FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Rachna Chandra was arguably destined to be a designer.
“My name ‘Rachna’ literally means creativity… so I think that’s what I was born for,” she said.
Growing up in India, sewing started as a simple hobby for Rachna.
“I used to do a lot of sewing for me and my brothers,” she said.
And then in 1996, her sister needed some flashy outfits for her Miss India presentation, and she walked in!
“Those were the outfits designed by me… that was my biggest gig then,” Rachna laughed.
Rachna would immigrate to the United States a year later, but it wasn’t until she started having children that she decided to turn her passion into a career.
“I started my brand back then out of my garage,” he said.
The garage would soon lead to Taj Cottage, Rachna’s first store in Farmington Hills. It opened in 2019 only to be greeted by the pandemic just a few months later.
“I was depressed for four days. Then I got over it and decided to do something,” she said.
That something was a mask mission.
“I turned my sewing skills into a mask donation mission, and we sold and donated more than 11,000 masks across the country,” Rachna said.
Through all the obstacles, Rachna has emerged victorious, sharing her designs with the world. Her latest collection was recently accepted and presented during Paris Fashion Week.
“Oh my gosh. It was amazing. I mean, you could cry,” she said. “You don’t see these contemporary Indian designs on the street very often. So it was a great, great, great experience. If I had the chance, I would go to Paris again.”
Rachna says her focus is on contemporary fusion styles or Indian bridal, making culturally-inspired fashion all-in.
“Anyone could wear this jacket…dress it up, dress it up,” she said, showing off one of her pieces.
Now, Rachna has set his sights on the next few years, hoping to have more branches across the country and more exposure.
“After Paris, all I heard was ‘congratulations. Keep it up. Keep going. We’re so proud of you.’ So, you know, maybe in 5 to 10 years, I could see, I hope to see my collection or some of my pieces in… some big box stores or maybe more outlets,” he said.
From a needle and thread to a successful career in fashion: the incredible journey was brought together by hard work and a dream.
“It’s a good feeling… when I see people more comfortable and happy with my designs,” she said.
To see more of Rachna’s designs or to inquire about a custom design, click here.
Source: news.google.com