Kingdom's own style icon
Ashwathy Shyamkumar, an Indian national born and brought up in the Kingdom, has always considered Bahrain as her home. Her passion for fashion started at a very young age when she used to play with dolls.
When she found out that her Barbie doll had only a single outfit, Ashwathy learned how to sew from her mom and made various outfits herself. That was the beginning of it all.
Having gained a focus in art and design, she decided to pursue her dream and enrolled for a fashion course in India. On return to Bahrain, she took to blogging to market her products and services and also to share her love for fashion and creative expression. Ashwathy was part of the top 5 emerging talents to showcase their creations at the Bahrain Fashion Week 2010. After featuring in a number of magazines, she became a familiar face in the Kingdom.
Recently, she was chosen the brand ambassador for Gloss Salon and Spa.
Rise to fashion blogging
Explaining how she forayed into fashion blogging, Ashwathy says, “Though my initial plan was to get into designing, as I started blogging during my spare time, I realised that I could handle fashion illustration as well. Then I started designing my own clothes and posted the photos on my blog.”
“I started by simply posting notes and images I found on Google, but the turning point for my blog was when I made it personal. I started posting my own photographs to show people how I styled myself and did my makeup and ever since, it has helped me build a very meaningful relationship with all my readers. It was my platform to express myself as an individual and to give my opinions on different topics,” an enthusiastic Ashwathy says.
Ashwathy used to take orders from clients but after having a dedicated blog and a full- time job as a Brand Manager concerning collaborations and events in Jawad Business Group, it became difficult for her to take in orders. So now she only designs her own clothes and sometimes work out sketches for friends and family.
She also commented on the fashion blogging scene in Bahrain. “I started blogging thinking it was an untapped market to showcase my work and ideas. Today, blogging is still not huge in Bahrain as it is in Dubai and Kuwait, but I’m hoping it will get there soon and I definitely feel it kicking in.”
Inspiration
“Everything inspires me; from picking out my outfit to applying makeup, the photo shoot and eventually seeing it up on my account makes the entire process very special and exciting to me. Every shoot/post of mine has an unforgettable memory with my team, which I will forever cherish,” she says.
She adds, “Nature inspires me, the culture in Bahrain excites me. The amazing people in this country also inspire me. Most importantly, my amazing readers who have stuck with me from the very beginning, with sweet comments, inspire me to bring out the best in me every single day.”
Come December, Ashwathy’s blog readers will get a fun taste of a Weekly Present Programme to win amazing prizes.
Ashwathy can be followed on Instagram @ askthestylecouncil.
Ashwathy Shyamkumar
Ashwathy Shyamkumar
Ashwathy Shyamkumar
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