery but has also created a sustainable model for women’s
empowerment. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and
resilience, inspiring future generations of artisans to carry forward the rich
heritage of Kutch while forging their own paths.
A timeline for Pabiben Rabari’s journey:
1980s - Pabiben begins her embroidery journey in Bhadroi
Village, Gujarat, at a young age.
1998 - Joins a women's group to continue embroidery after a
ban on wedding designs is imposed.
200X - Collaborates with artisans to create ‘Hari Jari,’
blending traditional and modern techniques.
200X - Designs the popular “Pabi Bag,” gaining attention in
fashion circles.
2016 - Partners with Nilesh Priyadarshi to launch
pabiben.com, promoting her products and indigenous crafts.
2021 - Appears on “Shark Tank India,” securing ₹50 lakh in
investment for her brand.
2024 - Employs around 300 women artisans, fostering
community empowerment and financial independence.
2024 - Continues to inspire and empower women through
entrepreneurship and craft revitalization.
