Priyanka Arora

Founder & Creative Director, Draupadi | Founder & Curator, The House of Karigars

A creatively driven, first-generation entrepreneur.

Born in the heart of the capital, Delhi, I was always a high achiever and a scholar. I began

my professional journey early driven by a desire to carve out my own path. Working with

renowned brands like The Oberoi Hotels, Shangri-La, and INOX, I honed my skills and

developed a deep understanding of business and creativity. But my true calling was yet to

come.

After a few years in the corporate world, I took a leap of faith — I got married and moved to

Mathura. The slow-paced life consumed me, and with little to keep me creatively challenged,

I found myself searching for meaning in a new city. And that’s when I stumbled upon heaps

of discarded sari waste across the streets ; what seemed like trash to many became my

treasure.

With an innate desire to do something of my own and a stubborn refusal to live by society’s

rulebook, Draupadi was born — a label that upcycles post-production sari remnants into

bold, conscious bags and accessories. Every piece we create is a testament to resilience,

creativity, and craftsmanship

Today, the brand is 20 Draupadi’s strong — 20 resilient women artisans who have joined

this movement, transforming waste into art and building a sustainable future, one sari at a

time.

Continuing my passion for sustainability, I noticed a huge gap, there were very few spaces

that truly supported sustainable, homegrown brands. That’s when The House of Karigars

was born- a curated platform that celebrates artisans, slow fashion, ethical entrepreneurship,

and mindful consumption. Through events, collaborations, and community-building, we

champion the spirit of conscious creativity, giving local brands and artisans a space to shine.

When I signed up for entrepreneurship, I didn’t realize I was also signing up for a

rollercoaster no seatbelt, no GPS, and definitely no brakes. But every chaotic turn taught me

resilience, creativity, and faith.

Entrepreneurship is often a lonely journey full of uncertainty, risks, and silent battles. But

there’s something about building from scratch, about creating something that’s entirely your

own, that keeps you moving forward.

I'm still navigating the "hows" of entrepreneurship, still learning, unlearning, and relearning

every single day.

And through it all, I firmly believe:

"When you walk with purpose, you collide with destiny.

"