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

Anuradha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Too often the media represents innovation as something magical that only high-flying tech billionaires and upstarts engage in – but the truth is almost every business owner has to regularly innovate in small and big ways in order for their businesses to survive and thrive. Can you share a story that highlights something innovative you’ve done over the course of your career?

In my business journey, a pivotal moment unfolded during the challenges of the Covid era. Separated from my family in India and distanced from my manufacturing team, the juxtaposition of these two worlds became a source of both angst and inspiration. Seeking solace, I translated this emotional experience into my art, incorporating prints that mirrored the fusion of these two worlds into my products.

Surprisingly, this innovative approach transformed my business. The unique blend of Indian and American influences in my products garnered an overwhelming response. Today, I stand as the sole creator of products that embody this cultural fusion, placing me in a distinctive and niche position within the market.

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

I am a designer and creative head of Indiblossom. I have over two decades of experience in manufacturing and designing with the leading design houses in India. In my mid-thirties, I made the courageous decision to move across the globe for love, settling in DC. Fueled by a passion for my roots and connecting with artisans and love for rich Indian textiles, I founded my own brand, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in a new country along with establishing a strong manufacturing team in India that would help and create my line of products.

With perseverance and a creative spirit, I knocked on closed doors, overcame obstacles, and carved a niche in the DC creative community. The birth of my son became a turning point, inspiring me to move forward on this challenging journey as I felt the need to leave behind something tangible.
The unique juxtaposition of my two worlds is masterfully depicted in my art, which I transformed into prints on a line of functional yet whimsical home and fashion accessories.

Every product in my collection narrates my journey, from working with artists in Delhi’s bylanes to now offering a distinctive range of products to a global audience.
While grateful for my current position, I aspire to own my own brick-and-mortar store. From being primarily an artist and designer, I have learned the business side of my path, setting the stage for my dream to create a cultural hub—a permanent space that not only showcases my unique products but also offers a rich cultural experience to my customers.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a small business owner, I embody resilience by wearing multiple hats—serving as the artist, creator, manufacturer, retailer, and marketer of my products. With a dedicated team, I personally oversee every aspect of my business, from production to sales. Despite lacking a large team, I manage it all independently.

My journey involves participating in numerous markets and pop-ups across the DMV, where perseverance and hard work are paramount. Navigating through challenges such as inclement weather and adverse situations, I remain steadfast in my commitment to my craft. The ability to weather storms, both figurative and literal, underscores my unwavering determination.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey in the US after marriage, I sought to fund my business with a deeply personal and meaningful gesture. I made the decision to part with my ancestral jewelry, a cherished tradition in India given to brides by their families during weddings. Selling this precious heritage allowed me to gather the initial funds required to kickstart my business.

In this poignant exchange, the cultural significance of the jewelry intertwined with my commitment to building something new in a foreign land. The sacrifice of a treasured heirloom symbolized not just financial investment but a profound dedication to my entrepreneurial aspirations, marking the beginning of a chapter where tradition met innovation on my path to success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @indiblossombyanu