SUCCESS STORY

Rekha

Ananthanpillai:

A Journey of Passion, Culture,

and Fashion

By Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

Born in New Jersey to Indian immigrant parents, Rekha Ananthanpillai’s story is a compelling blend of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up primarily in Maryland, with Washington, D.C. as her home, Rekha’s childhood was deeply shaped by her family’s efforts to connect her with her Indian roots. Her parents instilled in her a sense of identity and tradition, frequently discussing religion and belief systems, while she immersed herself in Indian classical dance, a practice that not only tied her to her heritage but also ignited her artistic flair.

Her creative inclinations blossomed early on. Rekha found herself drawn to fashion, taking crochet and design classes during her youth. However, as life progressed, she drifted away from these passions, only to rediscover them years later. This rekindled love for fashion led her to launch her own brand, a dream she had nurtured for many years. Rekha’s love for travel and diverse cultures also played a significant role in inspiring her designs, as she incorporated elements from her global explorations into her creations.

Rekha's academic journey laid a strong foundation for her future success. With an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Finance and an MBA in Strategy, she developed the business acumen necessary to navigate the fashion industry. Early in her career, she worked as a tutor and even spent time as a stylist at Michael Kors. These experiences, while seemingly unconnected, all contributed to her understanding of style, business, and leadership.

A pivotal moment in her career came when her designs were featured in the window display at Macy’s, celebrating 10 years of Diner en Blanc in Philadelphia. This recognition marked a significant achievement, one she recalls with pride. Being nominated as a rising star by the Fashion Group International (FGI) in South Florida further validated her place in the fashion industry. Throughout her academic and professional life, Rekha has also been recognized with numerous entrepreneurship and leadership awards, underscoring her determination and innovation.

Rekha’s approach to work is one of collaboration and growth. She believes that feedback is essential and sees it as a two-way street, constantly seeking partnerships that will help her evolve as both an individual and a business owner. The pride she takes in launching her own brand, after years of hard work and dreaming, is perhaps her greatest accomplishment to date. Though she admits she doesn’t celebrate her successes enough, the satisfaction of seeing her vision come to life is undeniable.

Balancing her professional ambitions with her personal life requires careful attention. Rekha is mindful of allocating time for what matters most and ensures she carves out moments for self-care and re-energizing. This balance helps her maintain the stamina and focus needed to continue pursuing her goals.

Looking to the future, Rekha is excited about new opportunities on the horizon, including a potential retail partnership and other surprises she’s not ready to reveal just yet. As she continues to build her brand, she hopes to be seen as a leader, an innovator, and a valued partner in the fashion industry.

Rekha Ananthanpillai’s journey is far from over, and with her blend of creativity, cultural pride, and business savvy, she is poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of fashion.

BIOGRAPHY

1. Your journey reflects a strong connection to your Indian heritage through dance and family values. How has your cultural background influenced your fashion designs, and how do you balance these traditional elements with modern trends?

Yes, my background and culture has taught me to tressure my culture and I seek to preserve it in my designs. I use artisanal fabric that is handwoven. You will often see different prints used because each design is produced in a limited quantity.

2. You mentioned that you rediscovered your passion for fashion after some time away. What was the turning point that reignited this passion, and how has your perspective on the industry changed since then?

Yes prior to COVID I was traveling for work all of the time and didn’t have time for myself and my passions. During this “break from travel” I began to prioritize the things that made me happy and that was designing. I soon found a design school in Philly enrolled and a year later launched La’ Agra.

3. Launching a brand is a dream for many, but it often comes with challenges. What were some of the key obstacles you faced while building your brand, and how did you overcome them?

Every day is a challenge. Right now I am working on build brand awareness and trust so I can increase my customer reach. Often times I get stopped and commented on my outfit but then the sales don’t match which is frustrating. Being patient and trying different things to see what works has been a journey.

Brand: La' Agra
Designer: Rekha Ananthanpillai - @la.agra Website: www.laagra.com

4. Traveling has been a source of inspiration for your designs. Could you share a specific trip or cultural experience that left a lasting impression on your creative process?

Europe – my first collection I drew inspiration from the tiles of Portugal using the deep blues as my main source. I had the opportunity to attend Milan fashion week a few years ago and being immersed in the fashion capital was another source of inspiration.

5. As someone with an academic background in Marketing, Finance, and Strategy, how have you applied these disciplines to your fashion business, and what do you think sets your brand apart in such a competitive industry?

I think having a strong business background is what lead me to get up and running so fast, staying organized. Knowing when I need to pivot and make changes. Negotiating with vendors etc.

6. Your design was featured at Macy's for a special event—a significant milestone. Can you describe the emotions you felt when you saw your work displayed, and how that experience shaped your confidence as a designer?

Honestly tears came to my eyes. I ran to the window once I saw it up and facetimed my parents It was such a surreal moment to see my name and brand in a store like Macy’s

7. Balancing professional and personal life is often a delicate task. How do you stay grounded amid the demands of running a brand, and what strategies do you use to maintain your creativity and productivity?

I meditate every morning. It helps me stay grounded. I make to do list and I still have a printed planner / calendar where I write everything down from deadlines I need to hit to dinner with friends.

8. You’ve received several awards for leadership and entrepreneurship. How do you define leadership in the fashion industry, and what qualities do you believe are essential for emerging designers to succeed?

I think believing in yourself and vision is important. Knowing how to apply feedback that people give you. Everyone will always have an opinion so knowing when you need to take it seriously and when you need to let it go. Knowing when and how to ask for help is also very important.

9. In terms of future projects, you mentioned looking for a retail partnership. What qualities do you seek in a potential partner, and how do you envision this collaboration helping your brand grow?

Someone that will help take my brand to the next level and give me the resources to expand my vision and team.

10. You aspire to be seen as a leader and innovator. In a world that is constantly changing, what steps are you taking to stay ahead of trends and continue evolving both personally and professionally?

Staying true to yourself and believing in your vision. It is so easy to get caught up in fads and trends. But knowing that you are creating a trend is more powerful.

INTERVIEW