Client Origin Story - Priya Velusami of Pri Pri

18th Jan 2023

Hi, I’m Priya, founder of upcycled accessories and kidswear brand, Pri Pri.  All designs use pre loved saris and are handmade by a charity in India that helps to upskill and empower underprivileged women with training in tailoring.

The concept was born out of my love for Indian clothing, those luxurious fabrics and rich colours have always appealed to me. One of my first sewing memories is from when I was 10 years old and Patti, my Indian grandma, taught me how to use a sewing machine. It led to my first little business venture, using zips from the big sacks of rice at home to make pencil cases and raise money for charity. It was my grandmother who also first introduced me to the zero waste concept. Every scrap of fabric would somehow be put to use.

Zero waste/sustainability is what I guess we call it now, but coming from a generation and a country where throwaway fashion wasn’t really considered an option, she made sure I learnt the importance of these values too.

This passion started a very long time ago but it’s something that has stayed with me through my life. I didn’t study textiles, I didn’t have a career in design, but I’ve just always loved making and repurposing stuff. When my niece was born, I found myself drawn back to the treasure chest of my mum's beautiful old saris and had the idea of making little party dresses for our new family member. The colourful fabrics were so vibrant, and the silk so soft, that they were ideal for remaking into kids’ partywear. After a few encouraging comments, I added some dresses to the online marketplace Etsy, and it became my side hustle.

In 2021, the business moved from being a side hustle to my primary job. I decided to outsource the making of my products and I found a wonderful charity to work with, back in my grandmother’s home of Mumbai, to help make up my designs. The organisation trains underprivileged women in tailoring, upskilling them and enabling them to gain employment at the end of their training. Research shows education and empowerment in women leads to living a healthier, happier life and can break the cycle of poverty, and it has been great to hear how many of the women who work on Pri Pri designs, feel more confident after their training and employment.

Find Priya online at:

Website: pripri.co.uk
Twitter: @PriPriCoUk
Facebook: facebook.com/PriPri.co.uk
Pintrest: pinterest.co.uk/PriPriStore
Instagram: instagram.com/pripri.co.uk