In a world that often adheres to societal expectations and traditional career paths, Namita, a trailblazing entrepreneur, dared to challenge the norms and follow her true passion. Born and raised in the East Bay area of California, Namita's upbringing in a predominantly Asian community instilled in her a deep appreciation for her South Asian culture, while also presenting the pressures of conformity. However, with the unwavering support of her liberal-minded parents and a steadfast dedication and work ethic, Namita found the courage to pursue her creative aspirations and carve her own path.
Growing Up and Guiding Values
Growing up, Namita felt that the South Asian culture emphasized following strict rules and adhering to traditional career paths, with expectations centered around stability, financial success, and conforming to societal norms. Many people in her community seemed to follow similar career trajectories and adhered to societal timelines for marriage and family planning. Namita's parents, however, were incredibly liberal and progressive, never pressuring her to conform to predetermined paths and supported her in pursuing her own passions. She firmly believes that personal interests naturally emerge over time, and pursuing a career that aligns with those passions is key to achieving fulfillment and success.
One value that Namita appreciated her parents instilling in her that has stayed consistent through all aspects of her life is humility, which she later named her own fashion brand, humble co. Her name, Namita, also means humble in Hindi. The importance of kindness and treating others with respect formed a consistent thread in Namita's life, shaping her interactions and guiding her journey.
Discovering Passions
Namita has always had an interest in the creative space, but it wasn't until her after college that she decided to fully embrace it. After graduating from high school, Namita moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA where she pursued a degree in economics. Through the Hindi film dance team, she met an older friend who served as the dance captain. Witnessing her friend's pursuit of design and media arts, Namita began contemplating her own unexplored passion for the arts.
The idea of delving into the creative realm ignited a fire within Namita, but fear and uncertainty held her back. Questions regarding stability and parental support clouded her mind, leaving her hesitant to take the leap. In hindsight, she acknowledges that she "just didn't push hard enough for it." It was only when she reached a breaking point, realizing that her current path was taking away from her happiness and fulfillment, that she found the courage to wholeheartedly pursue her creative passions. Namita firmly believes that deep within, every individual possesses an inherent understanding of their true passions and desires. The key lies in mustering the courage to follow those passions and persevering even when faced with tasks and responsibilities that do not align with one's inner calling. By doing so, the clarity of purpose becomes even more pronounced, guiding one toward a path of genuine fulfillment.
Mentorship
Namita's admiration for her older sister, who is two and a half years her senior, and her sister's best friend, whom her parents adopted during high school, served as early sources of inspiration and mentorship. Additionally, her sister's circle of older friends provided Namita with mentors she could look up to for guidance and support.
Reflecting on her journey, Namita acknowledges the unique challenges in finding a mentor who perfectly aligns with one's individuality. Each person's path and skill set are distinct, making it difficult to find someone who has walked the exact same journey. However, Namita recognizes that this uniqueness is also the most special part about individuality.
During her time at ShoeDazzle, Namita found a mentor in the Chief Operating Officer at the time. Her transparency, willingness to engage in thought-provoking discussions about business, and her honest opinions created an environment where Namita could freely share ideas and seek valuable input.
Career Path & Founding humble co.
At UCLA's career fair, Namita was selected as UCLA's representative to join the Gap, Inc. internship program the summer between her junior and senior year. Following her graduation, Namita's fascination with fashion propelled her to seek new horizons beyond Los Angeles. Eager to challenge herself and break free from her comfort zone, she set her sights on the bustling city of New York.
In New York, she got a job at Ann Taylor Corporate, and then moved back to LA where she worked for two startups: ShoeDazzle and Nasty Gal. It was during her time at Nasty Gal that she experienced a profound connection with the consumer base and the inspiring cult following surrounding the brand. This realization ignited a spark within her—a desire to create her own brand that would empower South Asian women and women in general, fostering body confidence and an emotional connection.
As Namita's career progressed, she found herself immersed in the world of brand partnerships and creator collaborations. These experiences provided her with valuable insights and was a dream role for her. However, it was the global pandemic in 2020 that sparked a pivotal moment of self-reflection and action.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the pandemic-induced slowdown, Namita delved into the process of conceptualizing her brand. Leveraging her network from previous ventures and connections, she found support and guidance from like-minded individuals. Networking played a crucial role in connecting her with her first pattern maker and a talented creative and branding expert.
During this period, Namita confronted personal challenges as well. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2019, she became acutely aware of the importance of mental health. This newfound understanding became an integral part of her brand's identity. Namita envisioned a brand that not only offered confidence-boosting basics but also contributed to a mental health foundation in India, aiming to make a positive impact.
The initial collection of humble co. aimed to merge empowering basics with mild South Asian influences. However, feedback emphasized the need for a more focused and differentiated approach. In response, Namita recently visited India, engaging in fruitful research meetings and collaborating with an import-export supplier who shared her vision. This exciting collaboration promises to infuse the brand with authentic Indian influences, utilizing fabrics inspired by the rich heritage of the region. Moreover, Namita's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures that the production process aligns with her values.
Namita's journey of starting her own brand has taught her the importance of perseverance and adaptation. She has embraced the reality that life is an ever-evolving journey, and one must continuously pivot and follow what feels right. humble co. represents not just a fashion brand, but a profound personal exploration, where Namita hones her story, refines her purpose, and strives for differentiation in a competitive fashion landscape.
The Power of Womanhood in Emily's Work
Namita's perspective as a woman has played a significant role in shaping not only her brand but also the various positions she has held throughout her career. At Pinterest, she had the opportunity to spearhead the internship program for all the incoming recent college graduates. Looking at the young girls and women, she wishes that someone had shared with her all of the knowledge and insights she possesses now.
In her earlier years, she considered herself more of a "guys' girl" and didn't fully grasp the challenges women face. However, as she reflects on her own journey and observes the insecurities, pressures to conform, and the impact of hurtful comments, she has developed a deep empathy for others. She has learned the importance of treating everyone with kindness, recognizing that their behavior often reflects their own struggles rather than being a reflection of her worth. Namita believes that mental health is increasingly prioritized today, but true understanding comes from personal experiences and hitting rock bottom, which fosters appreciation for growth and the capacity to effect change. Witnessing the growth of individuals brings Namita great joy, and she enthusiastically embraces the opportunity to mentor women on their paths to self-discovery and empowerment. Namita shared, "Honestly, if I could mentor every woman in the world, I would."
Namita's Advice to Her Younger Self
1. Relax
a. Namita would advise her younger self to embrace relaxation. Reflecting on her past, she realizes that she used to worry excessively about every little thing, leading to anxiety and constant apprehension. Take a deep breath, let go of unnecessary concerns, and simply relax.
2. Don't Compare Yourself
a. Life is both long and short, and it's important to appreciate yourself instead of constantly comparing yourself to others. People who have achieved success in various fields are just ordinary individuals who started from scratch, without any extraordinary gifts or advantages. Those who succeed are the ones who start and then furthermore, who keep going. Rather than focusing on what others have, shift your mindset to one of abundance and use their achievements as motivation for personal growth. Comparisons only detract from your own progress and rob you of joy, so it's crucial to change that mindset and prioritize self-appreciation.
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