Career & Entrepreneurship
Becoming a fashion designer after surviving cancer
About Tithi Pandya
I was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and grew up in Mumbai. I lived in London for seven years before settling in Switzerland 6 years ago. I am married and have a 8 year-old son. I graduated from a Mumbai university with a fashion design diploma in 2011. I worked as a sample designer in India for many years and as a shop assistant in London. Since I moved to Switzerland, I founded Tithi Pandya Designs, producing fashion designs for breast cancer survivors and women who underwent mastectomy.
Tithi Pandya, founder of Tithi Pandya Designs – credit photo Michelle Petersen Photography
I’m a Breast cancer survivor
Just 16 months after I had my son, one morning, I found a lump in my breast. It was three months after I had stopped breast-feeding my son so I thought it was a milk lump and wasn’t very worried. My husband pushed me to get a proper check, and the next thing I knew I was diagnosed with cancer on my left breast. There was a whirlwind of questions in my mind – how far had the cancer progressed? Would l I live to see my son grow? Would I grow old with the man I love the most?
Fortunately, it was detected early and after a treatment lasting over 2 years – I had to undergo two different operations, mastectomy and lumpectomy on my left under arm, I have now fully recovered. Unfortunately I am now living with condition called lymphedema on my left hand and I do not have a left breast. With chemotherapy, I also had to go through treatments with a drug called Herceptin. This was a very difficult time of my life but I never felt depressed as I had the amazing family behind me, looking after me though my two-year long treatment.
Self-acceptance
Tithi Pandya, founder of Tithi Pandya Designs – credit photo Michelle Petersen Photography
During the chemotherapy, I lost all my hair. I didn’t want a wig or a scarf – I accepted myself as I was in that moment. I thought this was who I was right then and I was proud. I had to go to hospital every three weeks and I felt that it was just the way it was then and I put up with it.
My inspirational moment to create a fashion clothes brand
During and after my cancer treatment, every time I wanted to buy some dresses, my mood went down. Ok, one of my breast had been removed – but so what? I still wanted to look good and wear nice clothes. I could not find any clothes which were adapted to women like me.
All l I had were clothes with no shape, no style – just baggy dresses with round neck. I burst out into tears each time. I didn´t feel like myself in my clothes and always started feeling down and sad. I wanted to go back to my normal life and feel good despite of the cancer!
My husband, who was very supportive all along, had a great idea: “Why don’t you design your own clothes?” I felt suddenly so inspired by this idea. Fashion is a my life passion and I have studied it with all my heart. So with my husband’s support and encouragement I created my first collection in 2016.
Tithi Pandya Designs beginning
Tithi Pandya, founder of Tithi Pandya Designs, at work- credit photo Michelle Petersen Photography
I began designing fashion clothes for myself and for women like me with only one or no breast. It was like a creative burst of energy when I started to design these clothes. But very soon I realized the clothes could be worn by any woman. No matter what their shape, age, colour, there would always be something for all women. And that is how Tithi Pandya Designs started to get off the ground. My business picked up and I am very proud as I am working on my 6th collection at the moment. It will be for winter 2020-summer 2021.
While designing, I want the clothes to be stylish, sexy, comfortable and with little maintenance— very feminine outfits really – fun clothes! I pay particular attention to the fabrics and the cuts of the clothes.
For sourcing raw materials and finding tailors to bring my designs to life, I give opportunities to those most in need and stay as sustainable as possible. As my clothes have a fusion of Indian and Western designs, I decided to source my fabrics from local artisan shops in villages and towns in Gujarat, India. I also decided to employ small women and men who have small tailoring businesses in these towns. That way I feel that I can support these talents on the ground and they in turn have more opportunities in life!
Now & future plans
Tithi Pandya, founder of Tithi Pandya Designs, in the yellow dress and her models- credit photo Michelle Petersen Photography
Currently my shop is at my home – the atmosphere is very cosy!! I also sell online through my facebook page – Tithi Pandya Designs. I regularly organize pop-up shop events, as well as local fashion shows. As my business grows, I plan to open a shop/boutique and to also sell my clothes to other bigger shops/stores – to ensure I can reach as many women as possible. My business is located in Gland in canton Vaud but I mail my clothes throughout Switzerland.
I would like to end by saying that surviving cancer has been a long journey – with its ups and downs, despair and sadness, but in the end it has also been one of triumph, inspiration and empathy. It taught me to love and feel proud of myself irrespective of my shape, age, colour, and my body structure!
All the best Tithi!
All credit photos Michelle Petersen Photography.
