By
Ina Yulo Stuve
on
4th November 2025
In this edition of Women Who Launch, we speak with Molly about the special connection she has with India and how Instagram helped tell her brand’s story in the most authentic way.
Indian craftsmanship has been loved and appreciated on the British Isles for centuries, featuring mostly in-home décor and furnishings. In recent years, the bold patterns created by the heritage art of Indian block printing have made their way into the fashion scene, with women of all ages donning breezy summer tops, skirts, and dresses showcasing the geometric shapes and nature-led designs that have long defined this traditional craft. One of the most prominent brands leading the charge is Pink City Prints. Named after Rajasthan’s rose-coloured capital, Jaipur, Pink City Prints works with skilled artisans to create handmade, small batch garments that celebrate the rich culture and beauty of India well beyond the South Asian nation’s shores.
Founded by Molly Russell in 2018, the sustainable fashion brand is underpinned by three pillars: community, celebration, and preservation, values that are evident in all aspects of the business. “When I first arrived in Jaipur, I met artisans who had learned their craft from generations before them - block printers, weavers, embroiderers - and I realised how special and unique their skills were,” says Molly. “I wanted Pink City Prints to give these techniques a platform, to show the world how much artistry and care goes into each piece, and to make sure those skills can continue to thrive.”
As someone whose passions leaned more towards art than business, Molly never envisioned she’d be living the life of an entrepreneur: “I studied Sculpture at The Glasgow School of Art and was fascinated by the process, how hands-on the art form is and the intricate steps required to bring a piece together. At the same time, I was obsessed with folk art and crafts of all kinds as I love pattern, print, and colour. I had no idea how this would all come together until I stumbled across the ancient craft of block printing on a trip to Jaipur,” she explains. Though best known for its summer dresses, Pink City Prints has since branched out into hand-loomed jackets, organic cotton occasionwear, and a Winter collection that highlights tartan and jewel tones.
What makes India so special to you?
The colours, the chaos, the craftsmanship. India is alive in every sense. The creative energy there is unlike anywhere else, and there’s a deep respect for the process of making things by hand. It’s also where my journey really began, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Which marketing channel has worked best for acquiring new customers?
Instagram has been huge for us. It’s such a visual platform, and storytelling is at the heart of what we do - showing the process, the people, the colours, and the clothes in motion. Our community grew organically through that type of storytelling, and word of mouth has been incredibly powerful too.
How do you go about designing a new collection?
It always starts in India. I spend time there gathering inspiration, working directly with artisans, experimenting with prints and colour. Then it’s about translating that into wearable, modern silhouettes, pieces that feel joyful but effortless. We go through several rounds of sampling, refining the fit, the fabrics, and the details until everything feels just right.
Do you have any tips for hiring and retaining talent?
I think people stay when they feel part of something meaningful. I look for people who genuinely care about the craft, who are happy to spin several plates at once, that’s the nature of a small business, and then I make sure they have room to grow and contribute creatively. Recognition and trust go a long way.
Is there a particular business skill you're trying to master right now?
Definitely scaling sustainably. As we grow internationally, it’s important to make sure we’re maintaining the integrity of our production and supporting our artisan partners properly. Balancing that with the realities of running a global business is something I’m constantly learning.
Do you have any mentors you look up to?
I’ve been lucky to have a few over the years. Early on, I met incredible craftspeople in Jaipur who taught me so much about patience and process. Since then, I’ve had friends in similar businesses who I’ve been able to bounce ideas off of and look to for advice. I’ve learned to ask for help and listen carefully.
Can you tell us more about how you expanded to the US?
We started by partnering with small boutiques who shared our values, which really helped introduce the brand to the right audience. Then we built out our online presence and adapted our website to make it easier for US customers to shop directly. It’s been a learning curve, especially around logistics and customer expectations, but it’s exciting to see how well the story resonates there.
What's next for Pink City Prints?
We’re focused on deepening our partnerships with artisans and continuing to push for more sustainable practices. I’d love to explore new product categories like knitwear, menswear, kidswear. There’s so much more we could be doing. We’re also building on our storytelling so people can see even more of the hands and hearts behind each piece. Growth for us isn’t just about getting bigger, it’s about getting better.
https://www.pinkcityprints.com/
@pink_city_prints
