About the Founders

Gowri Shankar

Born in Chennai and raised in Kumbakonam, Gowri’s upbringing in a family that cherished music and the arts shaped his appreciation for creativity. With an Engineering degree in Computer Science from SASTRA University, he carved out a successful career in IT across India, the United States, and Singapore. His entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified through the Vidyarthi Centre of Excellence for Arts & Fine Arts, where he integrates his tech expertise with a love for the arts, fostering talent and creativity.

Kalyani Gowri Shankar

Kalyani is a multi-talented artist, excelling in Carnatic vocal music, Bharatanatyam, and Veena. An M.A. in Music graduate from Queen Mary’s College, Chennai, she has dedicated over a decade to teaching and inspiring young minds. Her performances and collaborations reflect her versatility, while her keen eye for aesthetics has translated into a passion for fashion, where she meticulously curates  and hand-picks elegant outfits and accessories.

Together, Gowri and Kalyani’s love for fashion and belief in personal expression led to the creation of iole, with the mantra “Hand-picked Elegance.”

Samhita Gowri Shankar 

Adding another layer of creativity to the family is their 9-year-old daughter, Samhita. With a natural curiosity for technology and gadgets, she shares her father’s enthusiasm for innovation. When Gowri began designing T-shirts for iole, Samhita eagerly learned to use the design tools, quickly crafting her own remarkable creations that resonate with her generation.

Excited to showcase her talent, iole features Samhita’s designs in a range of T-shirts, jackets, and notebooks, capturing the vibrant spirit and creativity that defines the family.

At iole, we invite you to explore a thoughtfully curated selection of fashion pieces that reflect the elegance, artistry, and innovation inspired by Gowri, Kalyani, and Samhita. Join us on this exciting journey as we blend creativity, technology, and a love for fashion into every creation.