Saskatoon woman transforming discarded saris, giving new purpose

Saskatoon fashion entrepreneur Satya Muktinutalapati is breathing new life into discarded traditional saris, creating skirts, dresses, and accessories. Originally from India, Muktinutalapati launched her company Rangeelaa ten years ago while living in Yorkton. Upon moving to Saskatoon in 2019, she chose to reuse traditional garments to produce her clothing, ensuring no fabric goes to waste. This practice has helped her save approximately 6,000 saris from ending up in landfills.

Muktinutalapati operates her business in Saskatoon, working with a team of 10 based in India. The team takes great care in crafting each piece, producing no more than two items per day due to the meticulous attention required. These slow fashion pieces are in high demand, with 80 percent of her customers residing in the United States.

However, recent American tariffs are significantly impacting her business, adding an extra 30-35 percent in customs fees. This has led to Muktinutalapati incurring losses this year, as she is not making any money due to the tariffs.

Despite the challenges, Muktinutalapati remains committed to her mission. She acknowledges the support of her customers, who appreciate the high-quality outfits she creates. Many of her customers have been loyal supporters since the company's inception in 2019. Additionally, Muktinutalapati has found joy in educating her customers about saris, helping them gain a deeper understanding of this traditional clothing.