What happens when a passionate media educator decides to channel her love for tradition into fashion? When you think of Dr. Supriya M, it’s hard to place her within a single box. A passionate media educator, accomplished researcher, and now an ambitious entrepreneur, Dr. Supriya’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in Bangalore, she carved her academic path in journalism, earning a Ph.D. from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism. Today, she is the dynamic Assistant Professor and Head of the Media Club at the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education. But her identity doesn’t end with her academic accolades. Dr. Supriya’s story reveals her evolution from an academic powerhouse to the visionary founder of “Atout,” a brand that is revolutionizing the way we perceive sarees.
The Journey From Academia To Entrepreneurship
For Dr. Supriya, the spark of entrepreneurship was ignited during her Ph.D. journey. A serendipitous moment occurred when she was required to wear sarees frequently. What could have been a mundane requirement turned into a revelation. As she explored the beauty of sarees, their fabrics, prints, and the stories they carry, she found herself captivated by their charm. It was this fascination with sarees, combined with her enduring love for natural fabrics, that planted the seeds for her entrepreneurial venture.
“India is one of the largest exporters of cotton, and I’ve always been inspired by natural fabrics. Sarees, especially, make me feel comfortable, carefree, and stylish all at once,” she shares. Dr. Supriya firmly believes that sarees can effortlessly merge tradition with modernity. “People often associate trendsetting fashion with Western attire like jeans, tops, or skirts. But a saree? It’s sexy, elegant, and timeless—all in one,” she adds with a smile.
Introducing Atout: More Than Just A Brand
When it came to naming her brand, Dr. Supriya chose something unique - “Atout”, a French word meaning "An Asset." The name reflects her vision, to create sarees that are not just garments but treasured assets for every woman.
Atout embraces traditional Indian culture while introducing modern design elements. Dr. Supriya’s love for mul cotton, natural dyes, and block printing forms the core of the brand. She envisions sarees that are free from chemicals, affordable, and versatile enough to fit into every woman’s wardrobe, from festive celebrations to casual outings.
Atout: Tradition With A Twist
Atout isn’t just about draping fabric; it’s about embracing heritage with a modern lens. Dr. Supriya’s designs are rooted in mul cotton, natural dyes, and block printing, ensuring sustainability while celebrating India’s rich textile legacy.
Each Saree From Atout Tells A Story:
Comfort Meets Elegance: Natural, chemical-free fabrics make Atout sarees a dream to wear.
Bold Meets Beautiful: Vibrant hues, pastels, and timeless prints bring tradition into the 21st century.
Affordable Luxury: Elegance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag—Atout makes beauty accessible to all.
Breaking Stereotypes: Sarees As The Ultimate Fashion Statement
Dr. Supriya’s philosophy challenges the notion that Western wear dominates modern fashion. “A saree can make you look fashionable, trendy, and powerful. It’s not just a garment; it’s a statement piece,” she asserts. Atout’s sarees aim to showcase how this timeless attire can be reimagined with unique concepts like pastel tones, vibrant hues, and intricate block prints, proving that tradition and trend can coexist beautifully.
The Support System Behind Her Success
Dr. Supriya credits her family’s unwavering support for her success. Coming from a respectable background -her father an IPS officer, she grew up in an environment that encouraged her to chase her dreams. “My family has always given me the freedom to fly with my wings,” she reflects fondly.
On Competition: A Philosophy Of Self-Growth
When asked about her competitors, Dr. Supriya’s response is as bold as it is refreshing. “I don’t see anyone as my competition. My only competitor is myself. If I’m satisfied with the quality of my products and my customers are happy, that’s enough for me,” she says with confidence.
Future Aspirations: Building A Legacy
Looking ahead, Dr. Supriya has ambitious plans for Atout. Her focus is on sustainability, customer satisfaction, and expanding the brand through multiple channels, including e-commerce platforms, multimedia promotions, and word-of-mouth publicity. For her, success is not just about sales, it’s about creating a product that makes people feel good about what they’re wearing.
Her vision? To design more innovative fabrics using natural methods and introduce unique sarees that resonate with modern sensibilities while staying true to their roots.
The Core Of Atout
Dr. Supriya encapsulates her brand’s philosophy in three key principles: durability, affordability, and timeless style. Atout sarees are designed to make women look and feel their best, combining high-quality craftsmanship with natural, chemical-free materials.
A Message To Women Everywhere
Dr. Supriya’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and staying true to one’s roots. Through Atout, she aims to inspire women to embrace sarees not just as traditional attire but as a bold, versatile, and fashionable choice.
As she puts it, “Sarees have been celebrated for centuries. They’re not just garments; they’re a symbol of our culture, our identity, and our ability to blend tradition with innovation. With Atout, I want to remind women that they don’t have to choose between looking trendy and honoring their roots - they can have both.”
Dr. Supriya M’s story resonates with anyone who has ever dared to dream beyond the ordinary. From her academic achievements to her entrepreneurial journey, she is a living example of how passion and determination can lead to extraordinary heights. And with Atout, she’s proving that the saree is not just a relic of the past - it’s the future of Indian fashion.
