Product List
I’ve been associated, created and produced a long list of products in my life as an entrepreneur.
We started off with Private Label and then continued under our own label.
Some of the products we developed include:
- Leather Belts, Leather Wallets, Scarves, Handbags, Printed Silk Fabrics – (Private Label)
- Women’s Sportswear – (Private Label)
- Women’s Dresses – (Private Label)
- Men’s Shirts and T-shirts – (Private Label)
- Decorative Pillows, Bedsheets, Duvet Covers, Quilts – (Décor By Beader’s Touch)
- Table Runners, Table Mats, Shower Curtains – (RR Design Concepts)
- Top of The Bedding, Dec Pillows, Carpets, Bathroom Accessories (RR Hospitality Designs)
- Dog Beds – Pet Maison
- Rugs – RR Design Concepts
- Men’s Shoes – Andrew Fezza & Mecca
- Fragrance – Distributer Brands
- Bath & Body – Ming Fai
- Spices – UK Brand
- Candles, Paper Products, Utility Bedding-Top of Mattress Pad, Comforters – (Private Label)
Hardships Make You Stronger
Challenges are part of the game in an entrepreneur’s life, but I was determined to make things work. I was in the Leather Expressions business, but post the Art Show, I got so submerged in the garment business that painting took a backseat. My work hours were erratic, and the US-India time difference meant that I was up from 7am to midnight. Through the good and the bad, Jay and I knew that God’s and my parent’s blessings would see us through this phase. I kept my focus ahead and just moved forward in life.
My advice to all is to not be afraid and to always keep in mind that getting started is the biggest challenge. Courage, faith and versatility are your biggest assets. When things go wrong, don’t procrastinate. Rather, deal with the problem then and there. Keep it personal and emotional, because it’s that emotional touch that builds trust and understanding.
Reflections and Retrospections
And if I speak of Paradise
-Roger Robinson
Then I’m speaking of my grandmother
Who told me to carry it always
On my person, concealed, so
No one else would know but me.
I spent 10 difficult years in the garment business and travelled six times a year to India. We had three employees, who are settled in their lives now. Some time ago, in the midst of the Covid-19 frenzy, I received a call from one of them – Jyoti Bhatt. She was a lively person and that day she was reminiscing and telling me about how much she has learnt from me. It is such a heart-warming feeling to look back and see how positively you’ve affected the lives of those you’ve worked with. Ultimately, people need to like what you do. It makes all the struggles worth it.
During quality inspections, I concentrated on perfecting the product and maintaining superiority. I had an eye for spotting both minor and major quality control issues. The sample presentation process was crucial, as that’s how we got orders. There were days I would take midnight flights at the last minute, to go and guide the factory merchandisers on how to mutilate a garment (in those days samples had to be marked or mutilated strategically, without damaging the way they looked – for US Customs to let them into the country). We’d be trying to gather and locate garment samples in time for me to make my flight, and sometimes we would not finish the garment mutilation process. Still, we would hug and part ways with no bitter feelings. I made it a point to treat my merchandisers and designers well. During work hours I wasn’t their friend, but post 6 pm, I was happy to take them out to dinner. Even today, we are all in touch and they still accord me the same respect as they did when we worked together.
In the home furnishings business, the presence of Raymond, Marty and Jay was a blessing in my life. We worked day and night to come up with new embroidery ideas and techniques. Working with vendors in India and explaining the minute details to them was hard work, but we always sourced a solution to explain things to them. Jaideep Raswant of Sai Merchandising and Abhishek from Rainbow were a big help to us in this business. They became an integral part of our work family. With everyone’s help, we reached our goal with our showroom at 230 Fifth Ave. After having worked with all major retailers and earning industry acclaim, today we are in the position where people call up to enquire about work with us. I can only say that please listen to your customers and take their feedback very seriously. Keep innovating and try to perfect the product you are working on.
The tough times don’t ever really go away and even in recent times, we’ve had some struggles in business. People can be selfish and forget the good things that have happened in their lives thanks to us. However, I’m a huge believer in Karma. God is Great! Never forget that we did not bring anything with us in this world. Whatever we have is all given by God.
Learnings From A Full Life
As fulfilling as relationships can be, I truly believe that it is vital for a woman to spend time with herself, to better understand her needs and desires, and to learn to enjoy her own company. This has two benefits – it can help a person become a better partner in future relationships, and also teaches one to wait for the right partner rather than end up in a toxic relationship.
My heart has been so receptive to
Rekha Gadhvi
People, places and experiences.
I built my inner garden with them.
Now, the fruit of my garden is ripe,
And I long to share them with my dear ones
So that the seeds of these fruits could find soil in their souls,
And grow again there,
Thus living in the rebirth and continuity of life
Life is too short to spend it with people who thrive in bringing others down. Always look out for toxic habits in others and know when to draw boundaries. Cutting the cord is a task easier said than done, but the eventual relief it will bring is important for one’s overall mental health. It also helps to free up time and space for people who bring with themselves, more positive energy.
The Beatles said it best,“I get by with a little help from my friends.” It is only when we learn to value quality over quantity while forging friendships, can we focus on cultivating healthy bonds with the right people. Friends that are loyal, encouraging and supportive, are the ones worth keeping.
Take time to relax. To look back and contemplate, to introspect and better yourself. Life runs by so fast; one can forget what makes them tick or keeps them going. As Bernstein said, “In the process, we can easily lose a sense of ourselves. Downtime brings us back to the integrity of being ourselves. In the not doing, we are open and relaxed and thus insights and creative ideas find their way to us.”
While the past eight years have taught me to be thankful for my gains, the last six months have also shown me how unpleasant life can become. They have opened my eyes to the good things in life. Today, I am in a spiritual position to thank the people, who may have wronged me. Inadvertently, they have made me stronger. And yes, the best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been to, and the memories we’ve made along the way.