Today we’d like to introduce you to Smitha Bobby Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for sarees began in childhood, watching my mother drape her own with such perfection and grace. I was always fascinated by how a single piece of fabric could so beautifully transform a person. Whenever she undraped a saree and set it aside, I would secretly wrap it around myself, walking around with the pride of someone who had achieved something extraordinary. That joy has stayed with me ever since.
For those unfamiliar with this attire, a saree is a traditional garment from the Indian subcontinent, typically consisting of five to nine yards of fabric elegantly draped around the body. The look is defined by two key elements: the pleats, which are the neat folds tucked at the waist to allow for movement and grace, and the pallu, the ornamental end of the fabric that is draped over the shoulder.
As I grew older, this passion followed me to weddings and church functions here in the Austin and Round Rock area. I found myself naturally helping friends and family adjust their silks and find their confidence. Over time, I developed a keen eye for the technical details—from the precise fall of the pallu to the crispness of the pleats. What truly fulfilled me wasn’t just the drape itself, but the visible shift in how a woman carried herself once she felt “put together.”
Last year, at a local event, I helped several young girls who were wearing sarees for the very first time. I witnessed a total transformation: the comfort in their movements, the confidence in their smiles, and the pride on their parents’ faces. It was a special moment that crystallized my purpose. I realized there was a vibrant community of women in Central Texas who wanted to honor their roots but needed a modern, professional hand to help them do it.
Draping a saree is a challenge, even for those who have done it for years. The true comfort of the garment lies in how it is structured and secured to the body. That day, a parent asked me, “Why don’t you start a business? You are so passionate and clearly gifted at this.” That question echoed in my mind all the way home.
That same evening, I created my Instagram page, and by nightfall, my family helped me choose the name: Twist of Tradition by Smitha Bobby.
My mission is to provide a modern take on traditional draping—incorporating contemporary styles and innovative techniques like pre-pleating—to ensure my customers feel both comfortable and unstoppable. Beyond the technical side, I am deeply committed to spreading the beauty of the saree to our youth and first-time wearers. I want to demystify the process for the next generation, showing them that they can embrace their heritage with ease and modern flair. What began as a childhood fascination has grown into a journey of helping the women of Austin and beyond feel elegant, confident, and deeply connected to our beautiful tradition.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but the challenges have only deepened my love for what I do. Like any small business built from a place of deep personal passion, the journey has required immense discipline and heart.
One of the biggest hurdles is the delicate balancing act. By day, my world is defined by clinical precision and scientific rigor. I am a Pharmacist with an MBA, and my career has been dedicated to high-level research in Electrophysiology and Oncology. When I’m not at work, I am a wife and a mother to two teenagers.
You might wonder how someone moves from the high-stakes world of cancer research to the creative world of textile styling. For me, it isn’t a “switch”—it’s a synergy. My background in science gives me a “surgical” eye for detail, while my role as a mother and wife keeps me grounded. Transitioning from a day of research to an evening of saree draping is where I find my peace. There are many late nights spent pre-pleating sarees after a full day of work, but because this is my “soul-work,” the passion keeps the exhaustion at bay. I don’t just drape fabric; I am engineering confidence.
Another challenge has been overcoming the “simple” misconception. Because many people grew up seeing sarees draped at home, they assume it’s a quick task. But for me, professional draping is an art of architecture. I view every drape through the lens of symmetry and structure. It’s about ensuring the garment is secure enough for a client to move, breathe, and dance in for twelve hours while looking as crisp as a custom-tailored gown. Educating people that this is a specialized skill—one that combines my analytical brain with my creative heart—has been a major part of my journey.
Of course, there were moments of self-doubt. I wondered if a “niche” passion would be taken seriously. But every time I see a client catch her reflection and stand a little taller, it reminds me that this is my calling. These challenges haven’t just grown my business; they’ve grown my faith. I’ve learned that you don’t have to choose between being a scientist and an artist—you can be both, especially when fueled by a passion that honors your heritage.
We’ve been impressed with Twist Of Tradition by Smitha Bobby, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a professional saree draper specializing in elegant, occasion-ready styling for women of all ages. My work is where the precision of my background in Oncology research meets the soulful artistry of my Indian heritage. I focus on creating neat, well-structured drapes that aren’t just beautiful—they are “event-proof.”
What I Do:
Currently, I provide expert, on-site draping for brides, wedding guests, and cultural galas across Austin, Round Rock, and the surrounding Central Texas areas. However, my vision for Twist of Tradition goes far beyond city limits. Through my professional pre-pleating and boxing service, I am able to “set” a saree with permanent, perfect pleats and ship it anywhere. My goal is to expand these services to women across the entire United States, ensuring that no matter where you live, you have access to a flawless, ready-to-wear saree experience.
The Transformation:
I especially love working with first-time wearers and the younger generation. There is often a lot of anxiety about a saree being “too heavy” or difficult to manage. I see it as my mission to demystify the garment. When I finish a drape, I don’t just want my client to look graceful; I want her to feel like she can dance, walk, and breathe easily. I am not just draping fabric; I am engineering confidence.
What Sets Me Apart:
What truly distinguishes my work is a “family-first” philosophy. I treat every client as if I am dressing my own daughter or sister. Because of my career in Pharmacy and Research, I am naturally obsessed with the details—every pin is placed with intention, and every pleat is measured for symmetry. I combine these rigorous standards with a warm, patient approach that puts my clients at ease during the high-energy morning of a wedding or event.
What I am Most Proud Of:
It’s that “mirror moment.” There is a specific light in a woman’s eyes when she realizes she looks like a queen but feels as comfortable as if she were in her favorite dress. Many of my clients tell me they never imagined they could feel so “light” in six yards of silk. Knowing that I’ve helped a woman—whether she’s in Austin or across the country—connect with her culture while feeling empowered and beautiful is my greatest achievement.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Likes: “I absolutely love the ‘come as you are’ energy of the Greater Austin area, but my heart truly belongs to the peace we find at home in Liberty Hill. There is such a beautiful intersection of cultures here, and I love seeing how our community embraces diversity while maintaining that small-town, close-knit feel. My favorite way to start a day is a quiet morning walk near the Liberty Hill Sculpture Park or just enjoying the open skies of our neighborhood. It’s the perfect, serene contrast to the high-energy world of oncology research and the vibrant, bustling weddings where I spend my weekends.”
Dislikes: “Like every true Central Texan: the commute! Navigating the expansion of 183 or the I-35 traffic when I’m on a tight wedding schedule can be a bit of a thrill ride I could do without. I’ve also learned that the unpredictable Texas humidity is the ultimate test for saree pleats—which is why I’ve become so obsessed with the ‘engineering’ side of my work. I make sure my drapes stay crisp and secure regardless of the weather!”
On a Personal note:
Likes: The ‘Aha!’ moment when a first-time wearer realizes she can actually move and breathe in a saree; the intricate stories woven into handloom fabrics; and those rare, precious moments of laughter with my husband and two teenagers.
Dislikes: Seeing someone feel uncomfortable or restricted in their clothes. I believe fashion should be a source of power, not stress. I also have a professional ‘dislike’ for sagging pleats—to me, precision is a form of respect for the tradition.”
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