(December 15, 2025) From the athletic tracks of Karnataka to the multicultural corridors of Dubai, Hazel June D’cunha’s journey spans sports excellence, corporate careers, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and spiritual seeking. Close to a decade in the tailoring business, the founder of Thread Up Tailoring & Boutique, tells Global Indian about a life based on discipline, creativity, faith, and reinvention. Rooted deeply in Indian values yet globally attuned, Hazel’s story is one of evolving, and where every phase of life has quietly prepared her for the next, and where success is measured as much in inner balance as in professional achievement.
Sports meets academia
A conscious creator and spiritual seeker based in Dubai, UAE, Hazel June D’cunha was born in Udupi, Karnataka, into a warm and close-knit Mangalorean Catholic family. Her formative years were spent at St Cecily’s High School, after which she graduated from MGM College under Mangalore University. “Sports shaped a large part of my early identity—I developed a passion for athletics at a very young age and went on to represent Karnataka in sprints and long jump. I became the Mangalore University champion and later a national medallist. Discipline, resilience, and the competitive spirit I gained through sports continue to influence every part of my journey today,” she recollects.
Corporate beginnings and global exposure
Hazel’s professional journey began with LIC of India, where she was appointed under the sports quota—a continuation of her athletic achievements. In 1996, she moved to the UAE, a country that already felt like home because her father had first arrived here in 1971. “My early career in the UAE began at Fast Rent A Car, followed by a meaningful role with Emirates Airlines in their Holidays Division. Marriage and motherhood brought a beautiful pause, and I dedicated those years to raising my children. Each phase of my career, whether corporate, personal, or entrepreneurial, has shaped me with patience, adaptability, and a sense of purpose,” she says. Living and working in the UAE gave her global exposure, cultural sensitivity, and the confidence to interact with people from all walks of life. “The multicultural environment broadened my perspective and helped me blend Indian values with international professionalism, something that later became the foundation of my brand,” she adds.
Threading it up
In 2016, she founded Thread Up Tailoring & Boutique in Jumeirah, the heart of Dubai. After years of nurturing a passion for fashion and textiles, she felt the desire to build something of her own—a space that brought craftsmanship, creativity, and personalised service together. Thread Up focuses on bespoke tailoring, upcycling, and conscious fashion, and over the last decade, it has grown into a trusted boutique for customised clothing, graduation gowns, couture pieces, and sustainable designs created with care and precision. The growing demand for bespoke tailoring in Dubai has also played a role. “Dubai is a city that values individuality and quality. Bespoke tailoring has a strong and growing presence here—customers appreciate personalised clothing, perfect fits, and unique designs. The market is competitive yet inspiring, and it motivates us to constantly innovate and elevate our craft,” she says.
Purpose beyond fashion
Fashion, she explains, has always been close to her heart. “I wanted to create a boutique that honoured craftsmanship and made customers feel confident and beautiful. My inspiration came from a mix of creativity, the satisfaction of creating something with my own hands, and the desire to offer personalised service in an industry often dominated by fast fashion,” she says. Her biggest motivation comes from her family, her clients, and her spiritual journey. “I am deeply immersed in kundalini yoga and meditation, which keep me grounded and connected to my purpose. I have also participated in the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, an experience that expanded my inner world,” she adds. A core life lesson she believes in is to stay rooted, stay authentic, and trust the journey—every stage of life prepares you for the next.
Future ready
Hazel believes in carrying Indian roots, values, and culture wherever one goes, consciously and with pride. “Our traditions, family values, and sense of community are deep and powerful, and I bring these into my work, my relationships, and my business every day,” she says. Her life, she reflects, has been a blend of sports, corporate experience, entrepreneurship, and deep spiritual exploration. “Each path has shaped me into who I am today, and I believe in continuously evolving—both personally and professionally. My future vision is to deepen my journey in yoga and meditation and to create awareness within my community about the importance of inner well-being. At the same time, I aim to continue expanding Thread Up as a space for conscious fashion and creative expression,” she adds. Looking ahead, she plans to expand Thread Up’s brand presence across the GCC, strengthening its footprint in key fashion-forward markets. “I also plan to enter the Indian market, beginning with Hyderabad, to bring bespoke tailoring, sustainable fashion, and premium craftsmanship to a wider audience,” she concludes.
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