Shilpa Sugunan | Designing Dreams

On the serene island village of Kumbalangi, a group of enthusiastic youngsters came together regularly, painting vacant walls in colors, cleaning the water tank at the local school, and raising small funds to buy books, bags, and stationery for underprivileged children. It was the spirit of the Rubix Arts & Sports Club—simple acts, driven by care and community. Among them was a gleeful young girl , quietly taking it all in, shaping not just her surroundings but the beginnings of her own creative journey. 

“I never imagined I’d study design someday,” Shilpa recalls. “Back then, there was limited access to information and hardly any career guidance.” After finishing school, unsure of what path to take, she pursued a one-year course in tourism. A brief stint as a tour consultant followed, but something felt missing. It was a member from the Club, who first suggested that design was even an option—a possibility she hadn’t considered before. The first spark was born. Design felt like a natural fit, especially for someone who didn’t see herself as academically inclined. But the path ahead was far from easy. 

Shilpa discovered the NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) entrance exam almost at the last minute, leaving her with barely any time to prepare. Still, she decided to take the challenge head-on and enrolled in a two-week crash course. As she rushed through the basics, she found herself face-to-face with completely new concepts—like “perspective drawing”—terms she had never even heard before.  Disheartened at not having fared well in the exam, she began looking for other options.

Around then, a friend told her about the World University of Design. The thought of entering a completely new field, along with the burden of high fees, felt overwhelming. No one in her family had ever experienced something like this before, and she was even made to feel that she did not deserve such an opportunity. Shilpa knew she was taking a big risk. Yet, with the unwavering support of her mother and brother, she set out for Haryana, determined to face whatever came next and begin a bold new chapter in her life. 

During the four years of her B.Des. in Textile Design, she often felt like a fish out of water. Having spent her early formative years in a Malayalam-medium school, she struggled to communicate in English. By the time she reached her final project, she tried to follow the expected path and took up an unpaid internship at a factory in Noida. But something didn’t feel right. Working in a warehouse filled with smoke and fire felt unsettling; but more importantly, she found herself out of sync with their ideas, and the environment. 

In a difficult but defining moment, she chose to leave. She dropped her internship, packed her bags and returned to Kumbalangi. It wasn’t an easy decision, but by then, she was certain of what she did not want. She found herself longing for a sense of rootedness, community, and joy that fueled her innate creativity. Back in her emotional ecosystem, she created her own collection for her graduation project: one that was honest, personal, and ultimately appreciated by all.

Shilpa strives to stay deeply connected to her inner creative spirit. While many of her classmates chose to work with established brands like Myntra or Fabindia—where roles are defined and systems already in place—she consciously leans toward the uncertainty that comes with creative freedom. For her, the occasional discomfort of disagreement and exploration feels more meaningful than the predictability of a corporate setup.

“Design, at its core, is problem-solving,” she says. “It’s not just an aesthetic addition that can be easily overlooked.”

Shortly afterwards, she began taking on freelance projects and any work that came her way, determined to keep up with the mounting financial responsibilities. It was this very conviction that enabled her to seek out a place for herself at Thudippu Dance Foundation, where she now takes on both creative and administrative responsibilities. Although her association with Thudippu spans many years, stepping into an official role has brought her a deep sense of fulfillment.

“I don’t see myself as a designer; I prefer to think of myself as someone who loves and works with art.” 

Shilpa enjoys the process of creating so much that she often ends up with two versions of the same project. She begins with a design based on the client’s brief, but doesn’t stop there—she keeps refining it until it meets her own sense of satisfaction. In the end, she shares both versions with the client, and more often than not, they find themselves drawn to her take, she says with a laugh. 

However difficult her university years were, they also taught Shilpa something invaluable—a newfound love for her body. Growing up, she rarely received compliments and was often berated for her skin tone. But the exposure and experiences she gained during university and from her friends slowly changed that perspective. Today, she embraces modeling—posing, shooting, and styling with confidence. With a growing presence on Instagram, she sees this not as something separate, but as an extension of her creativity. For Shilpa, it’s all part of the same journey of expression, no different from any other art form she pursues.

“As a child, I used to dream that I’d become famous one day,” she chuckles. Back then, it felt like the only way people would truly listen to her. Today, that dream has taken on a deeper meaning.

Many people in her locality still see her as a “tailor” rather than a “textile designer.” Shilpa hopes to one day visit local schools in her community, offering career guidance and opening young minds to the many possibilities the world holds. More than recognition, she seeks to bridge gaps, connect with people who matter to her, and inspire others to dream big. 

Even as she admits she still isn’t quite sure how to define her career, one thing is certain; Shilpa’s  journey is driven by determination and dedication, qualities that have helped her build not just a body of work, but a way of life rooted in creativity. Along the way, she has learned to adapt, picking up essential survival skills that continue to guide her path. A strong advocate for sustainability, Shilpa believes in creating with purpose—where art is not only an outlet, but a source of pure joy.