ST Bureau
Mumbai
This interview is a part of Startup
Terminal interview series to mark the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’
Terminal interview series to mark the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’
ST:
Please tell us more about yourself.
Please tell us more about yourself.
Shobhna
Mehta: I studied
Design in Sir JJ School Arts, graduated in 1972. I have been designing homes,
fashion, furniture, and accessories since then. I and my son Kunal, together we
started Kanchi by Shobhna and Kunal Mehta in 1998 as a high-end design house
for all bespoke interior solutions, luxury living and modern glamour.
Mehta: I studied
Design in Sir JJ School Arts, graduated in 1972. I have been designing homes,
fashion, furniture, and accessories since then. I and my son Kunal, together we
started Kanchi by Shobhna and Kunal Mehta in 1998 as a high-end design house
for all bespoke interior solutions, luxury living and modern glamour.
 |
| Shobhna Mehta, Co-Founder, Kanchi by Shobhna and Kunal Mehta |
ST:
Who is your biggest influence in life?
Who is your biggest influence in life?
Shobhna
Mehta: My biggest
influence today is my son – Kunal Mehta, who is not only my biggest fan but
also my best critic.
Mehta: My biggest
influence today is my son – Kunal Mehta, who is not only my biggest fan but
also my best critic.
ST:
What challenges do you face in your day to day professional life, if any?
What challenges do you face in your day to day professional life, if any?
Shobhna
Mehta: It has been a
roller-coaster ride. It has been an absolute joy to be working with my son, my
husband and a huge team of passionate people. Every day is an adventure. We did
not fathom the magnitude of our growth in the beginning. Creative differences
are around as a big challenge but it would not disregard hard work, sweat and
pressure from the equation, because it is ultimately the drive and zeal, which
keeps one going.
Mehta: It has been a
roller-coaster ride. It has been an absolute joy to be working with my son, my
husband and a huge team of passionate people. Every day is an adventure. We did
not fathom the magnitude of our growth in the beginning. Creative differences
are around as a big challenge but it would not disregard hard work, sweat and
pressure from the equation, because it is ultimately the drive and zeal, which
keeps one going.
Reaching out to Architects &
Interior Designers with the variety of services we had to offer for any space
from concepts to stylizing, from furnishings to furniture, was a big challenge
over time that has been channelized well.
Interior Designers with the variety of services we had to offer for any space
from concepts to stylizing, from furnishings to furniture, was a big challenge
over time that has been channelized well.
ST:
Where do you want to see yourself in next 5 years down the line?
Where do you want to see yourself in next 5 years down the line?
Shobhna
Mehta: The brand has
been on the international map since a decade and the credit goes to the only
man whose vision got us here – my son – Kunal Mehta.
Mehta: The brand has
been on the international map since a decade and the credit goes to the only
man whose vision got us here – my son – Kunal Mehta.
Our presence in the most prestigious
shows and collaborations around the world has only been growing and that’s what
it’s all about – one global village!
shows and collaborations around the world has only been growing and that’s what
it’s all about – one global village!
 |
| Shobhna Mehta and Kunal Mehta |
ST:
What is your message to the readers on ‘International Women’s Day’?
What is your message to the readers on ‘International Women’s Day’?
Shobhna
Mehta: It is said
that a woman is the full circle—with the power to create, nurture and
transform. No matter what is our backgrounds, circumstances or stories, all
women hold this power in their grasp. However, unleashing it to its fullest
potential requires an enabling, empowering environment that allows us to grow,
learn and evolve.
Mehta: It is said
that a woman is the full circle—with the power to create, nurture and
transform. No matter what is our backgrounds, circumstances or stories, all
women hold this power in their grasp. However, unleashing it to its fullest
potential requires an enabling, empowering environment that allows us to grow,
learn and evolve.
I believe women as friends and
sisters, mothers and daughters, colleagues and mentors, we can move mountains
in every sphere and change the world for everybody.
sisters, mothers and daughters, colleagues and mentors, we can move mountains
in every sphere and change the world for everybody.
So all the woman’s out there be
confident, break the boundaries, and do wonders.
confident, break the boundaries, and do wonders.
You could send your feedback at
startupterminal@gmail.com
startupterminal@gmail.com
