About Us

How did varnika start?

Varnika was founded by Aashna Shah, a high school sophomore driven by a deep love for fashion and an even deeper sense of justice. What began as a personal exploration into the beauty of South Asian design quickly evolved into something much greater after Aashna learned about the systemic caste-based oppression that Dalit women in India continue to face. Shocked by the silence surrounding their stories, she felt a responsibility to act. Through months of research, outreach to grassroots organizations, and conversations with community leaders, Aashna began building Varnika - a nonprofit initiative rooted in representation, equity, and culture. With Varnika, she fuses her creative expression with activism, using fashion as a platform to amplify voices that are too often erased. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career that redefines the fashion industry, one that honors heritage, champions inclusivity, and holds itself accountable to the communities it represents.