Celebrating Inclusive Innovation in Fashion: Navi Parmanand's Inspiring Journey
Navi, Founder of Celebrate Your Curves and Ifeanyi Emesih, CEO of My East Coast Experience.
In the heart of Atlantic Canada, a fashion revolution is underway, led by Navi Parmanand, the visionary behind the body-positive brand "Celebrate Your Curves." Fresh from her recognition as one of Atlantic Canada's Most Inspiring Immigrants, Navi shared her remarkable journey with Kenechukwu, shining a light on her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to inclusivity.
From navigating a new culture to launching a fashion line that is redefining beauty standards, Navi's story is a testament to resilience, triumph, and a groundbreaking entrepreneurial spirit. Her mission has created ripples across the community, bringing forward conversations about diversity, innovation, and acceptance in fashion.
Cultural Heritage Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Navi's journey seamlessly intertwines her rich cultural heritage with innovative technology. As an immigrant woman of colour, she has uniquely positioned herself to address the challenges of blending cultural authenticity with modern advancements. At the core of her brand, Celebrate Your Curves, is the celebration of diversity and the commitment to ensuring every individual feels represented. This commitment is reflected in initiatives like her adaptive clothing lines designed for individuals with mobility needs and her innovative 3D body measurement tool, which makes personalized fashion accessible to people of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.
Panel at ONSIDE December 2024 Connector
"The 3D body measurement tool we're developing is a game-changer," Navi explains. "It's about using technology to make fashion more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels confident and beautiful in their clothes." This innovative approach reflects her dedication to leveraging technology to break down barriers and create a more inclusive fashion industry. Currently, this tool is being developed in collaboration with a company in India, and Navi hopes to secure additional funding to enhance its accessibility features, particularly for people with disabilities.
Redefining Beauty, One Curve at a Time
Navi's vision is not just about creating fashionable clothing—it’s about challenging societal norms and redefining beauty standards. Celebrate Your Curves is more than a brand; it’s a movement fostering empowerment through impactful community events, body-positive workshops, and advocacy efforts that challenge societal norms and celebrate diversity. Through her work, Navi empowers individuals to embrace their bodies and see beauty in their unique forms.
"The fashion industry has long been exclusive," Navi states. "We're here to change that. Our upcoming fashion show will feature models of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, proving that beauty comes in all forms." By showcasing the diversity of the human experience, Navi’s brand challenges stereotypes and fosters a culture of acceptance and empowerment. This September, she plans to host a one-of-a-kind fashion show and business expo to celebrate inclusivity and diversity in fashion.
Navi at ONSIDE’S Vendor Pop up Market
A Future of Fashion, Shaped by Inclusivity
The future of Celebrate Your Curves is as bold and innovative as its founder. Navi’s aspirations include expanding adaptive clothing lines, launching a winter jacket collection for all sizes, and collaborating with organizations like Diabetes Canada. As someone living with Type 2 diabetes, Navi is deeply connected to initiatives like Diabetes Canada’s Pump Couture show, where she will both design and model adaptive clothing, demonstrating her commitment to accessible and inclusive fashion.
Her vision for a fashion landscape that values every voice and every story is grounded in her commitment to inclusivity. Navi also aims to collaborate with long-term care facilities to design affordable adaptive clothing for people with disabilities and mobility needs, further extending the reach of her brand’s mission.
"This award is not just for me," Navi reflects. "It's for every immigrant, every person of colour, every individual who has dared to dream. It's a reminder that our voices matter and that we can create a world where everyone celebrates their curves."
Through her entrepreneurial journey, Navi Parmanand exemplifies the power of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity. Celebrate Your Curves is a testament to what can be achieved when cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and a passion for diversity converge. Navi’s story inspires us to imagine a future where everyone, regardless of background, can stand tall and proud in their individuality.