WOMEN WARRIORS |
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I love to explore new possibilities and work in an inspired mode while mostly designing to satisfy myself . I love taking risks and like to follow my own chosen path . I try to be a perfectionist and aim at achieving the impossible , always . I am inspired by life in general . I believe that every new day comes with new ideas , aspirations and dreams .
The journey ….
Today after 27 years , I still love my work and enjoy fashion immensely . I have always been supported and backed by my parents ; my passion for design helped me achieve whatever I have achieved till now . For a successful career , one should be self-motivated and should have self-confidence in oneself even if it includes breaking the norms . I have learned a lot and evolved tremendously as a designer and even more as a person . Today I have come a full circle and know what I should do and more specifically what not to do . I am very glad and proud to make my life the way it is at present . I have
to and hope I continue for many more years !
I have had the opportunity to turn my aspirations into my ambitions . To be able to make a living out of what you enjoy doing , is definitely an achievement in my perspective . Additionally , during this journey , I have been fortunate to have met and learnt from so many people . Some of whom have become lifelong friends .
The experience of working in this industry offers the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life . Right from the labour whose hard work is integral to working with CEOs , one learns tremendously about life actually ! I have been exposed to people from different cultures , age groups , learnt to appreciate that each individual has their own unique potential . Working with the millennials keeps me young and motivates me each day to be a better version of myself . My
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put my efforts achieving such heights where I stand today , as an international designer . Each experience taught me something new about life .
My creations are very versatile and are greatly influenced by my personal state of mind . I love to explore impossibilities . I have done many collections taking inspiration from different cultures . In the past 25 years , I have chased my dreams and worked on ambitious projects … There were many hindrances but I want to explore the impossibilities and work in an inspired mode only to satisfy myself and my passion .
Milestones of my journey …
High points in my life would be Paris and Scherrer . Back then , not many Indian designers had done shows in Paris , and for an Indian designer to be heading a French fashion house was an impossible dream . And being featured in one of the best international fashion forecast magazine ‘ Promostyl ’ has been truly
daughters joke that I am more fashion-conscious and social media-savvy than them . I owe it to the young and vibrant industry I am a part of .
Industry is sensitive to women …
I always cherish how my daughters tell everyone how proud they are of me and what I do . When I started working , it was not commonplace for women to work . My first employer was someone who not only gave me a professional opportunity but whose encouragement and confidence really helped me flourish at work and also manage my family . He offered me flexible hours , let me bring my daughters to work when there was no one to look after them and gave my role as a young mother a lot of consideration . When I joined the industry , things like ' flexible hours ' and ' child care leave ' were
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memorable . Working with Francois Lesage was a lifetime experience . I learnt from all my mistakes and they became part of my final achievements ; therefore , I consider them not a struggle but a memory as part of my journey . The key is to give your best in whatever you do .
Work-home life balance …
Ritu Beri as a person is family- and friend-oriented ; she is more of a home-bird , loves her own space , and is very chilled out and relaxed . “ Life is short . Take the juice out of it and enjoy all you do .”
For me family has always been a priority and there is no compromise on work either , it ’ s all about striking the balance and we get there sooner or later . When working for yourself , work 24x7 . I try my best to find a balance between achieving all at work and spending time with my daughter , Gia , and family . Sometimes I take Gia to office with me . The key is to give your best to whatever you are doing . .
not even spoken about . And now even after so many years I can still say that I have a very supportive Boss who gave me flexible time for the marriage preparations of my daughter . I attribute a lot , of who I am today in my industry , to my family and the organizations I have worked for and with .
Work-home life balance …
The passion for this industry gives me extra strength to manage work and my family life . The long hours and extensive travel can sometimes take a toll and therefore one requires an understanding and supportive family . Employers play a crucial role in helping women maintain a work-life balance . Their understanding of women ’ s roles for their families is very important . On the personal front , I enjoy cooking , travelling , mandala painting , and spending time with my family .
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NAMRATA RAINA Sourcing And Merchandising Manager , UCB , Noida
The journey …
It ’ s been about very good 15 years in the apparel industry . Definitely by choice , I had done my degree in Textile Engineering … Overall it has been an enjoyable learning experience , being associated with good companies and wonderful mentors ( as my bosses ) who were tough but at the same time taught me the key to being a balanced professional .
Gender bias is in the mind …
I have spent a long time of my career in manufacturing operations , so it is imperative to go out to the actual work sites and review progress of bulk production . On one such site of handwork and tie & dye factory , located in interiors of the region , we had quite a big order being subcontracted . When I went to this site , to my surprise , I saw maximum workforce as women who were equally surprised to see me since they were mostly used to seeing men officers visiting . It was quite interesting to interact with them and know how they would leave inhibitions , struggle every day , manage and be courageous enough to deal with the taboo of ‘ being a woman and a bread winner ’. It was quite inspiring .
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