"A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." – Princess Diana.
This famous quote by Princess Diana encapsulates the essence of our mothers. This Mother's Day, it's time to shine the spotlight on the real superheroes in our lives: our moms. Their love knows no bounds, their sacrifices often go unnoticed, but their presence is felt in every aspect of our being.
Mom, a word that embodies comfort, unconditional love and a feeling of home. Moms are your biggest supporters and also your biggest critics, but at the end of the day, they will never leave your side. These incredible women are the unsung champions who tirelessly give their all, often without seeking any recognition. From soothing our childhood fears to offering sage advice during our adult years, moms are the bedrock of our lives, providing love, support, and boundless encouragement every step of the way.
With a simple hug, a listening ear, or a comforting word, moms have the ability to heal wounds, both physical and emotional, with a touch that's as gentle as it is powerful. Whether it's a challenging time or simply a moment to celebrate, moms are the backbones who help up achieve our dreams and sail through life. But, what many don't realise is their unconscious (or conscious) impact on our careers. This Mother's Day we spoke to various renowned personalities to understand how their moms supported them in their career journey and more.
How did you begin your journey in the industry and what role has your mother played in shaping your journey?
"Growing up in Kolkata and seeing my mother wear beautiful print and temple sarees with stylish magyar sleeves blouses accessorised beautifully with family heirloom jewels was my first brush with fashion. She is an artist herself, having trained under Inder Dugar, a renowned artist of those days and has an exemplary hand in embroidery, craft and painting. Fashion design at that time was not a vocation however regular visits to the Anglo-Indian seamstress to churn out exquisite frocks for me in childhood to later getting pretty ghagras in my teens by the local darzi was deeply instrumental in making me choose this vocation and both of us used to hunt for the perfect fabric, lace or make samples of embroidery to give the karigar for our outfits." - Shruti Sancheti
"I used to work with my mom as a young girl at her multi-designer store where I was exposed to different designers, styles and aesthetics. I learnt a lot about retail, business of fashion, different collections and styles of design. Also, her love and passion for Indian textiles like Banarasi weaves and other handlooms had a huge impact when I started my own label." Anushree Parekh Founder, Label Anushree
"Her love and passion for Indian textiles like Banarasi weaves and other handlooms had a huge impact when I started my own label." Anushree Parekh Founder, Label Anushree
Are there any specific memories or moments with your mother/daughter that have influenced your career?
"Every Friday, my parents would hand me a bag of carefully selected things they had purchased for me — My mother played a crucial role in teaching me to care for and appreciate these treasures, as well as the value of how they were acquired." - Mudita Jaipuria
Despite enjoying a privileged childhood, my mother ensured I never took things for granted or became arrogant. She instilled in me the importance of conducting myself with dignity and humility." - Mudita Jaipuria, Founder Warehouse By Mudita
"One specific memory with my mother that deeply influenced my career was witnessing her passion for layering different fragrances to create her own signature scent. I was captivated by the way she skillfully combined various notes to craft a fragrance that was uniquely hers. This experience ignited my love for fragrance and sparked my journey in the beauty industry. It taught me the artistry of scent layering and inspired me to create ANMER, where I could share the joy of personalized fragrance experiences with others."Pravneet Kaur Anand Founder, Anmer London
"One specific memory with my mother that deeply influenced my career was witnessing her passion for layering different fragrances to create her own signature scent." Pravneet Kaur Anand Founder, Anmer London
"My mother's profound understanding of jewellery went beyond mere metal and design—it was about infusing each piece with meaning and value. Witnessing her appreciation for the significance of jewellery left a lasting impression on me. She taught me that jewellery isn't just about aesthetics; it's about capturing emotions, and stories, and celebrating the essence of own self. This perspective deeply influences my work at Diavo, guiding me to create pieces that resonate with individuals on a deeper level." – Anushka Agarwal, Creative Director of Diavo Jewels.
"My mother's profound understanding of jewellery went beyond mere metal and design—it was about infusing each piece with meaning and value." – Anushka Agarwal, Creative Director of Diavo Jewels.
"The tapestry of my design philosophy and creative process is interwoven with countless memories shared with my mother, Kulbir. Our journey together through the realm of fashion and design began in the earliest chapters of my life. Each dress she crafted for me was not just a garment but a moment of bonding, a lesson in craftsmanship, and an exploration of artistic expression. A memory that stands singularly influential is our tradition of co-creating my outfits for every milestone event—be it the first day of pre-nursery, birthdays, the first day of college, and beyond. This ritual of coming together, imagining, and then bringing those dreams to life imparted me with an appreciation for custom-made artistry, an understanding of my own design preferences, and a keen eye for detail." – Pearl Uppal, Founder, Talking Threads
Can you share a piece from your collection/ moment in your career that holds special significance because of your mother?
"Her innate qualities of strength and softness are palpable in the way she raised us. In one moment she would be the fierce protector and our moat; in yet another moment, she would be tender and vulnerable. These beautiful qualities which are so beautifully juxtaposed in her being inspired us to create the collection, at the heart of which is a tigress motif," Mamta Gupta, Co-founder Zariin
"The Tigress necklace from our latest ROAR collection is deeply inspired from the relationship we hold with our mother." - Mamta Gupta, Co-founder Zariin
"My very first collection for my debut had some khadi block prints which were done in a unit in Kolkata however I asked my mom to oversee and without even consulting she changed it into a more luxe foil print as she found the combination of sedate mul with opulent foil more interesting than predictable block and mul and the outcome was phenomenal and my debut was so talked about so this I totally owe to my mom who taught me, if you can’t do different things, at least do them differently."Shruti Sancheti
"One piece from my collection that holds special significance because of my mother is our signature Bodycare fragrance, La Rose, inspired by her timeless elegance and grace. As a tribute to her, we infused the scent with delicate floral notes of Rose reminiscent of her favourite garden blooms, evoking memories of our cherished moments together."- Pravneet Kaur Anand Founder, Anmer London
"Every time I design a collection, I always imagine how it would look on my mom. I keep her comfort and style in mind and try to incorporate them somewhere in my collection. The current collection named 'Ajrakh Goes Boho' is being introduced at Times Fashion Week SS'24 on 18 May, and it has a few crochet pieces hand-woven by her I cannot wait to see her reaction when she will see these pieces come to life on the runway. It holds a very special place for me, as the crochet discs or 'Tikkis' as she calls them are hand woven by her and my daughter together while sharing afternoon talks with each other. It's a creative legacy she is passing on to my child and I am so emotional and proud if it. I am so happy to have incorporated it into the collection and I cannot wait for the audience to love it as much as I do." - Nitya Birla, Creative Head, Label Nitya Bajaj
"The current collection named Ajrakh Goes Boho is being introduced at Times Fashion Week SS'24 on 18 May, and it has a few crochet pieces hand-woven by her I cannot wait to see her reaction when she will see these pieces come to life on the runway." – Nitya Birla, Creative Head, Label Nitya Bajaj
"My mother holds a deep affiliation for the Parsi Gara and Kashidakari thread crafts. The atelier’s revival work in these two crafts holds special significance because of her."– Pearl Uppal, Founder, Talking Threads
"Particularly close to my heart is our kid's; collection, inspired by the joy of motherhood after the birth of my son. This special connection is evident in our emphasis on customization and
personalization, with many of our signature pillows featuring my son Aviraj's name. Each piece reflects not only our commitment to quality and style but also the cherished bonds of family and motherhood that inspire us every day." Aditi Thatai, FA Home
My mother (mother in law) has been my guiding light throughout this journey. Her willingness to share her experiences and trials has not only motivated me but also reinforced my confidence in pursuing this path relentlessly. – Aditi Thatai, FA Home
What valuable lessons have you learned from your mother that you apply to your work and life?
"Our mom is a natural leader with deep empathy and compassion for everyone connected to her. She’s assertive yet soft on the inside. Additionally, our mom is a master of multitasking and time management; from her, we learned to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and balance responsibilities, such that no aspect of family and work life is neglected," Vidhi Gupta, Founder Zariin.
"My mom always says that there are going to be 100 reasons and hurdles in life to not do something, but there will always be one thing that will drive you and give you the passion and determination to do it." - Tushita Mehta, Founder Style Isand
"One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from my mother is to never be afraid of failure and to
always strive for excellence. She taught me that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that success
is earned through hard work and perseverance." Ishaan Mangla, Shruti Mangla Founder of Perona's Son
"The lesson my mother has passed down to me and I strive to inculcate into my children is that the role of a mother is irreplaceable. A mother is one who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take!" Karishma Mehra, Founder & Creative Director Joolry by Karishma
"Growing my brand, I've learned the vital balance between work and home life, influenced greatly by my mother's teachings. Her dedication taught me to give my all in everything I do, blending career passion with the joy found within my family. Nurturing my child echoes the unconditional love my parents provided me. Their upbringing serves as my guiding light, shaping me into the parent I aim to be, cherishing each moment and striving to emulate their commitment. Motherhood reshapes personal style profoundly, celebrating the body's journey through pregnancy and postpartum. Embracing these changes, I find empowerment in exploring fashion that complements both my personality and the demands of motherhood. Practical yet stylish attire enables playful engagement with my child, while fashion becomes a conduit for self-expression and discovery." Trisha Datwani Anand - Creative Head at Anmol Jewellers
"I've learned from my mother the importance of freedom and guidance, which have been crucial in shaping my brand's growth. Balancing creativity with a strong foundation has allowed me to navigate the fashion industry with resilience and innovation. Motherhood has led me to prioritize comfort in my personal style, reflecting in designs that blend elegance with wearability. This emphasis on practical yet stylish attire caters to the modern woman's lifestyle, ensuring confidence and empowerment in every outfit. " - Ridhi Mehra, Founder & Creative Director at Ridhi Mehra
"My mother taught me many valuable life lessons. She emphasized the importance of resilience, paying attention to detail, and staying true to oneself. She also instilled in me the value of financial independence and reminded me that one's worth is not determined by their relationship status or family ties. Above all, she taught me to chart my own course in life and to stand strong on my own, even in the face of societal expectations." - Neha Jhunjunwala, Co-Founder Onset
"My mother, Mrs. Meena Gill, has been the heart and soul of Ranna Gill, shaping both its success and my personal journey. She taught me that shortcuts lead nowhere. Ranna Gill isn't just a brand, it's a testament to her love, resilience, and foresight. From her, I've learned that persistence, dedication, and hard work are the keys to success. These values not only brought Ranna Gill to where it stands today but also set the course for its future. As Ranna Gill, my personal style has always been characterized by a distinct blend of comfort and style, reflecting in both my own attire and the designs I create. While motherhood remains an immensely personal journey, it hasn't fundamentally altered my approach to fashion. The presence of my two children has undeniably left a delightful influence on my perspective." - Ranna Gill - Founder & Creative Director at Ranna Gill
From her, I've learned that persistence, dedication, and hard work are the keys to success. These values not only brought Ranna Gill to where it stands today but also set the course for its future. Ranna Gill
How has your mother's style influenced your work?
"My mother's style has played a huge influence on my designs. From her love for off-whites to using Indian textiles in her outfits as strong elements have inspired me to do the same." Anushree Parekh
"She had beautiful antique jewellery which were truly exquisite vintage pieces. I once styled an entire range of her sarees with her jewellery for a project while I was studying, and I think that’s where a lot of my inspiration came from!" - Sonam Modi, Co-Founder SVA
" I loved my mom’s collection of sarees, and dupattas- all rich handlooms and handwoven pieces from different parts of India."Sonam Modi, Co-Founder SVA
"My mother's classic style and taste have influenced the aesthetic and values I bring to my work. She has emphasized how one's appearance and presentation can reflect their personality. My mother's bright colour styling represents the confidence and calmness she embodies, which I strive to emulate. Additionally, her advice to be calm and listen to my employees, as they are assets to the company, has shaped my management approach." Ritika Singh Savor and Aura
What's the most cherished advice your mother has given you regarding your career?
" My mother has been my guiding force, role model and inspiration, and she continues to be. She has never forced her opinion on us but has always been there to support us. There is no right or wrong with her." - Riddhima Kapoor Sahni Founder R Jewellery By Riddhima
How do you celebrate Mother's Day together considering your busy schedules?
"My mother and I derive joy from the simpler things in life and having a cup of ginger tea
together, chit-chatting about her day and mine what is our favourite time together and that
is how I would want to celebrate her special day."Sonal Agrawal, Principal Architect & Partner at SPDC
Mom's perspective
Are there any specific moments specific memories or moments with your child that have influenced their career?
"Devangi was an inquisitive child right from the start. She was in boarding school in the US when I started Aza, but during every one of her school and college vacations, while she was at Cornell, she would accompany me to Aza meetings, review meetings, fashion weeks, and designer showcases. She would get into the depth of what each designer was creating, share her opinions and thoughts, and form a genuine connection with everyone we worked with. This exposure from a very young age, combined with Devangi’s creativity, analytical capabilities, hard work and innovativeness led to her developing a genuine passion for making a mark in the fashion industry." – Dr. Alka Nishar, Founder, AZA Fashions
"Reya would come to the POPxo office often after school. It was a bustling space filled with young, enterprising women who were building and scaling the company and their own professional careers. I would see her interacting with them and be happy that she was seeing so many positive examples of women doing what they love at work and really enjoying it. It really inspired me to keep going and building the company." – Priyanka Gill, Venture Partner, Kalaari Capital, Group Co-Founder, Good Glamm Group.
"Balancing my career with being a mom is a constant juggle - with my work schedule and with Reya’s hectic school and social life. The trick for me is to know what matters at any given point. If it is important to put on my ‘mom hat’ - I will change my work schedule to suit and vice versa." Priyanka Gill, Venture Partner, Kalaari Capital, Group Co-Founder, Good Glamm Group.
Can you recall any moments from her/his childhood that hinted at his/her future career?
"Vidhi has forever been interested in fashion. She would love to play with my sarees and drape them on herself. She would spread my jewellery collection on my dresser and then drip herself in them." - Vidhi and Mamta Gupta's Mom
"Even as a 2-year-old child, Tushita would feel the fabrics of clothes we were wearing and give her one-word comments on whether it's nice or not. We used to find it so strange, but maybe it was just in her DNA!" - Mallika Mehta, Tushita Mehta's mom
"My influence on Pearl’s designs is visible in the way she blends traditional elegance with modern innovation, a balance we both cherished and explored together. Witnessing her evolution as a designer, it's apparent that the richness of traditional crafts and the bespoke tailoring concepts that were part of her learning find a place in her contemporary works. Her designs reflect a profound respect for heritage and artisan techniques, an ethos that has been a cornerstone of our shared appreciation for the craft. Moreover, her approach to sustainability and the ethical dimensions of fashion echo discussions we've had about the responsibility of designers towards their craft and the environment. Seeing these values manifest in Talking Threads, from its focus on quality and longevity over fast fashion trends to the emphasis on artisanal collaboration, reflects the embodiment of principles we both hold dear. " – Pearl Uppal's Mom, Kulbir Uppal
What advice would you give to other mothers whose children aspire to pursue unconventional career paths?
"As parents, our primary role is to parent, not to be our children's friends. However, the challenge is to strike a balance by instilling strong values while also granting them the freedom to explore and grow." - Mudita's Mom
"My advice to other mothers whose children aspire to pursue unconventional career paths is to nurture
their interests, encourage their dreams, and instil in them the confidence to take risks and embrace
failure as a stepping stone to success." Shruti Mangla, Perona
"My advice to other mothers whose children aspire to pursue unconventional career paths would be to prioritize their child's independence and encourage them to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly. In a society where traditional norms often prioritize marriage and conformity, it's crucial to support and push our children to fulfill their aspirations." – Sadhna Singh, Ritika Singh's Mom