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

Vaishali, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Livalya transcends being a mere business label; it’s a narrative that reflects our values and vision. The name itself is a careful amalgamation of meaningful elements. The prefix “Liv” is drawn from the word ‘lifestyle,’ signifying our commitment to embodying a unique way of life. On the other hand, “Alya” in Hindi translates to a dwelling or house, symbolizing the space we aspire to create for our audience – a house of lifesyle.

Our goal was not merely to create a catchy moniker but to establish a name that tells a story and invites our audience to connect with us on a profound level. Livalya is a journey of learning about our roots, self-discovery, a creative endeavor that we are eager to share with our audience.

We hope that Livalya becomes more than just a brand name – we aspire for it to become synonymous with the values and experiences that we hold dear.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My admiration for skilled artisans and their intricate craftsmanship began during my childhood as a part of an army family, which led us to explore various regions of India. Among these, Kashmir, nestled in the Himalayas, held a special place in my heart. With each annual visit, I marveled at the region’s beauty and distinctive style. It was in Kashmir, surrounded by fabrics like the famed Kashmiri cashmere and pashmina, that I developed a deep appreciation for the detailed embroidery and craftsmanship inherent in each cherished product. Prior to founding Livalya, I worked with an embroidery house, then a home furnishing company, designing throws. This experience exposed me to the world of fine wool scarves, eventually becoming the inaugural product line for Livalya. In 2016, I returned to Kashmir to delve deeper into the intricate processes, introducing jackets crafted from woolen kani and jamawar weave shawls tailored to my specifications. These additions were warmly received and have since become integral to my collection.
Eager to expand my horizons, I explored various regions of India to immerse myself in diverse textile arts, encompassing dyeing, printing, weaving, beading, and embroidery. Livalya’s collections have featured an array of techniques, including Phulkari from Punjab, Chikan from Lucknow, Banni from Gujarat, block printing from Rajasthan, and Parsigara, among others. This journey is ongoing, with Livalya committed to showcasing talented artisans from around the world through contemporary and timeless designs.
While this path appears glamorous, it involves extensive research, continuous learning, and patience. Understanding the origins of these artistic traditions and their regional significance fuels my creativity. Yet, the real challenge lies in ensuring perfection and timeliness, especially for a high-end, fashion-forward audience. Witnessing my vision materialize is immensely satisfying, driving Livalya’s mission to bring forth the beauty of global artistry to the forefront of the fashion world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Livalya was born out of a deep-seated passion for showcasing the exquisite beauty of pashminas (cashmere), fine wool stoles from Kashmir, and the intricate weaves and embroideries that adorned them. As the journey unfolded, I found a unique expression by incorporating Kani- Jamawar wool shawls into the creation of jackets, paying meticulous attention to the quality of the shawls and the precision in the jackets’ fit and finish. The satisfaction derived from creating these unique pieces was immense, and my customers echoed that sentiment with their admiration. However, the challenge lay in the fact that Livalya and its distinctive jackets were relatively unknown. The tactile experience of feeling the fabric and appreciating the fit couldn’t be conveyed through mere descriptions. To bridge this gap, I took the bold step of participating in pop-up events across different cities and states.
From Long Island, NY, to various parts of New Jersey, Detroit, MI, and Chantilly, VA, I embarked on a journey to introduce Livalya to the world. While some events proved successful, others presented the harsh reality of low foot traffic and minimal sales despite the considerable investment of money, time, and effort. These experiences were, at times, demoralizing, emphasizing the hidden challenges behind the seemingly fun pop-up concept.
The process involved meticulous planning, from packing the essentials for the event to steaming, folding, and carefully organizing the clothes, along with the setup of hangers, racks, and mannequins. Loading and unloading the car, driving to the venue, setting up in time for the event, and maintaining high energy levels throughout the 5-9 hour event were all part of the exhausting routine. Post-event, there was the arduous task of packing up, driving back, unloading, and the subsequent day dedicated to recovering and resetting the studio—all undertaken single-handedly.
Yet, amidst the challenges, the most disheartening moments occurred when, after putting in all this effort, individuals would engage in haggling over prices. Nevertheless, I persisted, repeating the cycle over and over again, driven by the conviction that showcasing the quality of the product firsthand was crucial. The truth emerged as people tried on the jackets—they fell in love with the feel and fit. This unwavering determination to convey the excellence of Livalya’s offerings propelled me forward, and I refused to succumb to the challenges that surfaced along the way.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and establishing direct connections with customers emerged as the cornerstone for building Livalya’s reputation. Consistency in delivering high-quality products became synonymous with the brand, fostering trust among our clientele. The significance of robust customer service cannot be overstated. It has been a pivotal factor in our journey, laying the foundation for lasting relationships with those who appreciate and support Livalya. Responding promptly to inquiries, addressing concerns with diligence, and going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction have proven instrumental in cultivating a positive image for the brand.
This dedication to quality and customer-centricity extends beyond the creation of our products. It is reflected in every interaction, whether at pop-up events, online platforms, or personal consultations. Building this direct rapport with customers not only facilitates a better understanding of their preferences but also allows us to share the passion and craftsmanship behind each Livalya creation.
In essence, the key to success for Livalya lies in the unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality and forging genuine connections with our valued customers. This approach not only builds a strong reputation but also contributes to the enduring success and growth of the brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.livalya.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/livalya
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/livalya
• Other: Linktree: www.linktr.ee/livalya

Image Credits
Joseph Fraia Toni Ware