From Journalism to entrepreneurship: Exploring a passion for Indian textiles
Journalism alumn Akanksha Dhingra opens her own Indian textile company, Kraftsthread Ltd, which aims to serve the finest home furnishing products, such as cushion covers, bed covers, quilts and more. These products are made with prime yarn, authentically hand-picked from rural India's looms. A significant part of the company's vision is to respect diversity and equality, and most importantly, provide the most affordable and quality home products to customers.
Akanksha Dhingra is a Journalism alum turned entrepreneur
From journalism to Kraftshread
The journalism program is a dynamic program that teaches students the art of professional writing, storytelling and content creation for the various media platforms. As Dhingra expressed, while these individual skills seemed small at first, they each contributed differently to the success of her business.
“Our first assignment ever included streeters – when you are told to go out and interview strangers. I remember how tough it was then, but today I can talk to anyone without hesitation,” she said. “Kraftsthread is not only a business but a means to tell the true stories of Indian craftsmen. It encourages representation and storytelling based on the textile industry of the world.”
Advice for students looking to pursue a similar path
When it comes to career advice, Dhingra is a firm believer that both hard work and going for what you enjoy set you up for success.
“Do what you please. Don’t listen to people who try to put you within glass ceilings. Today, I love working in journalism, marketing and communications,” she said. “I love that I have a secure nine-to-five job in the marketing field and a business that is my own. I enjoy it, and I see it growing.”
Being a 22-year-old who has lived in different countries and cities throughout high school and university has allowed Dhingra to find her passion for Indian textiles and hopes she can inspire others to do the same.
“To all the students, I would say to listen to yourself first. I understand how important it is to work for money, but I wouldn’t give any cliche one-liners since your passion may not always pay you well,” Dhingra said. “In your 20s, do a nine-to-five job, but do start something of your own on the side. Prioritize your hours. Balance your life. Find the fun in it. It’s the best feeling.”
Kraftsthread Ltd. offers an array of home furnishing products, drawing inspiration from the Indian textile industry
The inspiration behind Kraftsthread Ltd.
One of the earliest experiences that stood out to Dhingra was the families in Indian textile factories that continuously worked hard to curate high quality products. These experiences taught her the importance of respecting and appreciating the work of hard-working craftsmen.
As Dhingra recalls, “My dad, Ajay Dhingra, had his own textile business based in Delhi, India. I grew up seeing him supplying stocks of bedcovers, textiles, and hotel linen to luxury hotels. It looked exciting and fascinating.”
Dhingra’s dad, who represented the Indian craftsmen and textile industry of India, became a source of inspiration for her to continue that legacy, as she was confident that this business would have much to offer in both India and Canada.
Check out Kraftshread (external link, opens in new window) to support the work of alumni Akanksha Dhingra. 
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