Kavita Parmar and Juana Martín launch Level 1 of the Entrepreneurship Education and Mentoring Programme for Artisan Fashion at CUNEF Universidad

Level 1 of the Entrepreneurship Education and Mentoring Programme for Artisan Fashion, organised in cooperation with the Spanish Fashion Academy Foundation (FAME), was launched on Thursday, September 25, at CUNEF Universidad. Kavita Parmar, designer, artisan and founder of the XTANT textile market, gave the opening speech. During her speech, she highlighted how this programme can help participants to build community, fostering a network of relationships which is one of the key pillars in an artisan’s work.

Ms Parmar (Gorakhpur, India) also highlighted the role played by artisans in society, stressing that if someone understands quality, it is artisans and, therefore, they must be the ones to define the economy of the future. She encouraged participants to start their own businesses, in the face of a future in which there might be no permanent jobs. “We have to free students from the fear of failure,” said Parmar, who stressed that “it’s impossible to innovate without failing.”

The opening events also featured the participation of Juana Martín, Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts 2024 and National Fashion Design Award 2025. The designer and businesswoman gave a conference on Friday, 26 September, detailing her work experience and delving into the creative process and the business aspects.

Ms Martín underlined the importance of truly understanding the different types of user needs that fashion must meet, at the same time, highlighted the value of creativity and design as drivers for demand and new cravings in buyers. The designer, who also considers herself an artisan, stressed the value of artisanal work, pointing out that it is our ancestors’ history and culture, our legacy to uphold.

To conclude, she gave participants some relevant advice: create your own identity, be true to yourself and understand the DNA of the brand you have created; know how to tell stories that build a universe for your brand; and get to know your clientele and build community.