Classy Neha Dawar in her own creation designs

“Lavish ornamentation, exotic imagery and regal styling are the words that describe Neha Karina,” she declared.

“NK is a one-stop shop that manufactures garments locally from start to finish with a touch of modern and Indian mix, with a middle eastern twist.” NK also comprises two jewelry lines, one basic and the other is bridal. There’s also a ready-to-wear line, men’s line, resort wear, a princess clothing line and a bridal line. Dawar also manufactures from the classic white bridal dress to the traditional red Hindu dress. Fabrics, beads and trimmings all come from various parts of the world, including Europe, the USA, the Middle East and India, she said.

Dawar, 25, holds a degree in marketing and is also a graduate from University of Trinidad and Tobago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. She qualified and trained in Indian classical arts and dance (kathak) in Delhi, India. “I have done many short courses in India on various topics such as styling, dyeing, hand embroidery and much more.” she said. Her fashion dream was in the making for five years, however, NK began operations one year ago, “after seeing the need for a different market within our little shores.” She explained: “We live in a small country with limitations, where we may see things and may want to look different.

Out there we have to compromise and maybe have the same thing someone else has, but shopping at NK we do timeless pieces that no one will have. So my inspiration came from always seeing women looking at magazines, movies and always wondering and trying to look a certain way and never achieve that look. Neha Karina offers that holistic change by offering value, styling and quality to our customers.

“If something does not look good on a client we tell them and suggest what would look good on them. Our brand connects with the client.” What makes her stand out? “I see myself as new and different to all the others, as I am a different aesthetic altogether, being the first of the brand in Trinidad. My ultimate goal is to create the brand on an international level.” She is also aiming to create a charitable foundation for children in the near future as well as give back to the community.

her designs, Dawar said in the beginning the public was confused as the brand itself is new.

“People tend to view Indian wear as something complicated. But to be honest, clothing and style comes from inside. If you having that particular expertise and knowledge you can achieve anything, I invested in my studies to be a designer and never stopped the growth. As such there is only room for improvement. I am happy with the growth I’ve had within the year. It has opened a lot of doors for me.” The young entrepreneur who started her career growth and planning from age 14 is also encouraging other youth to never give up on their dreams but to also save toward their goal.

She “I created goals and 90 percent of my life is work,” she said. “Neha Karina started from nothing and has been building up steadily. I have saved my earnings to build this dream, and I encourage my fellow youth don’t give up, save, save, save, even if it’s $1 TT, It will turn into $100 TT in no time.

That $1 may have no value sitting in the car but at the end of the day it can make you successful.”