What Does Being South Asian Mean to You?
As a South Asian American, fashion gave me a different kind of voice. It was a symbiotic relationship — the more confidence I gained in the space and personally, the more I could create the space for a South Asian voice. Fashion gave me the opportunity to increase representation of our unique culture but also create new forms of expression that personally relate to so many others like me.
What Does It Mean to Have Style Right Now?
Expression of personal style is difficult right now since the inspiration is limited to what's around us at home. There are many more constraints and fewer reasons, if you will, to get dressed up. However, it's important to still channel the feeling you want for yourself each day. It's important to dress the way you want to come across. The days that I am most tired are the ones I spend the most energy getting dressed. It helps me be more effective and get through my day with positivity! Since most of my meetings are virtual, I spend the most time on jewelry. I keep the tops simple and accessorize jewelry to brighten my mood!
The Best Piece of Career Advice You've Gotten?
When I was turning 24, my mentor at Disney, Paul Yanover, shared some insightful advice. He said that in your 20s, I was like a rocket ship. While it may seem that my career decisions were small, they made a big impact on my overall trajectory. I could be aiming for Venus and end up on Mars! It was important to know where I wanted to end up and really focus on making decisions to get me there. I shared this story with Elizabeth Segran, and it ended up being an inspiration for a book she just published The Rocket Years!
Something You Wish You Knew Before Starting Your Business?
I wish I knew how to better handle the stress of starting and helping run the business. I have developed methods to keep my perspective over the years. But at the beginning, it's hard to not let every issue, big and small, overtake your mindset. Clear prioritization and learning to stay even-tempered across the board is one of the most important parts of being in a leadership position.
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