Today we’d like to introduce you to Bhavana Jain.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Bhavana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a kid, growing up, I always wanted to be a physician. Being a daughter of a medical doctor, I felt strongly that this was the future career for me. I would always see my father off as he went to the hospital and then go back to playing, drawing, or studying. I would say I was an “average” student when it came to math and science. But what was I was really good at? ART! Color, design, dressing my dolls up, pairing clothes, drawing, crafts… these are the things I EXCELLED in. Whenever I had a chance to show my creativity, I embraced the challenge, even while other students would shudder at the thought of even drawing a straight line. The idea of using my colored pens, pencils, and markers brought a sense of therapeutic joy to me. It was my secret escape to showcase my true talent. However, as I grew up, my parents stressed that pursuing a career in science would be a better option. I had to put my desire of pursuing art/design on hold.
Medical school did not work out for me so I made a lateral move to Pharmacy. Four years later, I graduated with a Doctorate in Pharmacy and was about to start my career. I was proud of my achievements. I was looking forward to new opportunities and meeting new people in pharmacy. It wasn’t until a few years later, that I felt secure both in my career and financially that the thought crossed my mind… “Hmmm, maybe I can explore that fashion thing now…”
I went on to take fashion classes while still working full time in Pharmacy. In school, I was able to learn the basics of creating garments and other skills related to fashion design. It wasn’t until I took flat pattern drafting that I designed my first original pieces! I was so proud of them that I made tags that said “BhavyJ Designs” and sewed it into the inside of the garment to act as my logo label. I went on to submit these designs to the college fashion show and other design competitions later down the line. Shortly after, I completed a certificate in business entrepreneurship and then decided that creating my own women’s wear line was the next step in my life.
From that point on, everything involved to create BhavyJ Designs started. From the creation of designs, website creation, logo creation, fabric sourcing, choosing a manufacturing, traveling abroad and domestically, meeting with so many mentors and business people and everything else in between… it all has finally lead up to the launch of BhavyJ Designs.
This journey has been amazing and I look forward to continuing on with it and seeing where it all goes from here.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were definitely challenges along the way.
The number one challenge for me has been juggling a full-time job and setting up my business. My pharmacy career is demanding in that I strive to provide the best patient care to my patients. After a full day’s work, I was either going to evening fashion classes or working on my business. After a while, I was able to balance the two and get the work done in the end.
The other challenge was to learn about an industry that I had no connections with, nor did I understand the fashion business landscape. Everything I have learned about the fashion industry and fashion business has been self-taught. I have been so lucky to meet wonderful mentors and teachers along the way.
Another challenge was learning to be patient and embrace the challenges that I encountered. I would definitely say I am a perfectionist so when something did not go as planned it was frustrating to me. I am a good problem solver so I would always come up with a solution to the problem and move on. For the challenges that were out of my control, I had to teach myself to step back and breathe, and then learn from the mistake. Turning mistakes and challenges into a learning experience help you grow and I just had to keep on reminding myself of that.
BhavyJ Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
BhavyJ Designs is a woman’s contemporary line which offers unique transitional and versatile pieces for the professional woman. Our pieces can be worn to work and to formal events as well. The BhavyJ Designs collection offers a variety of unique, versatile pieces that are sure to bolster any wardrobe. The BhavyJ line evokes a sense of feminism, class, and sophistication for the strong and independent women who wear them. Some of our designs incorporate beautiful imported fabric from Belgium and are paired with quality denim and other fabrics.
Three designs are part of our denim/floral line (just in time for the spring/summer season), while an additional three designs encompass the formal line which is well-suited for year-round wear. In addition, we offer a line of hair accessories that can accompany any outfit as you choose.
Even though my company is so new, I am so proud to be at the point of selling. This process has taken 3 years and I never imagined that I would be selling a line of clothing with my name on it. There have been some challenges along the way, but from each one, I’ve learned something from the experience and I hope to grow from here on out.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment in my career so far was the day that my online shop was live. Even though this was just one moment in my new fashion career, it symbolized all the hard work and sacrifices that were made to get to that point. All the hours of classes while working full time, and then putting all the pieces together to create my business, it all finally all came together on the day that my online shop was live.
Pricing:
- The “Neena” Shift Dress- $160
- The “Natasha” Shift Dress- $140
- The “Jasmine” Crop Top – $105
- The “Tara” Crop Top – $90
- The “Kareena” Skirt – $120
- The “Aaliya” Skirt0 $140
- BhavyJ Headbands- $17.50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bhavyjdesigns.com
- Email: BhavyJ@BhavyJDesigns.com
- Instagram: Insta: @bhavyjdesigns
- Facebook: FB: @BhavyJDesigns
- Twitter: Twitter: @bhavyj
- Yelp: linkedin: Bhavana Jain
- Other: pinterest: BhavyJ Designs
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