Preety Singh
Founder, SónChiraiya
Janam Bhumi:
Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Uttar Pradesh, India
Karma Bhumi:
Kota, Rajasthan, India
Threads Of Bharat, Woven For The World
The ‘Preety’ Factor: “If you have a dream, go after it boldly. Don’t wait for permission or a perfect moment.”`
THE MAN
Born into a family far ahead of its time, Preety Singh carved a story of success and achievement powered by the support and understanding she received from her grandfather and parents. At a time when girls were considered a burden, the Singh family welcomed Preety wholeheartedly on 4 October, 1989. Growing up in a society that was still curtailing girl education, Preety made her own choices, driven by the support from her grandfather, late MamChand Chaudhary
“I was in a family that not only worked toward the progress of the girls in the family but also made sure the girls in the entire community received a good education,” she says. “The broadened family horizons built my confidence and made me top whatever I did, be it schooling or engineering.”
Preety’s father, Narendra Singh, a bureaucrat, built everything from scratch and also served the society, exemplifying how a humanitarian life should be led. Her mother, Brijesh Singh, a homemaker, kept the entire family balanced and connected. “The way I maintain her work-life balance comes through the discipline I inherited from my father and the sense of responsibility that I received from my mother.”
THE JOURNEY
Preety’s professional journey reflects clarity of purpose, courage to pivot, and a deep respect for traditional craft. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, she joined as a Software Engineer at Samsung Electronics in 2011. The experience shaped her work ethic, discipline, precision, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments, and other qualities that continue to define her leadership style.
In 2016, she made a conscious decision to step away from corporate life and began her exploration journey.
“I spent time researching Indian textiles, studying consumer gaps, and immersing myself in the heritage handloom ecosystem,” she shares. “That phase of reflection and fieldwork became the foundation of my entrepreneurial leap.”
In 2017, Preety founded SónChiraiya, driven by a vision to make authentic, heirloom Indian weaves relevant to the modern woman while ensuring dignity and sustainability for artisans. In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a chance encounter with a struggling Zari Kota weaver revealed SónChiraiya’s deeper calling: reviving a dying craft and uplifting the artisan communities behind it. “I didn’t just want to build a fashion brand; I wanted to build something meaningful, rooted in people and purpose.”
Her work has since earned wide media recognition, including features in ‘Images’, ‘Business of Fashion,’ ‘The Telegraph,’ and ‘Gulf News’, establishing her as a thoughtful voice in sustainable Indian fashion.
Her ambitions for the brand are emphatically clear. Over the next five years, Preety aims to elevate Zari Kota from a regional textile into an internationally recognized luxury fabric. “I really want Zari Kota to be an international weave ,” she says. Even as she works on expansions, she remains committed to exclusivity. Production is intentionally limited to three pieces per design, time-intensive techniques like Jamdani are preserved, and the focus is always on creating “heirlooms, other than a trend,” ensuring Zari Kota grows as a symbol of artistry and heritage rather than mass-market fashion.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
For Preety, philanthropy is woven into her work and life. Inspired by her grandfather, her business has been built as a vehicle for justice, dignity, and empowerment. Her mission focuses on three pillars: financial transparency for artisans, active empowerment of women, and the dismantling of restrictive “permission” cultures. She believes that real change starts with opportunity and independence.
This belief drives her to empower women at every level. Outside the weaving community, she has intentionally built an all-female team and works directly with families to challenge social norms, advocating that women should be free to travel, work, and make their own choices. She leads by example—continuing to run her business during a high-risk pregnancy and after childbirth. “Pregnancy is not a disease,” she says. “You are growing something, and at the same time, you can grow something else also. Independence—for women—is not just perspective; financial independence is very, very important.”
Preety’s commitment extends to the artisans who create the craft at the heart of her business. She supports thousands of families and has shunned traditional payment models, which were often unfair, and introduced weekly payments and wages aligned with market standards.
THE LEGACY
Like many entrenched societal taboos, Preety challenged the stereotype that girls should not have the freedom to choose their life partners. She married Hemang, her former colleague at Samsung, who went on to become not only her life partner but also a pillar of support and a driving force behind the foundation of SónChiraiya. The couple is blessed with a four-year-old daughter, Shaivya, fondly called Gauri, whom Preety is raising with the same values she herself grew up with. “I want my daughter to imbibe spiritual values and form a deep emotional bond with her family, especially her grandparents,” she shares. “More than anything, I hope to nurture compassion in her—something I feel is increasingly missing in today’s children.”
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“Growing up in Uttar Pradesh and later living in Bombay, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kota, I experienced many Indias. Life in a joint family taught me to take what adds value and let go of the rest. Travel wasn’t just leisure—it was learning and understanding different perspectives.”
“Today, India is more open, confident, and accepting. Women are torchbearers, technology amplifies ideas, and our responses to challenges have matured. That, I believe, defines modern Bharat.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“My values traveled with me, shaped by scriptures, elders, and daily life. Yoga, meditation, and choosing right over easy were not lessons—they were lived. Freedom paired with responsibility has always defined Bharat.”
A New Bharatiya Identity Abroad
“Globally, Indians are proud yet rooted, carrying culture, knowledge, and work ethic with quiet strength. Being Indian today means leading and collaborating without apology.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“Value Indian art, craft, and ideas. Kolhapuri chappals deserve respect like any global brand. To youth, especially women: start now. Failure is a beginning, not the end.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“I dream of a Bharat where youth embrace culture, honor craftsmanship, and build fearlessly. Choosing right, taking responsibility, and moving forward is the true Indian way. Bharat has always led—it’s time we believe it again.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
‘Dal’, rice, ‘kadhi chawal’, and ‘rajma chawal’ were my comfort foods growing up.
NOW
The choice hasn’t changed. I enjoy pizza or pasta sometimes, but still need dal and rice.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I didn’t play sports much as a child. I was deeply focused on my studies.
NOW
Yoga has been part of my life. It’s something I never miss.
Music Tastes
THEN
I loved folk and spiritual music. Raganis and local singers left a strong impression on me.
NOW
I still prefer devotional music. I chant regularly and listen to Krishna Das.
Holiday Life
THEN
Holidays meant time with my father.
NOW
It’s a pause from routine. They help me reflect, plan, and reconnect with myself.
Leisure Habits
THEN
I always loved travelling. I never liked sitting still.
NOW
I still enjoy visiting farms, being around nature, and keeping myself moving forward.
AKA
Preety Singh Founder SónChiraiya | Founder SónChiraiya Preety Singh | Social Entrepreneur Preety Singh | Craft Brand Founder Preety Singh
