Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Patel.
Asha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in London to Indian parents, so my design palate — think, traditional eastern heirlooms and customs set against a modern, western backdrop — infinitely rich, too.
Despite loving art and fashion from an early age, I knew way better than to announce to my parents that that was going to be my lot in life! I followed an interest in science and trained as a pharmacist, so when I hear my pieces described as “harmonious” and “balanced”, I know that my left-brain, right-brain life path has made my work better for it.
The process of launching Asha Patel Designs was part heart and part strategy, too. First, gifting pieces to friends and loved ones, then eventually, reaching out to local boutiques that I loved shopping myself. Today, I’m grateful that that process led to true brand love and buzz with such a special community of fans around the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my experience, anything worthwhile has struggles along the way. It has been challenging to be a small business owner with no formal training in the business world. One of the hurdles I do face as a small independent is sourcing in lower quantities.
Asha Patel Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I aim to strike a balance behind what’s modern to the eye and what’s timeless in our souls: pieces featuring age-old symbols and materials, that happen to also layer beautifully (and powerfully) into modern life. I’m most proud when people integrate my work into their own spiritual and self-love practices — whether that be through yoga or simply reaching for them throughout their days as a way to center themselves — and share back to me that they’ve gotten better and better at listening to what’s inside because of it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My marker of success is asking myself: 1) “Do I still enjoy what I’m doing?” and 2) “Am I able to keep life/work balance?”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashapateldesigns.com
- Email: ashapateldesigns@Gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashapateldesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshaPatelDesign/
Image Credit:
Jordan Zobrist, Hannah Guthman, Embry Rucker
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