One can experience diversification with dynamic growth in the textile industry in the middle- east, especially after the pandemic. In response to growing environmental concerns, many companies are actively looking for climatefriendly materials to manufacture their goods. Because of their positive impact on the planet, natural fibres will continue to rise in popularity in the next decades. An utterly humble and visionary leader, Shweta Bora, founder of TheMadeonEarth, is not just leading the company on the path of progress but also preserving the environment. TheMadeonEarth crafts kids wear from sustainable sources to ensure that only natural materials touch your baby's delicate skin. Guided principally by her intellect, Shweta Bora is deeply passionate about her commitment to making a difference in society by bringing kids-friendly clothes to protect their delicate skin and having a greener lifestyle.

Shweta Bora engages in a one-on-one interaction with the Women Entrepreneur Magazine.

Please give us a brief overview of the made on earth. What are some important features of your expertise as a business leader?

An initiative by a mom to provide nothing but the best to her baby, TheMadeonEarth curates affordable, comfortable, and breathable clothes made from certified organic cotton, muslin, and bamboo. The brand works towards creating a variety of stylish clothes for your little one's hip wardrobe while working towards creating a sustainable environment for our future generations to come. Usually, the fabrics we wrap our little ones into are made of polyester, synthetic fabric, and toxic dyes, causing irritation and rashes to the baby's skin. It's time to use the traditional way of creating and wearing fabrics to lead a sustainable, greener lifestyle while keeping fashion quotients high! TheMadeonEarth also aligns its vision with the UAE government's drive for sustainable growth. Patience and consistent efforts every day are key aspects of successful businesses worldwide.

Tell us about your early educational journey and prior industry experience.

After completing a bachelor's and master's in business, my 10-year-old career started with PR and Communication, where I blossomed into a professional. I was privileged to meet stalwarts of the industry, both from corporate houses and media and communicationindustries, building the foundation stone of my business principles. Over the time, I worked in a couple of digital technology businesses, food delivery, and ecommerce, both of which gave me mentors and later became the ladder for TheMadeonEarth. Today I run my business with the same principles and vision and try to make a difference to one mother or family at a time.

What motivated you to foray into the textile industry to establish an organic and sustainable clothing brand for babies? Tell us some of the most striking features of the clothing themadeonearth created.

Though many people are unaware, the fashion industry is a significant contributor to environmental and human damage. The good news is that sustainable fashion addresses many of these issues in ways you may not expect. As a mother, I encountered various issues in kids' wear, like quality directly proportional to prices, organic and sustainable brands commanding a hefty premium, scanty availability in the Gulf and GCC region, and no options for sensitive babies. Therefore we jumped into the textile industry and came up with The Made on Earth. Some of the striking features of our fabrics are Produce of Organic and high-quality grade cotton sourced directly from farms, which reduces the pressure on the natural resources in the long term. We use natural dyes and biodegradable natural processed colors reducing carbon footprint. We design and conceptualize in-house, which promotes healthier working conditions and diversity. Manufacturing from SMEs or directly from weavers promotes a sustainable production process and negates any child labor. Most importantly, every dress we produce and sell is done with love!

“Dream big, believe in yourself, work hard & make it happen”

Throw some light on the various roles and responsibilities you shoulder at themadeonearth. What are some of the most pressing business challenges you face in your current role, and how do you mitigate these challenges?

Our business started from our living room, so while my husband took care of the IT, the e-store, and registration, I was responsible for designing, sourcing, operations, and marketing. I still interact with my customers directly to get healthy feedback and improve the business. Our goal has always been to make systems and processes which are not person dependent, and as with technological advancements, we have been able to automate 50% of our business. Some pressing challenges are manufacturing

and consistent fabric quality, the rising cost of operations, technology induction, and customer service. By keeping our working environment healthy, empowering people, and innovating, we are moving forward to a new tomorrow.

What are some of the most significantmilestones you have achieved so far in your professional and entrepreneurial journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader?

Starting the business at the peak of covid, with an uncertain future, was a significant milestone of ourjourney. Getting the first set of customers amongst diversified personalities in the GCC region can be another milestone. We continuously strive to better ourselves than yesterday as it is a journey, not the destination. Making a difference in everyone's life has been the driving force for my team and me.

Shweta Bora, Founder, Themadeonearth

An expert in Public Relations, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Shweta Bora is an inspiring and diligent leader who makes a mark in society through her commitment to have a greener planet through sustainable clothing.