Pune To London, Hansika Chhabria Blends Style & Sustainability With Streetwear Brand

Gen Z entrepreneurs are shaking up the world of fashion with apparel that doesn't just look attractive but also holds a purpose -- both for the wearer and the environment. One such standout luminary is Hansika Chhabria, the founder of One Less, a minimal streetwear brand that seamlessly blends style, comfort and sustainability principles. In an interview with SheThePeople, the London-based business owner reflected on her venture in the eco-conscious space and her approach to ethical fashion and consumerism.

How Hansika Chhabria Built Her Business

Hansika Chhabria's entrepreneurial journey originated in Pune when she was 21 years old. For two years, she worked on creating a strong team and network for One Less before moving to the United Kingdom for her undergraduate studies at King’s College London. She is working on building her business there too.

Chhabria's vision for the brand is to assert that style and environmental consciousness need not be mutually exclusive. She is committed to using materials certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard and Oeko Tex-certified azo-free dyes to create timeless and gender-neutral environmentally-friendly clothing.

Additionally, Chhabria has introduced a 'One Purchase = One Tree' initiative, partnering with the SciTech Park in Pune and a non-profit organisation called Mukul Madhav Foundation. "We have planted 1500 fruit-bearing trees in Panawdi near Pune and helped over 150+ families. This initiative has also been recognized by the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network (UNCFLN)," she detailed.

Chhabria also explained what the concept of sustainability ensues for her. She said, "Sustainability, to me, means making choices that ensure the health of our planet for future generations. I was inspired by the realisation that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting sectors and wanted to be part of the solution."

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Forging A Path In Eco-Friendly Fashion

For Chhabria, understanding a comprehensive subject like sustainability and integrating it into her life has been an experience she can only describe as "transformative." Going from making small amendments to her lifestyle and choices to eventually founding an eco-forward fashion business, her journey has come a long way.

"It started at college, learning about the inequalities between the Global North and Global South and how countries like India and Sri Lanka paid the brunt of the development in Western countries, especially in the fashion industry. I started with small changes like reducing single-use plastic, and eating locally grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible, and gradually evolved into a deeper commitment to sustainability."

These changes involved not just adopting new habits but also unlearning some and making strategic compromises along the way. "It is an ongoing journey, and I don’t think it’s perfect by any standard, but every step brings new insights into how I can live more sustainably and inspire others to do the same," Chhabria admitted.

Mindful Consumption For The Win

In an age when overconsumption is glorified and "sustainable" is often nothing more than a fib thrown around by many fast-fashion brands, Chhabria aims to create a difference with integrity and transparency. "Staying committed to our core values guides us in finding the balance between business and sustainability," she said.

Chhabria further explained, "We prioritise authenticity by clearly communicating our sustainable practices to our customers. Our focus is to create timeless, high-quality pieces that encourage mindful consumption. This approach helps us build a loyal customer base that values sustainability, allowing us to grow responsibly."

Chhabria also highlighted some lesser-appreciated sustainability practices. "I believe the concept of circular fashion deserves more attention. Promoting practices like clothing repair, upcycling, and responsible recycling can significantly reduce waste and extend the life of garments, fostering a more sustainable fashion ecosystem."

Experience As A Gen Z Woman In Business

Navigating the entrepreneurial realm as a Gen Z woman, Chhabria has encountered both opportunities and challenges. "I've faced challenges related to age and gender, such as being underestimated or not taken seriously. It has been an uphill battle to have my vision and brand respected at a young age," she expressed.

Chhabria expressed how she deals with these stereotypes. "These obstacles have fueled my determination to succeed. I've learned to navigate these biases by staying focused on my vision and surrounding myself with supportive mentors. My experience has been empowering, proving that with passion and perseverance, young women can lead and innovate in any industry."

Through her work with One Less, Hansika Chhabria is setting a new standard for what it means to be a responsible and impactful business owner in today’s world. The entrepreneur is a shining example of how Gen Z is reshaping the narrative of the youth and women in business, emphasising a purpose-driven approach.