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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