Meet Rekha Ananthanpillai | Fashion Designer / Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rekha Ananthanpillai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rekha, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance is something I have always seek to achieve, I don’t know if its because I am a libra or just my personality

Balance is about making time for the things that are important and knowing when you need to invest a little more time in some of them. I always start with a list of general priorities – health (physical and mental), my business (the things that need the most attention be in marketing, networking etc.) my corporate job – making sure my clients are happy, and friends and family. Each day the formula for balance has changes. Over time I have learned where I need to give and take and the power of saying “No”. I know that I cannot do it all and be everywhere at the same time so I have had to learn when it is important to say no so that I can focus on one my priorities.

Over the years I have definitely gotten better at balancing it all but there is always room for growth!

What should our readers know about your business?
La’ Agra is a line of women’s wear that draws inspiration from South Asian design elements. The vision of the brand is to seamlessly blend the handwoven artisanal craftsmanship into modern wear. We are at an exciting point where South Asian fashion and many Indian related things (food, culture) are really emerging (look at Dior Fall 2021 Runway show in Mumbai). People are really starting to catch on to the Indian trend! I think there is a real movement behind the artisanal craftsmanship and desire to highlight South Asian fashion beyond just event wear and more everyday / dressy casual wear.

Being a fashion designer has been a long dream of mine, it wasn’t until 4 years ago I realized it was something I could achieve in this life time. I pursued a business degree in college and went to work for a bank shortly after. I think the 12+ years in the banking / professional services industries have equipped me with real life business skills to know how to navigate difficult situations and conversations. Staying true to who I am and my dream is what has kept me going through the tough times and challenges. Every day I am faced with different obstacles and I have the choice to either throw the towel in or face the challenge.

My brand tells a story of how South Asian fashion can be embraced my anyone every garment tells a different story and has ample opportunities to be styled.
My years of experience in a traditional corporate job taught me a lot of the skills, such as organization, people management etc. These skills have helped me grow and navigate the challenges I face with my fashion brand. I still have a long road ahead of me and I stay focued on the long term goal. What sets my brand apart from some of the other similar brands, is my focus is 1) on the textile work and highlighting the unique fabrics and prints 2) finding ways to seamless blend the design elements into modern wear. Its not about recreating a Sari (yes that is still very interesting) but its about finding the endless possabilities with the Sari fabric and how portions of it or the silhouette can be “reinvented”. I am excited to see my brand grow over the next couple of years and whats to come!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Coconut Grove so I am very biased to all the things in the area.
We would start the day with a walk around the Marina, head to the famers market, then Regatta Grove for some day time fun, Level 6 for afternoon drinks / sunset views and a night cap at Bellini Bar in Mr. C Hotel

Some other spots I like – Mila in South Beach, Fabel, Barcelona andDoya in Wynnwood

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, they are two people who immigrated with very little and each built a successful career, they have always continued to push me and inspire me. I have learned from their stories the importance of dedication, hard work, and believing in yourself. There are so many days where I want to quit and then just a quick chat with my dad changes the course of my mind. They continue to support my dreams and goals and I would not be the woman I am today without the love and support.

Website: https://laagra.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.agra/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-agra/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@laagraofficial

Image Credits

Azalea Jeanette