In a rapidly evolving world where fashion, technology, and social impact intersect, Gayathri Krishna is making waves with her innovative venture, Know Your Unknown (KYU). Through KYU, Gayathri is empowering small and medium-sized fashion businesses with AI-driven tools and digital strategies, while also creating opportunities for womenandpreserving India’s traditional crafts & creating jobs. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and purpose.
From Vision to Venture
Agraduate of Vignan Institute of Technology & Science with an advanced certification in image consulting from IAP Career College, London, Gayathri’s journey was not one shaped by asingle defining momentbutaseries of observations over time. She noticed that small fashion retailers, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, struggled with resources, infrastructure, and access to advanced business tools. At the same time, she realized that technology, particularly AI, could provide the perfect bridge to help these businesses thrive. Her passion for fashion, combined with a deep-rooted desire to create meaningful change, gave birth to KYU.
KYUis not just about fashion and styling. It is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support small fashion businesses. By offering AI- powered solutions, KYU helps small retailers set up their Profit & Loss (P&L) structures, manage critical data, and boost sales through advanced tools. Gayathri’s vision is clear: to revolutionize the fashion industry while creating a significant social impact.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The Indian apparel retail market is projected to reach US $108 billion by 2026, but Gayathri recognized that small businesses in this space were not fully capitalizing on this growth.
Larger fashion brands had access to digital strategies and AI-powered insights, but smaller retailers, particularly in smaller cities, were left behind. KYU was created to address this gap by offering technology solutions that empower these businesses to operate more efficiently and competitively.
Another challenge Gayathri sought to address was the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the retail sector, particularly in smaller towns. Recognizing the untapped potential of women in these regions, KYU creates job opportunities in retail operations and management, empowering women to become leaders within their communities. This dual focus on business growth and social responsibility is what makesKYUtruly unique.
Preserving India’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Beyond its technological innovations, KYU also plays a pivotal role in supporting traditional Indian crafts. The weaving industry, especially in rural areas, has been facing challenges due to modernization and lack of support. KYU allocates part of its resources to preserving and promoting these crafts, offering subsidies to weavers and helping them expand their production. This effort not only sustains India’s cultural heritage but also aligns with the company’s broader mission of combining tradition with modernretail innovation.
Building the Foundation with a Strong Team
Although KYU wasGayathri’s brainchild, the journey was not a solo effort. From the outset, she was fortunate to be surrounded by a network of subject matter experts and mentors from various fields who helped build the foundation of KYU. Experts from the retail, fashion, technology, and jewelry industries, along with C-level executives and VP-level leaders, guided her through the challenges of scaling the business. Their collective knowledge and support ensured that KYU was built on a solid foundation of creativity, technology, and business acumen.
Overcoming Challenges and Reaching Milestones
Like any startup, KYU faced its share of challenges. One of the first major hurdles was establishing a unique identity in the competitive fashion-tech space. Gayathri and her teamhadtocommunicateKYU’svision clearly—one that merged fashion, technology, andsocial impact in a meaningful way. Funding was another challenge. Bootstrapping the venture required persistence and strategic thinking, especially when testing different business models. However, securing the first paying client marked a breakthrough, validating KYU’s offerings and setting the stage for future growth.
Today, KYU generates revenue across multiple product and service lines, with a focus onexpansion. The company continues to reach more markets, offer new solutions, and grow while staying true to its mission of empowering fashion businesses and driving social change.
Looking to the Future
The future of KYU is bright. Gayathri envisions expanding the company’s product lines andfurther solving problems for fashion stores through innovative solutions. In the next five years, KYU aims to create more job opportunities for women, contribute to the sustainability of traditional crafts, and continue to grow its impact in the fashion-tech space.
Gayathri’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Network extensively, connect with the right people, and most importantly, don’t give up. Perseverance, she says, is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Conclusion: A Story of Purpose and Impact
Gayathri Krishna’s journey with Know Your Unknown (KYU) extends beyond the pursuit of business success; it’s about creating a lasting, positive impact. By empowering small fashion retailers, generating job opportunities for women, and preserving India’s traditional weaving & weavers, KYU is driving significant change in the fashion industry. The company’s unique blend of innovation and social responsibility sets it apart in a competitive market.
Gayathri’s story embodies resilience, passion, and purpose—serving as an inspiring modelfor entrepreneurs everywhere.We aim to boost visibility for KYU and spotlight our mission of integrating fashion, technology, and social impact. We are currently seeking to secure ₹5 crores in funding through Angel and Bridge rounds from potential investors. We also welcome outreach from influencers, media outlets, and organizations interested in collaborating with us or discovering more about ourinnovative and community-driven solutions. Additionally, we are seekingfashion-tech partners, wedding and event organizers, and retailers who align withour mission.
To learn more about KYUandGayathri Krishna’s journey, visit their Website or connectwith Gayathri on LinkedIn