Changemaker Interviews

Redefining Fashion: How Kenchen Bharwani Turns Excess into Opportunity

Published

12 months ago

March 23, 2025

Kenchen Bharwani didn’t just find a niche in the fashion industry—she built a movement. For over 17 years, she has been at the forefront of the off-price fashion world, proving that excess inventory isn’t waste; it’s potential waiting to be unlocked.

From Indonesia to New York, Kenchen’s journey is one of resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusion. She consults for Empire Apparel LLC, where she connects surplus stock from manufacturers to retailers, ensuring that high-quality fashion remains accessible while reducing industry waste. But her mission goes beyond business—she’s also a champion for women in global supply chains, pushing for their recognition and leadership.

From Surplus to Strategy

Kenchen’s career started with a simple yet powerful realization: just because something is unsold doesn’t mean it’s worthless. She saw brands sitting on excess inventory due to canceled orders, overproduction, or minor imperfections—items that still had value. By stepping in as the bridge between manufacturers and retailers, she transformed a common industry problem into a profitable and sustainable solution.

Her work isn’t just about moving products; it’s about reshaping perceptions. Off-price fashion has long been seen as an afterthought, a way to offload goods at a loss. Kenchen is changing that narrative, proving that when done strategically, it’s a win-win for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Success didn’t come easy. As a woman, a minority, and a newcomer in the competitive New York fashion scene, Kenchen faced skepticism at every turn. The industry’s top decision-makers were often men, and she had to fight for her place at the table.

But instead of backing down, she let her results speak for themselves—negotiating deals that saved brands millions, building global networks, and turning overlooked inventory into high-demand products. She immersed herself in international trade laws, market trends, and cultural nuances, ensuring she was always two steps ahead.

Empowering Women in Fashion Supply Chains

Kenchen’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. She is passionate about uplifting women in the industry, particularly those in production and supply chain roles who often go unrecognized. Whether advocating for fair wages, leadership opportunities, or ethical working conditions, she is determined to make fashion’s backbone—its workers—visible and valued.

Sustainability Meets Profitability

One of the biggest myths in fashion? That sustainability is expensive. Kenchen challenges this notion daily, proving that ethical sourcing and smart business strategies go hand in hand. By repurposing surplus inventory instead of discarding it, she reduces environmental impact while boosting profitability.

Through public speaking, media features, and industry mentorship, she’s inspiring brands to rethink their approach to inventory management. Her message is clear: fashion doesn’t have to be wasteful to be successful.

Lessons for the Next Generation

For those looking to break into the off-price fashion industry, Kenchen offers this advice:

Think beyond trends. Understanding supply chains, negotiation, and global trade is just as important as knowing what’s “in” this season.
Relationships matter. Trust is the currency of this business. Build strong networks and always operate with integrity.
Adaptability is key. The industry moves fast, and opportunities don’t wait. Stay resourceful, keep learning, and be open to new strategies.
Sustainability is the future. Consumers and retailers are demanding ethical solutions. The more you integrate sustainability into your work, the more relevant you’ll be.

The Future of Off-Price Fashion

Kenchen isn’t just participating in the off-price fashion industry—she’s shaping its future. She envisions a world where excess inventory is seen as an asset, not a burden, where quality fashion is accessible to all, and where women at every level of the supply chain receive the recognition they deserve.

Through her work, she’s proving that fashion can be profitable, sustainable, and inclusive all at once. And she’s just getting started.