Kakali Biswas, founder of Dora by Phoenix has been gaining popularity for her creative take on traditional sarees. Kakali and her daughter Medha are quite the mother-daughter duos in designing and creating luscious, quirky, innovative sarees. They focus primarily on the Bengal handlooms, one of the classiest, evergreen weaves that are yet to receive their proper due. Owing to the out-of-the-ordinary blend of traditional weave and quirky designs, Dora by Phoenix has won the hearts of saree wearers all over India.
Behind her success
After enduring an unhappy marriage, Biswas eventually found the strength to divorce her partner. As a single mother, she wholeheartedly raised her daughter. However, she had to suppress her true passion and talents to provide for her family, opting to work in the finance industry for a grueling 20 years.
In 2019, everything changed for her at the age of 50. Feeling a deep yearning to pursue her lifelong dream, she made the courageous decision to leave behind her corporate job, taking comfort from the fact that her daughter would be financially secure from her earnings. She knew it was time to create the sarees of her dreams, and with that determination, she founded “Dora by Phoenix,” Her extensive experience in finance and business came in handy as Kakali embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with confidence, aspirations and with a passion to make it big.
Why the name “Dora by Phoenix”?
Kakali had more than one reason for the offbeat name. “Dora by Phoenix was named after my mother, who had a deep love for sarees. So when I was starting a business based entirely on sarees, naming the business after her, of course, seemed fitting!” said Kakali, during an interview for the Pili Taxi Exhibition in Kolkata. Kakali also found a connection with the cartoon character “Dora the Explorer.” As a child, she identified with Dora’s rebellious and free-spirited nature. This connection resonated with her entrepreneurial spirit and drove her to embrace a similar adventurous mindset.
Additionally, Kakali also added “by Phoenix” into the name due to her Instagram handle @phoenix_stories. Inspired by the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, she drew parallels between her journey and the phoenix’s ability to emerge from dark moments. Having endured tough experiences in her life, she saw herself as rising above those challenges and pursuing her true passion, making her business one of the most creative and thought-driven ventures in India.
What makes Dora by Phoenix truly special?
Dora by Phoenix stands out as a unique venture where every saree carries a captivating story infused with high vibrant energy woven into the fabric. While fully immersed in the world of saree designing and entrepreneurship, Kakali Biswas manages to prioritize her happiness by pursuing her hobby of traveling and wildlife photography.
Kakali’s passion for wildlife serves as a primary muse for her artistic creations, resulting in sarees that incorporate breathtaking landscapes and majestic animals. From her elegant hand-embroidered silk sarees to her interesting Bella ciao saree, her work is truly one of a kind. With such unique and offbeat designs, Dora by Phoenix has not only captivated traditional saree wearers but has also piqued the interest of urban women. The brand’s distinctive appeal and unconventional approach have resonated with a wider audience, drawing the attention of women seeking something truly extraordinary.
Story of the tigress saree
A friend’s mother had a rather interesting story about how she met Kakali. A few months back, at a Pili Taxi Exhibit, Kakali set up her stall full of signature sarees next to many other designer brands. Her intricate designs caught the eyes of many women at the exhibition, curious about one particular saree, the one with a tigress head on it. When enquired about the inspiration behind the artistry, Kakali began reciting the legend of the Queen of Ranthambore, Machali the tigress. Being a wildlife enthusiast, Kakali had followed this tigress for years, photographing this magnificent creature anytime she could. She conversed well with my friend’s mother as they shared the same love and admiration for the celebrity tigress. Kakali offered to design a saree for her, to which my friend’s mother instantly agreed. A couple of months later, the saree arrived. She added her flare and creativity, doing the saree complete justice.
A captivating story unfolds as the threads of Kakali Biswas’s incredible journey interweave with the vibrant tapestry of Dora by Phoenix. With each meticulously crafted design, the brand continues redefining the essence of elegance and individuality in sarees. Kakali stands as a testament to the power of following one’s dreams, proving that one can soar to incredible heights through passion, creativity, and an unwavering spirit. The journey of Dora by Phoenix is far from over, and the future holds infinite possibilities for this remarkable saree diva, wildlife enthusiast, and successful entrepreneur. With a better online presence and advertisement, the sky is the limit for Dora by Phoenix.
