When arthritis left Soumita Basu with only 20% mobility, even something as simple as getting dressed became a daily battle. Traditional fashion had no space for bodies like hers and that painful realization sparked a revolution.
With just Rs 21,000, and the unwavering support of her mother Amita, Soumita began sketching clothing that wasn’t just functional but stylish, dignified, and inclusive. They named their dream Zyenika, meaning graceful yet relentless like a hawk that rises, no matter the storm
Fashion That Heals Not Just Dresses
Zyenika creates adaptive wear using:
- Magnetic buttons & Velcro fastenings for easy dressing
Side zippers & concealed openings for people with arthritis or spinal injuries - No-bend trousers & custom fits for elderly and bedridden individuals
What seems like a small detail to many means independence to someone living with disability.
One mother shared how her child, who was about to quit school due to bathroom struggles, regained confidence thanks to Zyenika’s modified trousers. Another woman said, “I finally felt like myself again.”
A Business Built by a Village
Rather than following the typical startup model, Zyenika grew through community, compassion, and collaboration.
It is powered by:
✅ Women-led tailoring units
✅ Single mothers who stitch every garment with care
✅ Mentors, funders, and loyal customers who believed in their mission
“People call themselves self-made,” Soumita says. “I am village-made. This brand is built by everyone who believes that fashion should include not exclude.”
Normalising Comfort for All Bodies
What started as adaptive wear for people with disabilities soon expanded into mainstream easy-to-wear clothing loved by:
- Professionals with back pain
- New mothers
- Senior citizens
- Anyone who believes comfort shouldn’t be a luxury
Because inclusion isn’t a niche it’s universal.
The Mission Ahead
With talks underway with major retailers and plans to scale to ₹1.3 crore in revenue, Zyenika is on its way to becoming India’s leading inclusive fashion movement.
But success, for Soumita, isn’t measured in profits.
“Fashion shouldn’t force people to fit in. Clothes should fit every person.”
A Message of Hope
Soumita’s story is not just about clothing.
It’s about dignity. Independence. And the belief that everybody no matter how it moves deserves respect.
At Take Care International Foundation, we salute change-makers like Soumita and Amita women who turn pain into power, and innovation into impact.
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