In addition to Parsi New Year, 17th August, 2019, also marked the official launch of ‘Dhansak & Co.’ – the first Zoroastrian streetwear brand, which includes premium quality, limited-edition T-shirts, hats and phone cases, created by young Toronto-based Zoroastrians – Tanya Hoshi and Anaheez Karbhari, featuring Zoroastrian designs and cultural references.

The venture was first announced at the 7th World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in Los Angeles in July 2019, during the Shark Tank Event, hosted by the World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce. Tanya and Anaheez were the first to pitch and put on an impressive show, which included models walking the runway wearing their designs. By the end of the day, they walked away with six investment offers!

“I was completely taken aback by the support in the crowd. I was pretty emotional since I could feel the support and presence of the youth in that moment. It was a huge reminder of why we decided to make this company in the first place,” said Tanya. With these investments and some of their own savings, the two entrepreneurs have launched their first business venture!

“It’s intimidating, yet exciting to launch our first business. Will we make an impact? Will we have customers? Those questions are always running in my mind. But whatever the outcome, we are proud to do this,” said Anaheez.

During their presentation, Tanya and Anaheez shared that they decided to start this business as they constantly hear how the Zoroastrian religion is fading out, and that the youth is disinterested in identifying with their faith. Tanya decided she wanted to stay connected with our culture and do something fun and connect Zoroastrian youth around the world. She approached Anaheez, a talented graphic designer, and thus was born, ‘Dhansak & Co.’ Tanya’s filmmaking and e-commerce background combined with Anaheez’s graphic skills, make them the perfect pair to launch this business off the ground!

“Dhansak & Co. was created by Zoroastrians for Zoroastrians, to challenge the idea that we are diminishing and instead make ourselves more visible in popular culture. Showing Zoroastrian culture through the lens of modern streetwear — a style associated with an unapologetic, powerful boldness — Dhansak & Co. is for the Zoroastrian who wants to wear their identity on their sleeve and start conversations about their faith and community within the diaspora,” say Tanya and Anaheez, hoping that their brand makes Zoroastrians proud of their culture and connects them with each other.

Those interested could purchase designs at www.dhansakco.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. For those with design ideas or suggestions, Tanya and Anaheez look forward to your mails at: dhansakco@gmail.com. 

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Courtesy Parsikhabar