Sanaullah Siddiqui
Sanaullah Siddiqui is an Indian entrepreneur from Lucknow and the co-founder of Poshak, a brand committed to preserving the traditional art of Lucknowi Chikankari. After leaving college during the COVID-19 lockdown, he gained industry experience and now leads Poshak, focusing on authenticity, quality, and providing meaningful employment to local artisans.
Early Life and Background
Sanaullah Siddiqui was born in 2001 in Lucknow, India, into a lower middle-class family with no prior business background. Growing up in a household where resources were limited, Sanaullah Siddiqui faced several challenges early in life. Despite these obstacles, he developed a strong passion for entrepreneurship and the cultural heritage of his hometown, particularly the art of Lucknowi Chikankari.
Education and Career Beginnings
Sanaullah Siddiqui's educational journey took an unconventional turn when he decided to leave college during the COVID-19 lockdown. Recognizing the importance of real-world experience over formal education in his chosen field, he began working at a Chikankari manufacturing firm. For two years, he immersed himself in the industry, gaining insights into the intricacies of the craft and the challenges faced by local artisans. During this period, Sanaullah Siddiqui Observed a troubling trend: the rise of fast fashion was leading to the proliferation of inauthentic, machine-embroidered products, which not only compromised the quality of Lucknowi Chikankari but also threatened the livelihoods of skilled artisans.
Founding of Poshak
In response to these challenges, Sanaullah Siddiqui, along with his best friend Shahnara Siddiqui, co-founded Poshak—a brand dedicated to preserving the authenticity of Lucknowi Chikankari. The mission of Poshak is twofold: to provide consumers with 100% handcrafted Chikankari clothing that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow and to offer meaningful employment opportunities to local artisans, ensuring that their traditional skills are valued and sustained.
Under Sanaullah Siddiqui's leadership, Poshak has established itself as a brand committed to quality and authenticity. Every product is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, with a focus on maintaining the traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. This commitment to craftsmanship has allowed Poshak to distinguish itself in a market flooded with mass-produced alternatives.
Role and Responsibilities
As one of the founders of Poshak, Sanaullah Siddiqui plays an active role in overseeing all aspects of the business. His responsibilities include product development, quality control, marketing, and customer relations. He is deeply involved in ensuring that every item produced by Poshak meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Additionally, Sanaullah Siddiqui’s is passionate about maintaining a direct connection between the brand and its customers, believing that transparency and trust are key to Poshak's success.
Public Speaking and Recognition
Sanaullah Siddiqui’s dedication to preserving the heritage of Lucknowi Chikankari and supporting local artisans has not gone unnoticed. He was recently invited to speak as a panellist at the prestigious Ekumbh event organized by UniCommerce. This event brought together entrepreneurs and startups from across the country, providing Sanaullah Siddiqui’s with a platform to share the story of Poshak and its impact on both the fashion industry and the local artisan community. His participation in this event highlighted his role as a young entrepreneur committed to making a difference through sustainable and culturally rich business practices.
Legacy and Vision
Sanaullah Siddiqui’s journey from a college dropout to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience, passion, and commitment to his roots. Through Poshak, he aims to continue preserving the traditional art of Lucknowi Chikankari while providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills on a global stage. His vision for the future includes expanding Poshak's reach to a wider audience, while maintaining the core values of authenticity, quality, and cultural preservation.