At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Vandy Mehra for an exclusive interview with us. She is a Leader, Entrepreneur, Fashion Consultant & Influencer and Mentor. Vandy is the Director at Study by Janak. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Vandy:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
I did my schooling from Convent of Jesus and Mary and my college from Lady Shri Ram College and South Delhi Polytechnic.
Since I remember, I have been very interested in working in fashion but at a young age, I was married into a traditional joint family where working women were not appreciated.
But that ambition and spark has always been there in me, so when my kids were old enough me and my husband lovingly convinced the family about my desire of working and my journey as an entrepreneur started.”
I started working in 2003 and was involved in the marketing and branding of Study By Janak and also diversified the product offering by launching the women couture segment.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
Honestly, I never thought of a corporate career as an option. Maybe I came from an entrepreneurial set-up into another one, so that’s what I have always looked forward to.
Entrepreneurship has always been fascinating to me- the idea of making an impact in so many lives, leading a brand from the front and being emotionally involved with your work—it’s like nurturing a child in front of you and seeing it grow every day. So it’s been never a choice .
‘Study by Janak’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
This is one question that has been asked so often to us. And without any doubt, it’s a unique name and at times not connected to our product line.
The story itself is quite interesting, as it is like an anecdote – My husband wanted to study fashion and that’s when his grandmother Smt. Janak Rani gave all her savings to him to go ahead and study what he wanted to. So once he completed his studies and subsequently started the brand, he dedicated it to his grandmother and because she gave the money for so the name Study By Janak.”
To address your second part of the question, I don’t think we are in the business of solving problems unless you consider wedding wardrobe selection a problem 😊; we are In the business of Stylized Occasion Wear where it’s all about giving stylized wedding ensembles or bespoke wardrobe, completely customized to the client’s requirements.
What does your company Study by Janak specialize in?
With a legacy of over 3 decades, Study By Janak, has carved a niche for themselves in the Stylized Occasion Wear for Men & Women as well as Made to Measure industry in India. Launched in the year 1986, The brand has positioned itself as a bridge between the premium & luxury segments.”
The communication, merchandise as well as the service standards of the brand is at par with the global luxury brands. Everything that is being designed and manufactured by the brand, is conceived on the basis of the mantra- Innovation. The brand has the in-house design expertise and is complete with a state-of-the-art production facility where timeless creations are churned out ceaselessly.
The bouquet of products the brand offers under its aegis are Occasion wear collection for Men & Women; Semi Formals; Fusion Wear & Made to Measure Suits along with Ready to Wear collection of trousers, shirts, jackets that are in line with the international trends but with an Indigenous twist.
The brand is one of the few in the country to bring Full Canvas Suits & Bespoke Services for the Indian Clientele at par with the international standards of tailoring.
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
Covid has given a new dimension to an otherwise very physical presence-dependent industry, by making consumers comfortable with online shopping- no matter the pricing (which was an issue earlier along with the look and feel). So when the lockdown happened, we were given time to think and reflect and work on making our organization and processes more linear and innovative ways to reach out to consumers.
That is the time when we introduced the Video calling appointments with clients to shortlist their ensembles, to having a fully functional e-commerce website listing out our products. This also proved to be a turning point where we started looking at international markets as well. As you know, the internet makes the world smaller, and we are now working with a lot of international clients as well.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Every day is a new day for me. I really believe that if you love what you do, you get your motivation without even looking for it.
The challenges are there but it also helps us broaden our horizons and of course, with a great team we figure out the solutions to each of them.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My husband Mr. Manoj Mehra is my biggest source of motivation and my solace as well.
He knew how much being a woman entrepreneur means to me. He was the one who constantly kept me motivated when I was losing hope. Even today, his wise words and his vision keeps me going.”
I also credit my father for making me the multi-tasker and disciplined person I am today, it was his strict upbringing that I owe my efficiency to and my mother for being the unconditional support that she is and giving me the inspiration to be a strong woman, no matter what.
What are the business mantras you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
Never say no to anyone without giving it full heart, it may be the best opportunity you get.
Please share with us, what has worked well for you so far?
What has always worked for me is the connection I have made with people during my entire journey. When I say connect I don’t mean professional contacts, I mean connecting at a very human personal level.
It’s only when you are standing with your friends in their victory or losses, they are always there for you always- and it really means a lot to me.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
> I start my day early and with meditation and a great workout , that keeps me charged the whole day.
> Being able to multitask is one strong strategy and I motivate my team to do the same.
> I am also a very hands-on person, that also makes you immune to excuses of seemingly impossible tasks.
> Never Say No – Whether it is an association, event, proposal- I will always be game to hear it and then decide. I will not say no to it, without giving it a thought.
Given the rapid pace at which the world is changing, what are the leadership traits that are necessary for success?
To be able to lead with example is absolutely necessary.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
(1) Lead the team from the front but don’t forget to motivate them in the process
(2) Evolve with time if you want to stay relevant – no matter how well past strategies worked for you.
(3) Networking is the most publicized but very less used marketing tool.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
There are no sure shot ways to success – everyone paves their own way through their own resources. But there is one thing that should be constant – Believe in what you do, dedicate yourself to that task/project and work honestly towards it.. of course being resourceful is an important characteristic.
I am a huge believer of vibrations and affirmations too – so I believe- what you Imagine as your Reality, it will eventually be your reality.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
I always suggest to new professionals to be very hands-on with your work. This prepares you for the future tasks too, and you will not take no for an answer even after being promoted.
Also, it’s very important that you love what you do and enjoy the whole learning process, this will also reflect on the efficiency of your work.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
