In the dynamic, fast-paced world of fashion, particularly in the off-price sector, success is not just about sourcing great deals; it’s about forming the right connections and staying ahead of market trends. Kenchen Bharwani, a fashion consultant of Indian descent at Empire Apparel LLC with 17 years of industry experience, has established herself as a leading figure in this arena—a rare accomplishment in a sector where women of Indian heritage are seldom seen. Known for her sharp insights, innovative strategies, and acute understanding of global market dynamics, Kenchen leverages her unmatched networking abilities to propel her clients and projects to the forefront of the competitive off-price fashion market.
Kenchen's journey through the off-price sector as a highly skilled and respected expert in the field, is a story of determination, leadership, and building relationships that span continents. Her expertise as a fashion consultant has driven her ability to cultivate critical partnerships, empowering both herself and the many women she has supported throughout her career. In this article, we explore how Kenchen’s networking strategies have helped her establish a global presence, build trust with international manufacturers and vendors, and empower women in the fashion industry.
1. Building a Global Presence
Kenchen's rise in the off-price fashion industry is deeply rooted in her ability to build a global network that trusts her expertise. Early on in her career, she recognized that success in the stocklot business—where unsold goods are resold at discounted rates—was not just about sourcing the right products but about fostering relationships with people across borders. Her ability to build trust with vendors, manufacturers, and buyers alike has been allowed her to diversify her sources which a major key to her success.
One of her first major milestones was when she helped a struggling woman-led business in Indonesia, PT Chandrishka Apparel Indonesia, to connect with international buyers. Kenchen’s strategic connections helped the business expand globally, creating a ripple effect in the industry. This marked the beginning of her journey as a connector and problem-solver. Her role in connecting this woman-led company with buyers from the USA, Canada, Dubai, and Russia proved that relationships are the foundation of business success.
What made Kenchen's global presence even more impactful was her commitment to using technology to further expand her network. She didn't just rely on traditional methods; she advised other women in business to leverage online trade platforms, allowing them to be found by international garment buyers. Through her efforts, she promoted women’s businesses and showed them how to take control of their careers, venture into international trade, and forge partnerships that transcended borders.
2. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
Kenchen’s global success is also attributed to her deep understanding of cultural nuances. When working across different countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Ethiopia, she adapted her approach to respect local customs, work styles, and challenges. Her cultural sensitivity has been instrumental in building strong, long-term partnerships with international manufacturers and vendors.
Her ability to navigate cultural differences came to the fore when she was invited by Pakistan’s Chamber of Commerce—an opportunity seldom extended to women in her field. This invitation, facilitated by a manufacturer she had worked closely with, opened doors in a male-dominated market. Her presence in Pakistan paved the way for more business opportunities and allowed her to create lasting relationships in the region.
Kenchen’s efforts have also made an impact on the lives of female workers in these countries. By forging strong relationships in regions where women often face barriers in business, she has helped shift perceptions of women in the workplace. This positioned
Kenchen as a trailblazer who not only secured business deals but also empowered women through breaking stereotypes and creating more opportunities for female workers and entrepreneurs, opening doors for them in the global fashion supply chain.
3. A Hands-On Approach
Kenchen’s success is not just about building relationships from a distance—she believes in a hands-on approach to every partnership she forms. This means visiting factories, meeting vendors in person, visiting relevant trade shows, and even training workers on-site. This personal involvement signals her long-term commitment to her partners’ success, setting her apart in an industry where short-term gains often take priority over long-term relationships.
Her hands-on approach directly influences the improvement of working conditions and skills for women in the industry. It particularly evident in her buying trips to countries like Pakistan - where she worked directly with an independent female-led inspection company to form an inspection team with her guidelines and standards. And during her trip to Ethiopia, she provided guidance to the technical detail requirements of the men’s activewear line production that she developed to the female factory workers as well as the quality control guidelines. This didn’t only gave them new knowledge to work with for other men’s activewear line project orders received by the factory, but also equipped them with the skills to succeed in the global market. This direct involvement fosters stronger bonds and creates more opportunities for the women she works with.
By training female workers and helping them develop valuable skills, Kenchen plays a crucial role in enhancing their employability and economic independence. Her on-the-ground efforts in these countries have made her a trusted figure who invests in the growth of the communities she works with, particularly for women who benefit from the knowledge and support she provides.
4. Transparency and Fair Negotiations
Kenchen has built her reputation in the off-price fashion industry on the principles of transparency and fairness—especially in negotiations. The off-price industry can be highly competitive, with tight margins and financial pressure on manufacturers when stores cancel orders or overproduce. Kenchen makes it her mission to ensure that the prices she negotiates are fair for both parties, creating a win-win scenario where manufacturers can minimize their losses and turn them into a revenue stream, and her company, Empire Apparel LLC, can make a solid return on investment.
Her ethical approach to negotiations, particularly with manufacturers from developing nations, has earned her a reputation as a reliable partner. In a world where many buyers prioritize their own profit margins, Kenchen ensures that her manufacturers are treated fairly, allowing them to stay profitable while maintaining sustainability. This is crucial in regions where factory owners, many of whom employ large numbers of women, need to minimize losses while still turning unsold stock into revenue streams.
Fair negotiations also build trust, and when manufacturers know they’re being treated fairly, they are more likely to prioritize Kenchen’s business. Her commitment to fair practices has resulted in manufacturers regularly referring her to other vendors and factories, further expanding her network.
5. A Network Built on Referrals and Recommendations
A large part of Kenchen’s success in building a global network comes from her ability to garner positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Her invitation to Pakistan’s Chamber of Commerce is just one example of how her reputation has opened doors that would typically be closed to others in her field—especially women. Her consistent integrity and fair dealings have led manufacturers and vendors alike to refer her to new partners, helping her network grow rapidly.
Through her networking, Kenchen has facilitated the growth of women-led businesses across the globe. The companies she supports, many of which employ large numbers of female workers, benefitted from the increased visibility and opportunities that come from being connected to her vast network.
A strong reputation built on referrals is one of the most powerful tools in business. Kenchen’s network gives her access to new markets and ensures her continued success, while also empowering other women in the industry to rise through the ranks, leveraging the relationships she has nurtured.
6. Long-Term Commitment and Consistency
Kenchen’s ability to maintain long-term relationships is a testament to her commitment and consistency. She understands that partnerships require time, trust, and a dedication to maintaining high standards of quality. This consistency has helped her partners rely on her even through changing market conditions.
For manufacturers in developing nations, this long-term commitment provides stability, which is particularly vital in regions where economic instability is a constant threat. By maintaining these strong relationships, Kenchen helps create job security and growth opportunities for female workers in the fashion supply chain. Her reliability has cemented her reputation as a leading figure in the off-price fashion industry, ensuring a steady flow of business and resources for her partners.
The Future of Networking in the Fashion Industry
Kenchen’s ability to leverage her network to empower women in the off-price fashion industry has far-reaching implications. By collaborating with female business owners, manufacturers, and workers in various countries, she has created a ripple effect of empowerment. Her work in the stocklot industry has opened doors for women across Asia and Africa, proving that strong connections can lead to meaningful change.
Through her efforts, women in every stage of the fashion supply chain have risen to leadership roles, negotiated better wages, and implemented ethical practices in their businesses. Her story serves as an inspiration to women worldwide who face similar barriers and are encouraged by her success.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, networking will remain a key driver of success—especially in the off-price sector. The relationships you build today could open doors tomorrow. For Kenchen, networking isn’t just a business tool; it’s a means to create a lasting impact on a global scale. Her legacy is one of empowerment, growth, and the transformative power of relationships.
In the world of off-price fashion, where quick decisions and strong partnerships are vital, Kenchen Bharwani has proven that networking is more than just a way to do business—it’s a way to change lives. Her journey exemplifies how the right connections and a dedication to fostering meaningful relationships can propel anyone to the top of the global off-price fashion industry. Through her insights and strategies, she is paving the way for the next generation of leaders to build their own empires—just as she has.
