8 April 2026 marked an inspiring and impactful session as Karan Shah, representing DesignerHub, was invited to conduct a branding workshop at JD Institute of Fashion Technology.
With a vibrant group of 35 students—primarily from Fashion Design along with aspiring Interior Designers—the room was filled with curiosity, ambition, and creativity.
The Beginning: A Room Full of Future Founders
The session kicked off with a simple yet powerful question:
“How many of you want to start your own studio or brand?”
Almost every hand went up.
That moment set the tone.
It became clear that these weren’t just students—they were future entrepreneurs, ready to build something of their own. From there, the workshop dived deep into breaking down how branding actually works in the real world.
Understanding Branding Beyond the Logo
Through real-world examples from fashion and interior design industries, students explored the true meaning of branding.
They discovered that branding is not just about logos or colors—it goes far deeper.
It includes:
- Vision & Mission
- Storytelling & Emotions
- Tone of Voice
- Unique Differentiator (USP)
- Target Audience
- Brand Personality
By analyzing existing designer brands, students began to see how strong branding influences perception, trust, and ultimately, business success.
When Branding Meets Marketing
A key takeaway from the session was understanding how branding and marketing go hand in hand.
To make this concept practical and engaging, students participated in an activity where they imagined themselves as brand owners.
They were asked to:
- Visualize their own brand
- Create a brand name
- Define their color palette
- Identify their USP
- Think of a unique marketing strategy
The energy in the room shifted instantly—ideas flowed, creativity peaked, and the activity turned into a fun yet insightful experience. It allowed students to step into the shoes of a real entrepreneur.
Building Identity in the Digital Age
The session was further enriched by insights from Sonal Agarwal, who guided students on the importance of starting early in the digital space.
She emphasized:
- Starting an Instagram presence from college itself
- Becoming an influencer in your niche
- Understanding how designers position themselves uniquely
- Exploring multiple avenues that contribute to business success
Her session helped students realize that visibility and consistency are just as important as skill.
Crafting Their Own Voice: Elevator Pitch Activity
One of the most impactful moments came when students were guided to create their 1-minute elevator pitch.
This activity helped them:
- Clearly express who they are
- Define what they do
- Communicate their value confidently
For many, this was the first step toward building a strong personal identity as a designer.
A Reality Check: Do We Really Observe Brands?
To wrap up the session, students were given a simple yet eye-opening challenge:
“Can you recall taglines of famous brands in your domain?”
Surprisingly, most couldn’t.
This sparked an important realization—
being a designer is not just about creating, but also about observing, analyzing, and learning from the world around us.
Final Thoughts
The workshop wasn’t just about branding—it was about shifting mindsets.
From thinking like students to thinking like brand owners.
From focusing only on design to understanding business, positioning, and identity.
At DesignerHub, the goal has always been to bridge the gap between learning and real-world application, and this session was a step in that direction.
A big thank you to JD Institute, Hyderabad for the opportunity and to all the students for their enthusiasm and participation.