Power Trendsetter: Anita Dongre

Not only did Anita Dongre’s dress for Kate Middleton feature in various national and international tabloids, it also sold out sooner than one can imagine from her website. Recently featured on CNN’s Growing India series, she has also been a part of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business list by Forbes India, Fortune India and Business Today, among others.

Work philosophy: “My mantra is to simply love what you do passionately. I don’t see challenges, only opportunities. A key learning would be that if you pursue something doggedly, you can achieve it. An illustration of this example would be my Grassroot line of bags. I’m vegan and completely against the use of leather, so this would traditionally be considered a challenge. My teams researched for months before we found a solution and launched what we call ‘cruelty-free bags’.”

Throwback time: “The moment when I watched my artisans closing the show at Lakmé Fashion Week for Grassroot was filled with pride.”

A day in her life: “I’m a morning person. A long walk is a must to get me ready, I’m at my desk by 9 a.m. and the rest of the day is spent in meetings with various teams. I’m grateful to be working in my dream design space. It’s an eco-friendly verdant area nestled against a backdrop of green hills with a picturesque view. In the evenings, I head home to unwind over early dinner with my family, followed by some music and playtime with my dog.”

Read about our next power woman, Juhi Chaturvedi.