One woman. One sewing machine. ₹8,000. And a dream that stitched Meena Bindra, its way into every Indian wardrobe.
You’ve probably walked past a BIBA store in a mall or seen their bold prints on social media. Maybe you’ve even worn one of their effortlessly elegant kurtas. But chances are, you’ve never heard the story behind the brand — the woman who built it from her dining table, with zero funding, no fashion degree, and no business plan.
That woman is Meena Bindra, and her newly released memoir A Stitch in Time finally tells the story India has long needed to hear.
This blog is your front-row seat into how Meena Bindra went from homemaker to business icon — building BIBA, now valued at over ₹600 crore — and how her journey continues to inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs.
The Memoir That’s Turning Heads and Tearing Down Myths About Age, Ambition, and Womanhood
In A Stitch in Time, Meena Bindra offers a raw, refreshing take on building a business in India — without glamor, jargon, or overnight success. Instead, what we get is something much rarer: a brutally honest, deeply personal account of how dreams come to life, one stitch at a time.
She started BIBA in 1982, at the age of 39, with ₹8,000 borrowed from her husband. Working from home while raising two sons, she began by designing and stitching ethnic suits in her living room. With no business degree, no investors, and no playbook — just passion, grit, and intuition — Meena built BIBA into a national powerhouse.
The book traces her path from those humble beginnings to transforming BIBA into a beloved household name in ethnic wear — all while juggling the complex roles of mother, wife, designer, and entrepreneur.
This Isn’t Just a Book — It’s a Business Masterclass, a Life Story, and a Love Letter to Indian Women
Released in 2024, A Stitch in Time became an instant bestseller across India. The launch event in Mumbai was attended by top names in fashion, media, and business. Media outlets like NDTV, Vogue India, CNBC TV18, and Business Today quickly spotlighted the book, calling it one of the most authentic business memoirs of the decade.
Why it’s making waves:
- Written in Meena Bindra’s own voice — warm, conversational, and unapologetically real
- Reflects the emotional labor of women entrepreneurs
- Shows how Indian tradition and modern business can co-exist beautifully
- Gives practical insights into retail, design, branding, and resilience
“At 39, people thought I was too late to begin. I just thought I was finally ready.” – Meena Bindra
BIBA Wasn’t Just a Brand — It Was a Revolution in Indian Retail Fashion
Before BIBA, women had to either stitch their suits at home or rely on expensive tailors. Ready-to-wear ethnic fashion for women? Practically unheard of. That’s where Meena Bindra came in — combining style, tradition, and convenience in a way no one else had.
Key Facts About BIBA:
- Founded: 1982
- Initial Capital: ₹8,000
- Current Valuation: Over ₹600 crore
- Retail Presence: 250+ stores across India
- Product Range: Women’s ethnic wear, kidswear, fusion collections
- Collaborations: Bollywood films like Devdas, Baghban, and Band Baaja Baaraat
Today, BIBA is one of the top-selling ethnic fashion brands in India, and a case study in brand building rooted in Indian aesthetics and female consumer insight.
What Makes Meena Bindra’s Story So Powerful for Women Entrepreneurs?
Meena Bindra didn’t just build a brand — she built a blueprint for every woman who’s ever been told she’s too late, too old, too “domestic,” or too emotional to make it in business.
How she continues to empower women:
- Actively mentors young female entrepreneurs and designers
- Champions artisan-led production models, hiring women in BIBA’s supply chain
- Regularly speaks at women-focused summits, including FICCI FLO, TiE Women, and TEDx
- Advocates for financial independence for homemakers in interviews and workshops
Her story isn’t loud or flashy — but it’s quietly radical, especially in a society where women are often expected to sideline their dreams after marriage or motherhood.
“You don’t need to shout to succeed. You just need to start — and stay true to your craft.” – Meena Bindra, CNBC Interview
The Book That Everyone’s Talking About: What Readers and Critics Are Saying About A Stitch in Time
Critical Acclaim:
“Elegant, emotional, and empowering — A Stitch in Time is the kind of book that leaves you thinking long after the last page.” – Business Today
“Meena Bindra’s voice is a breath of fresh air in a world of hustle and hype. This book is about grace, grit, and going your own way.” – Vogue India
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
Fan Reactions on Social Media:
“So relatable — a business book that finally speaks my language.”
“Started at 39, built a ₹600 crore brand, and stayed humble? That’s power.”
“Reading this and calling my mom to tell her she still has time to chase her dreams.”
Who Should Read A Stitch in Time?
This book is for anyone who has a dream — and doubts.
Especially if you’re:
- A homemaker wondering “what if?”
- A working woman craving a second act
- A young entrepreneur searching for direction
- A fashion enthusiast curious about Indian retail history
- Or simply someone who loves real stories of resilience
A Stitch in Time reminds us that business isn’t just about profits — it’s about purpose, passion, and people.
Where to Buy the Book (and Why You Should Grab a Copy Now)
A Stitch in Time is available in hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
You can get it from:
- Amazon India
- Flipkart
- Major bookstores like Crossword, WHSmith, and more
It also makes a fantastic gift — especially for the women in your life who are dreaming quietly but deeply.
FAQs About Meena Bindra and A Stitch in Time
Q: Is A Stitch in Time just for business readers?
No — it’s a personal story with life lessons, ideal for anyone who values authenticity and growth.
Q: Is the book available internationally?
Yes, you can order it via Amazon and Flipkart with international shipping.
Q: Is Meena Bindra still involved with BIBA?
While she has passed operational leadership to her son, Siddharth Bindra, she remains the creative soul and advisor behind the brand.
Q: Has Meena Bindra received any awards?
Yes, she has been honored by FICCI, Retail India, and featured in Forbes India for her pioneering work in fashion and entrepreneurship.
Meena Bindra Didn’t Just Build BIBA — She Rebuilt the Narrative Around Women’s Success
In A Stitch in Time, Meena Bindra proves that you don’t need a perfect plan or a fancy title to succeed — just a spark, a stitch, and the courage to keep going.
She’s not just a fashion entrepreneur. She’s a symbol of possibility for every woman who ever put her dreams on hold.
So, the next time you walk into a BIBA store, remember: behind those shelves of vibrant suits is a woman who quietly — and powerfully — changed the face of Indian fashion forever.
Grab your copy today and let Meena Bindra’s story inspire yours:
Buy on Amazon | Flipkart
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Author: Anjali Pandey
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