'The Jobless Street': How two Hyderabad management grads clothing label is redefining fashion

Hyderabad: Saikiran Gaddam and Manisha Rao, MBA classmates turned business partners, are making waves with their innovative venture--` The Jobless Street’-- a handloom clothing brand in Hyderabad.

A fusion of creativity, empowerment, and sustainable fashion, their journey is a testament to the power of friendship and shared vision. Recently, a Twitter post by IT minister KT Rama Rao shows a black Ikat shirt that was gifted by these business partners on National Handloom Day.

"It was quite unexpected, but it was amazing to see how Minister K T Rama Rao noticed our brand. Back in January 2020, I gave him one of our ikat shirts at MBA Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad. Seeing him wearing it proudly two years later created a buzz and made us feel recognized. His recent tweet not only boosted our confidence but also showed that The Jobless Street's message is connecting with people." said Saikiran.

How did the journey start?

Saikiran Gaddam's journey from academia to entrepreneurship took a significant turn when he crossed paths with his MBA classmate, Manisha Rao. United by a shared fascination for apparel brands and a desire to make a meaningful impact, the duo embarked on a mission to redefine success and empower dreamers through The Jobless Street.

As business partners, the 25-year-old Hyderabadis complement each other's strengths and skills. While Manisha focuses on markets, fabric procurement, and design, Saikiran takes charge of branding, marketing, and strategic alliances. Their synergy and dedication have been instrumental in shaping `The Jobless Street's unique identity and message.

The jobless street

'The Jobless Street's' journey began with a commitment to sustainability and meaningful narratives. Drawing inspiration from their experiences and values, Saikiran and Manisha leveraged their brand to celebrate individuals who have broken free from conventions. Through strategic shifts and unwavering determination, they have built a platform that embodies empowerment and creativity.

"The name 'The Jobless Street' might seem strange, but it's all about breaking job norms and cheering for those who follow their dreams. We wanted to build a group who loves taking risks, being creative, and staying true to themselves, inspiring everyone to walk their unique paths," says Manisha Rao.

Manisha adds, “The Jobless Street isn't just about clothing, it's a movement that raises voices and celebrates the courage to pursue one's dreams. Our vision extends beyond individual collections, aiming to create a community of free thinkers, risk-takers, and passion-pursuers.”

"I fell in love with ikat fabric during a visit to Pochampally. Using it, we started making shirts with a classic style and a purpose. For every shirt sold, we donate one to those in need. We're also sharing inspiring stories of those who dare to be 'jobless' on our platform,” shares Saikiran.

Saikiran further says, “As for the fabric choice, our decision to choose bamboo fabric was strategic. Bamboo fabrics are liked for their softness, comfort, and eco-friendliness. They're in line with our commitment to sustainable fashion, reflecting a modern trend. As we progressed, we introduced other handloom fabrics like Kalamkari, adding variety to our collections."

"To support skilled artisans and cut out middlemen, we go straight to the source – master weavers and artisans. This way, we give due recognition and value to their craftsmanship. Empowering these weavers and shining a light on the labor-intensive process is a core part of our mission," adds Manisha.

New collection launch in October

Saikiran says that their journey has grown beyond just collections. “We're expanding the story of handloom and local craftsmanship. Our third collection, launching in October, will put these aspects in the spotlight, aligned with the current push for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through government support."

"On the financial side, I've invested around 15 lakhs in various parts of the venture, like website development, branding, and office space. With a clear goal and a bit more funding, I'm excited to keep the brand's growth going strong."