Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents, my roots were always a priority in our home. They made sure I stayed connected to where we came from. Indian classical dance became my bridge to culture – every movement, every gesture was a conversation with my heritage.
When I launched La’ Agra, I saw a gap in the market. There were brands making Indian clothing more accessible – easy-to-wear saris, modernized traditional pieces – but they were still very much for the Indian community. I kept thinking about the woman who loves Indian culture but isn’t necessarily Indian. The one who wants to wear something inspired by South Asian design to a holiday party, a wedding, or just because it speaks to her. Where does she go?
That’s what La’ Agra is about. It’s a space where anyone can experience South Asian fashion in a modern, wearable way. It’s not about who you are or where you’re from – it’s about connecting with beautiful design, rich craftsmanship, and a culture that celebrates color, detail, and storytelling through clothing.
2. You’ve mentioned that fashion has always been a form of storytelling for you. How does your South Asian upbringing and experience in classical Indian dance influence your design language today?
It’s about honoring where I come from. Dance gave me more than just a connection to my culture – it taught me about my religion, my heritage, and myself. It was always my form of personal expression, my way of telling a story without words.
When I started La’ Agra, I wanted that same thread of expression to run through everything we create. The rich mirror work, the intricate embroidery, the printed brocades – these aren’t just design elements. They’re pieces of my culture that I get to share and celebrate.
But this brand is about more than nostalgia. It’s about preservation with purpose. Every piece we create supports artisanal talent and craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations. I’m investing in those hands, those skills, that legacy – and presenting it in a way that speaks to the modern woman.
La’ Agra is where tradition meets today. It’s how I keep my culture alive while making it relevant, wearable, and accessible for the woman who values both heritage and contemporary style.
3. Your journey from corporate strategy and consulting to high fashion is inspiring.
What moment or experience made you confident enough to transition into the fashion world full-time?
While I was in the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, I designed a dress that would be displayed at Macy’s through a partnership they had at the time. Seeing my dress – and my name – in that window before I’d even officially launched La’ Agra was the moment I knew. This wasn’t just a dream anymore. This was my path.
Leaving the corporate world was terrifying. You don’t walk away from stability without questioning everything. But waking up every day with the freedom to do what I love, to create, to build something that’s truly mine – that’s been worth every bit of uncertainty. It’s fulfilling in a way I never experienced in a boardroom.
4. The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator played a significant role in shaping La’ Agra.
What were the most transformative lessons or turning points from that experience?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Stay open. Always.
I started with a clear vision – evening wear, cocktail attire, the kind of pieces you save for special moments. But the market had other ideas. Women weren’t just looking for occasion wear; they wanted something they could actually live in. So I pivoted and launched a dressy casual line – still focused on silhouettes that make a statement, but wearable for real life.
Every collection since has been an experiment. I’ve tried everything from basic tanks and halters to heavily embroidered statement pieces. Some hit, some miss, but each one teaches me something about what my customer actually wants versus what I think she wants.
Launching accessories was one of those pivots that surprised me. A whole new wave of customers came in through a scrunchie or a headband – something small, low commitment – and then graduated to dresses and other clothing. It became a gateway into the brand I hadn’t anticipated.
Connecting with other people in the industry has been just as valuable. Everyone’s path is different, and what works for one brand might completely flop for another. But watching those journeys, hearing those stories – it’s given me permission to experiment. To test strategies. To figure out what actually works for La’ Agra, not just what works in theory.
The lesson isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying curious and flexible enough to find them.
5. La’ Agra emphasizes small-batch production and ethical craftsmanship.
Why are these values important to you, and how do they shape your collections?
Mass production has stripped away something essential – the human touch. We’ve lost the connection to the hands that make our clothes. And we’ve created a system built on waste and pollution.
That’s what I’m fighting against with La’ Agra.
Small batch production means every piece is made with intention. There’s care in every stitch, thought behind every detail. You’re not just buying a dress – you’re connected to the artisan who created it, to their story, to their craft.
But it’s also about responsibility. Small batches mean we’re not overproducing. We’re not contributing to landfills or chasing trends that’ll be irrelevant in six months. We’re staying sustainable, finding innovative ways to use our materials, and making sure nothing goes to waste.
It’s slower. It’s more deliberate. And that’s exactly the point.
6. Each of your collections—from Pleated Blues to Opulence, Blossom, and now Reflection—has a unique identity.
How do you approach concept development and storytelling for each release?
Every collection starts with a mood board – colors, images, silhouettes, anything that sparks something in me. From there, I narrow down the palette that will anchor the collection and bring it to life.
Then comes the sketching. Pages and pages of it. I sketch until patterns start to emerge – recurring shapes, repeated details, threads that connect one design to another. That’s when I know what the collection is really about, and I finalize the line plan.
Each collection tells a story. Sometimes it’s a garden, lush with florals and landscapes. Other times it’s the rich, layered history of India – the architecture, the textiles, the traditions. The goal is always the same: take one idea, one inspiration, and explore it deeply through every design.
It’s not about surface-level references. It’s about immersion – letting that story shape everything from fabric choices to embroidery techniques to the way a garment moves.
7. You’ve received notable recognition, including a Rising Star nomination and multiple fashion media features.
What do these milestones mean for you personally and for the future of La’ Agra?
Visibility – Seeing my pieces styled in different ways by different people shows just how versatile they really are. It’s validation that this isn’t niche or one-dimensional. There’s a real market for this kind of fashion, and watching it resonate with people gives me confidence that we’re building something that matters.
It also keeps me motivated to think bigger. This isn’t just about the next collection or the next season. It’s about creating long-term, enduring brand value – something that stands the test of time and continues to evolve with the women who wear it.
8. As a designer and entrepreneur with a strong business background, how do you balance artistic creativity with smart strategy and scalability?
Honestly? I’m still figuring it out. Maybe it’s the Libra in me – I’m obsessed with balance and harmony (I know, I know). But really, it comes down to knowing when to lean in and when to pull back.
Some days are dedicated entirely to sketching and research. I block them out, protect that time, and give myself the space to create without interruption. Other days are all operations – emails, logistics, the less glamorous side of running a brand.
Staying organized is non-negotiable. A buttoned-up calendar keeps me sane and ensures I’m giving the right amount of energy to each part of the business. But balance also means knowing what I shouldn’t be doing. Like Meta ads – I hate managing them. So I found an agency that aligns with my values and handed it off.
It’s about playing to your strengths and being honest about your weaknesses. You can’t do everything, and pretending you can is a fast track to burnout. Balance isn’t about doing it all – it’s about doing what matters and delegating the rest.
9. Beyond fashion, you’re also passionate about mentorship and community support.
Why is empowering young professionals such an important part of your mission?
They’re our future – plain and simple. If we don’t invest in the talent and skills of the younger generation now, we risk losing the next wave of creators, innovators, and dreamers.
Too many young people are pushed toward “safe” careers, traditional paths that check boxes but don’t ignite passion. And I get it – stability matters. But so does fulfillment. So does waking up excited about what you’re building.
We need to show them that non-traditional paths are not only possible, they’re valuable. That choosing creativity over convention isn’t reckless – it’s brave. That following your dreams isn’t naive – it’s necessary.
Investing in young talent means more than just mentorship or advice. It’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, sharing resources, and being honest about the journey – the highs and the very real lows. It’s about showing them that success doesn’t have to look like what everyone else says it should.
When we invest in their potential, we’re not just helping individuals – we’re shaping industries, preserving crafts, and building a future where passion and purpose aren’t luxuries, they’re the foundation.
The next generation deserves to see what’s possible. And it’s on us to show them.
10. Lastly — as a designer, wine sommelier, and global thinker — how do art, wellness, and lifestyle shape your identity and influence the future direction of La’ Agra?
It pushes me to think beyond the moment. Trends come and go, but I’m designing for longevity – pieces someone will reach for years from now, maybe even decades later, because they still feel special, refined luxury that is enduring and affordable
My vision for La’ Agra goes way beyond clothing. There’s so much more I want to build, so many ways I want people to experience this brand. But I’ll keep that close to the chest for now. Stay tuned.
Instagram: @la.agra
Website: www.laagra.com
