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DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 81

DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 81

Meet the Didi: Sudha Hemnani

The Didihood
February 03, 2025

Welcome to February Didis! January felt long, but we’ve been excited getting to work on some of our projects behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone who completed our survey, your feedback is so important to help us shape what 2025 will look like.

We’re also getting to work on this year’s Didi Creative Fund! If you or someone you know would like to donate to the fund this year, please email us at [email protected]. Check out what Jaisy, one of last year’s fund recipients, did with her grant!

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Meet the Didi

This month’s Didi takes us out to Halifax. Sudha Hemnani has been calling Halifax home for more than five years now, but she noticed that it was difficult to find any South Asian clothing options anywhere nearby. So she started her own clothing line, Khush Mizaj.

Sudha Hemnani (centre) with friends preparing for a photo shoot.

When did you first realize you had a passion for fashion?

I’ve always been drawn to creativity and self-expression, and fashion has been a way for me to merge these interests. Growing up, I loved observing the unique styles of people in different cultures, especially as I travelled. That curiosity and appreciation for clothing’s role in identity led me to explore it further. When I started designing my own pieces, I realized how much I loved seeing an idea come to life, and that’s when my passion for fashion truly ignited.

What inspired you to take that passion and start your clothing line, Khush Mizaj?

Starting Khush Mizaj was a way for me to express not only my creativity but also my cultural heritage. Fashion is a powerful way to connect with people, and I wanted to bring that joy, culture, and uniqueness to others. My goal was to offer clothing that’s authentic, elegant, and reflects the rich South Asian tradition while catering to modern tastes. The name itself, Khush Mizaj, meaning “happy feeling,” reflects the brand’s mission to bring happiness through fashion.

The South Asian community is rapidly growing in Halifax, what has the response been like from the community?

The response has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Halifax has such a vibrant and diverse South Asian community, and it’s wonderful to see how people resonate with the designs. It’s been heartwarming to see Khush Mizaj pieces being worn not just on special occasions but as part of everyday fashion. The community has truly embraced the brand, and I’m grateful for the love and trust they’ve shown.

What obstacles did you face while trying to start your business?

Starting a fashion line comes with many challenges. One of the biggest was managing production while maintaining the quality and authenticity I envisioned for Khush Mizaj. I also had to navigate the logistics of building a supply chain, balancing creative design with the business aspects, and establishing a presence in a new market like Halifax. But each obstacle became a learning experience, and they ultimately helped me grow the brand stronger.

You've grown the line from 12 pieces to hundreds of options. Tell us about that journey.

It’s been an incredible journey! What started with just a handful of designs has blossomed into a full collection of diverse pieces. Every season, we introduce something new, listening to what our customers want while staying true to our brand’s essence. As the brand grew, I focused on scaling without compromising the quality, ensuring each piece is unique and beautifully crafted. The journey has been full of learning and evolution, and I feel proud of how far Khush Mizaj has come.

What's next for Khush Mizaj? Any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

In addition to expanding our jewelry line, we’re focusing on offering more made-to-order pieces, allowing customers to customize their outfits for personal expression. We’re also launching a limited-edition line that incorporates eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable dyeing methods. There are exciting partnerships on the horizon with other designers to create exclusive collections that reflect the diversity of South Asian fashion.

What advice do you have for Didis looking to do something similar?

My biggest advice is to believe in your vision and stay true to your passion. Building a brand takes time and perseverance, but if you’re passionate about it, the journey will be worth it. Don’t be afraid to start small, and always be open to learning from both your successes and setbacks. Surround yourself with a strong support system and never lose sight of the joy that made you pursue this dream in the first place!