We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ruchi Agrawal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ruchi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Paisley Affair, our mission is deeply rooted in empowerment—empowering women to embrace their individuality, and empowering artisans to preserve their craft. This mission is more than a business goal; it’s a personal journey inspired by the stories I’ve witnessed and lived.

Growing up in a small Indian town, I saw firsthand the challenges women face in balancing societal expectations with their own dreams. Many sacrificed their aspirations for the needs of their families, while a few resilient ones defied odds to create their own paths. Their stories stayed with me, igniting a passion to create a platform that celebrates these incredible journeys of strength and determination.

My work with grassroots artisans further shaped this mission. I’ve seen the beauty, skill, and tradition embedded in their crafts and the struggles they endure to keep them alive. Supporting these artisans and sharing their stories through Paisley Affair allows me to connect their work with a global audience, honoring their heritage while helping them thrive.

Paisley Affair is meaningful because it’s a fusion of these inspirations—a celebration of resilience, artistry, and authenticity. Through our artisan-crafted cotton loungewear, we aim to wrap our customers in more than just comfort; we aim to wrap them in stories of courage, tradition, and empowerment. For me, this isn’t just about creating beautiful products; it’s about making a difference and sharing a message that women, no matter where they are, can embrace their voice, dreams, and power.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Paisley Affair, our story begins with my passion for design, tradition, and empowerment. My journey started in a small Indian town, where I was immersed in a rich culture of textiles, colors, and artistry. This deeply influenced my creative path, leading me to pursue formal design education and collaborate with esteemed designers and fashion houses. Over the years, I’ve also worked on Fair-Trade projects that connected grassroots Indian artisans with the global market, giving me firsthand insight into the challenges and dreams of marginalized communities.

Paisley Affair was born out of a desire to combine my love for design with my mission to create a positive impact. We specialize in creating artisan-crafted cotton loungewear—pajamas and robes that blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Our products are soft, breathable, and thoughtfully designed to offer unmatched comfort while telling a story of authenticity and heritage.

What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability, small-batch production, and empowering women. Each piece is crafted using natural materials and traditional block-printing techniques, preserving the rich heritage of Indian textiles. By supporting artisans and showcasing their craft to a global audience, we not only help sustain their livelihoods but also celebrate their incredible skill and artistry.

Our mission also extends to empowering women everywhere. Growing up, I often witnessed women sacrificing their dreams for their families. But I also encountered resilient women who overcame challenges to carve their own paths. Paisley Affair seeks to honor their spirit by creating a brand that inspires women to embrace their individuality, pursue their passions, and celebrate their stories.

What I’m most proud of is the way Paisley Affair has become a platform for connection—bringing together artisans, women, and customers through a shared appreciation for heritage, sustainability, and empowerment. For our customers, we aim to solve a common problem: finding loungewear that is not only luxurious and comfortable but also meaningful, sustainable, and unique.

To anyone discovering us for the first time, I want them to know that Paisley Affair isn’t just about clothing—it’s about creating a movement. Every piece tells a story of resilience, tradition, and hope. When you wear Paisley Affair, you’re not just wrapping yourself in soft, breathable cotton; you’re embracing a celebration of craftsmanship, individuality, and empowerment.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media for Paisley Affair has been an organic and rewarding journey, one that began even before the brand fully came to life. When Paisley Affair was still in its dream phase, I had no website, no products ready, and no social media presence. I was working on ideas, collecting prints from artisan communities in India, and shaping my vision. During this early stage, I attended a creative women’s networking event, and that experience changed everything.

The energy in the room was inspiring, and the women there were incredibly supportive and uplifting. When I shared my idea of sustainable loungewear celebrating women and artisan-made prints, they didn’t just encourage me—they celebrated the vision. They urged me to start posting my ideas on social media, even though I hadn’t officially launched anything. To my surprise, right then and there, 11 of these amazing women followed my account that had zero posts! That small yet impactful moment gave me the confidence and motivation to take the leap.

The very next day, I began sharing my concepts, the beautiful prints I’d collected, and my vision for Paisley Affair on Instagram. The response was immediate and encouraging. People resonated with the story behind the brand, the authenticity of the materials, and the mission of celebrating women and sustainability. That moment at the networking event was the catalyst for building an audience that continues to grow with purpose and authenticity.

For anyone starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple:

Start with your story: People connect with authenticity. Share your journey, your vision, and the “why” behind what you do. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—start where you are.

Engage with your community: Whether it’s an event or online, surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. The support you receive can be the spark you need to take that first step.

Be consistent and intentional: Share regularly, but make sure your content aligns with your values and resonates with your audience. Quality and authenticity will always matter more than quantity.

Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s a few likes, your first follower, or a kind comment—every step forward is progress. Those little moments build the foundation for bigger growth.

For Paisley Affair, what started as an idea shared at a networking event has grown into a platform that connects people through stories, heritage, and empowerment. Social media has been a bridge, helping me share not just products, but the heart of what Paisley Affair stands for.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a time in my life when I had to make one of the biggest pivots, and it completely changed how I viewed my work, my life, and myself. Before my kids were born, I was a busy professional, fully immersed in my design career. My days were packed with meetings, clients, projects, and tight deadlines. Work was my passion and focus, and I thrived in that fast-paced environment.

But everything shifted when I became a mother. My role transitioned from a dedicated working woman to a stay-at-home mom. Suddenly, my days revolved around sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and the all-consuming task of caring for my two greatest creations—my children. It was the hardest adjustment I’ve ever had to make. As someone who had spent years designing and creating, I found it ironic that caring for these tiny, precious “designs” of mine was far more challenging than any project I’d ever taken on.

This phase, while incredibly demanding, taught me so much. I learned to slow down, to cherish the small moments, and to embrace the present. I found beauty in the simplicity of everyday life, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for balance and mindfulness. While it was a tough transition, I grew as a person during those years.

When the time was right, I returned to my creative work with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. Those years of motherhood shaped the foundation of Paisley Affair, inspiring me to create a brand that celebrates slowing down, being present, and appreciating the beauty in the little things. This journey taught me that life’s pivots, no matter how unexpected, can lead to the most meaningful transformations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paisleyaffair.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paisleyaffair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558490793372
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/