Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanjana Nagar.
Hi Sanjana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Since childhood, my passion for art has been unwavering. Spending countless hours absorbed in painting, illustrating, and sketching, I found myself naturally drawn to the world of creativity. This interest deepened as I pursued commercial arts in high school, fueled further by exposure to famous American shows like “Ultimate Shopper.” Opting for a fashion design course at INIFD, Indore, was a pivotal decision. Interning with a local fashion designer and later contributing to major events like the Lakmé Fashion Week broadened my understanding of the industry.
Following my graduation, I looked forward to intern with multinational fashion companies, landing a role with the design team of Vero Moda in Mumbai.
Post my internship, in November 2019, I started my own business in fashion. I worked on developing my own fashion brand, Label Sanjana Nagar, that offered Indian and Western ready-to-wear. I had the liberty to experiment, design, and play with colors. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I adapted by establishing a home workshop and gradually expanding my presence through exhibitions in different cities of India, attracting clients worldwide.
As a novice in the entrepreneurial realm, I quickly realized the multifaceted skill set required to effectively manage and expand a business. Immersed in the fashion industry, I gained insight into various business intricacies and challenges often overlooked. Particularly during peak seasons, struggling with unreliable labor emerged as a major stressor, facing common industry issues such as dependence on labor, creative stagnation leading to plagiarism, and sustainability concerns.
Understanding all aspects of brand management is essential for successful brand leadership. Recognizing this, I came to the realization that to effectively guide a brand, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of each department and aspect involved. This insight prompted me to seek further education and enroll in an M.A. program in Luxury and Brand Management. I believe that by delving into this field, I can enhance my knowledge and skills, ultimately empowering me to lead a brand (whether it be my own or within another company) with confidence and success.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of the skills that I developed over time I’ve learned on my own. I didn’t attend any formal classes to improve my skills, whether it was painting illustrations, developing my portfolio, using software, or seeking internships. Initially, this was challenging, but over time, I realized it was contributing to my personal growth. My journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. I’ve often struggled to figure out what I really want, facing both good and bad times. When things didn’t go in my favor, I felt lost. Gradually, I learned to see that everything happens for a reason.
Establishing a brand during the pandemic wasn’t easy. Handling everything on my own was challenging; recruiting labor was a time-consuming process. I found myself interviewing candidates four to five times a day, striving to build a stable team and initiate smooth workflow processes. My parents played a significant role in supporting my growth. My mother accompanied me for fabric sourcing and traveling to exhibit in various cities, while my father provided honest critiques of my work. Despite my brand being in a good shape, I had a vision to accomplish even more. That’s why I decided to pursue a master’s degree to learn more and expand my horizons. I’ve always wanted to study abroad for the global experience it offers. Despite facing some hurdles, things fell into place at the right time, especially with my strong background in entrepreneurship.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Label Sanjana Nagar is for those who effortlessly display a classic sense of style and are constantly experimenting and redefining their fashion boundaries. With our love for the colors, we’ve been playfully experimenting with tints and tones. With the essence of love, purity, and extra care that we invest while designing and executing results in finely crafted outfits offering the best quality, style, and comfort. We welcome you to the House of Fusion collection dipped in hues of colors.
I oversaw all departments and collaborated closely with my team. I was involved in every aspect, from creating sketches and sourcing fabrics to developing innovative surface designs. I managed finances, served as a creative director for photoshoots, and conducted marketing through exhibitions.
I take pride in witnessing the gradual growth of my brand, especially considering its launch during the pandemic. We dedicated ourselves to delivering beyond customer expectations, ensuring their happiness and confidence in our outfits. Our brand ethos revolves around the three Cs: Comfort, Colors, and Confidence.
At present, Label Sanjana Nagar is not actively offering much as I am focused on pursuing my master’s degree to further expand and develop.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To keep it very short, as mentioned earlier, I have realized that everything falls into place at right time. Believing in yourself and working hard to achieve your aspirations is the key. Love what you do. Without your love and passion, nothing can work for good. I worked for more than 24 hours while establishing my brand, but I never felt tired or that I was overworked; my time went by, and I never realized that today, I’ve also fulfilled the desire of studying abroad for a master’s degree and gaining global exposure. Having faith and never quitting are crucial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snagar212b02.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labelsanjana.nagar/
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjana-nagar198
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sanjananagar3373
Image Credits
Label Sanjana Nagar
