Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alka Mattoo, CEO of Orvana, located in Princeton, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Orvana is a women's clothing brand designed by me, Alka Mattoo. "Orvana" combines the words organic and nirvana, which gets to the heart of the brand: sustainability and creative expression through personal style. All of our designs are handmade by award-winning artisans in India who use only natural fabrics and techniques like block printing and hand-looming. Beginning in London in 2009 and now based in Princeton, our vibrant and soulful designs have found their way into the closets of those who value slow fashion, versatility, and fine textile craftsmanship.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in the Kashmir Valley in a family of textile lovers. Surrounded by my mother and grandmother's collections of pashminas and silks, I gained a deep appreciation for textiles and fashion and left India to attend FIT. While living in London, after many years of working in the corporate side of fashion, Orvana was born. Each of our designs is named after real women I have met who inspire me, whether they are lifelong friends or customers. Designing for the specific needs of women and allowing them to feel comfortable and confident while taking risks with their style is a huge motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having designs featured in museum stores like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco has been a huge accomplishment. But above all, cultivating a community of fashionable, artistic spirits with similar values has been amazing. Textiles carry connections between cultures, so getting to share that with others means the world.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You start a business based on a burning passion for something but quickly learn that it takes more than being good at your craft for your business to thrive. Being a business owner requires constant learning on so many fronts and playing endless roles. It is very difficult to find time to actually practice what you love doing, but having a strong team of employees definitely helps!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- People are not meant to do everything on their own, so take some pressure off your shoulders and hire great people to help with the things you're not good at.
- With each product or service, have a very clear idea of who the customer it is intended for is and how to reach them. Always keep your customers in the forefront and make sure you are accessible to them on all fronts.
- Make sure your brand is personable. We are always asking for feedback from our customers and will custom-fit a design for them. Along with the great quality product, these small, thoughtful gestures create a sense of community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.orvanalondon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Orvana.Designs.London/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orvanalondon/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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