A purple cart has popped up near DD Platinum Gate at Kathrikadavu in Kochi. Walk up to it and you will find a clothing alteration service centre tucked inside. Since opening a month-and-a-half ago, the brand Fix My Fit has been drawing customers from across Kochi. Sonali Thakur, the founder, says the idea was born out of the city’s lack of accessible alteration services. 

Under 10 minutes

Complete with a tailor, stitching unit and support staff, the fully equipped cart receives at least 50 walk-in customers a day. Open from 10am to 7pm, it offers quick fixes, with some alterations done in less than 10 minutes. 

A fashion designer and nutritionist, Sonali ventured into the clothing business after the birth of her daughter, for whom she started making dresses. It soon evolved into a full-fledged store, Tutu Mania, where she made customised theme-based ensembles for children and parents. 

During Covid years, she designed special cloth masks for children, with animal and super-hero inspired quirky patterns that made children want to wear them. “The masks were a huge hit, the orders came pouring in and I found myself shipping them across India,” says Sonali. 

However, post pandemic, Sonali briefly explored wholesale business before gradually winding down Tutu Mania, while retaining her tailoring unit. “As I was toying with ideas to start something new, this concept of alteration struck me. Unlike in the northern part of the country where one would find a ‘masterji’ at every street corner who would fix your clothes instantly, there were very few such centres in Kerala,” says Sonali, who hails from Jharkhand, but made Kerala her home. Having lived in Kerala for over 15 years, she knew this model would work especially as the demand for reusable and sustainable fashion were on the rise.

A network of skilled women

She works with a small team of 15 including tailors, staff and delivery assistants. Sonali is also gradually building a network of women tailors, who can contribute from their homes. “There are a number of women who are good at tailoring, but may not be in a position to work at a centre. This would be a great way to generate employment for skilled women,” says Sonali, who is currently training five women for the job.

From loosening to tightening, darning, replacing a frayed collar or changing the neck or sleeve pattern, or offering design interventions, Fix My Fit handles a range of services, says Sonali. The brand offers one-day stitching as well. Customers can opt for a pick-up and drop facility by filling out a Google form and sharing alteration requirements over WhatsApp or phone. They can also request a tailor visit at home. 

Sonali is delighted by the response Fix My Fit has been receiving, with a diverse customer base of men and women alike. 

Sonali plans to launch two more carts  – Kakkanad and Thevara – before expanding to other cities. She is also working on an app that will make booking alterations, pick-ups and tailor visits more seamless for customers.  

Fix My Fit can be contacted at 7907360049.