Today we’d like to introduce you to Nisha Agrawal.
Nisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey with Taj Fashion really began unexpectedly in the early 2010s. At the time, I was primarily known as a henna artist, and I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of so many Indian weddings here in the Austin area. Through those experiences, I kept hearing a recurring sentiment from brides, their families, and wedding guests: the struggle to find beautiful, high-quality Indian clothing right here in Austin. The options were limited, and custom orders often didn’t meet expectations. Many felt they had to make long trips to Houston or Dallas, which wasn’t feasible for everyone.
These conversations sparked an idea in me. I had already been importing small gift items and décor from India, so I had some familiarity with international sourcing. The need for better Indian clothing options in Austin was so apparent, it felt like a calling. However, I had no connections in the garment industry, and the thought of just relying on online wholesale marketplaces felt risky. I knew I wanted to offer reliable, good-quality dresses and work with suppliers I could truly trust.
Driven by this vision, I decided to take a leap of faith and travel to India. I had spent time researching and collecting contacts of potential merchants online. Unfortunately, my initial visits were mostly with resellers who didn’t have the consistent quality or unique collections I was looking for. Undeterred, I made my way to a town in India renowned as a hub for garment manufacturing. Navigating this industry as a small, unknown entity was challenging. The large suppliers and manufacturers weren’t initially interested in working with a small shop like mine. But through persistence and numerous attempts, I was finally able to connect with some established and reputable manufacturers. Securing those relationships felt like a significant victory, but I knew it was just the beginning of the Taj Fashion story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, absolutely not! The journey of building Taj Fashion has had its fair share of hurdles. One of the very first challenges I encountered was meeting the minimum order quantities set by the clothing manufacturers I wanted to work with. Since my priority was always to offer the best quality, which led me directly to the manufacturers, they naturally had requirements for bulk purchases. As a new business in Austin, I didn’t have the immediate capacity to stock the large volumes they were asking for. Thankfully, my background in the business community came in handy. I was able to connect with some of my other business partners, and through collaboration, we worked out mutually beneficial deals with those manufacturers, allowing me to access the quality I desired without being overwhelmed by inventory.
Another significant hurdle was navigating the complexities of shipping and importing clothing from India. Initially, the manufacturers I was working with had layers of shippers and resellers involved, and they didn’t handle direct international shipping. This meant I had to work with multiple parties to get the products to Austin, which resulted in high shipping costs. Additionally, my lack of initial understanding of customs regulations and excise tariffs led to some unexpected and costly setbacks. Over time, my husband and I diligently researched and learned the intricacies of these processes, which has significantly helped in streamlining our logistics and reducing overall costs.
Then, there was the ongoing challenge of inventory management – striking that delicate balance between having enough variety to meet customer demand and avoiding excessive stock that could become dead inventory. It took time and careful observation to gauge the local preferences and buying patterns. In the early days, we definitely had our share of unsold inventory. However, being connected with various organizations in Austin has allowed me to find a meaningful purpose for these items. I’ve established relationships with local charities and even churches who can utilize the Indian clothing for draping and other needs, ensuring that nothing goes to complete waste. It’s been a learning curve, but every challenge has taught me valuable lessons and ultimately made Taj Fashion stronger.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Taj Fashion here in Austin is truly a labor of love. What started as a dream to share the beauty of Indian clothing has blossomed into a vibrant hub. I feel so incredibly proud that Taj Fashion has become a go-to destination, not just for our Austin community, but that people even travel from cities like Dallas and Houston to experience the collection I’ve carefully curated. It’s a testament to the variety and quality we offer.
For me, Taj Fashion is more than just a store; it’s about being a part of people’s special moments, especially weddings. I understand that navigating Indian wedding attire can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why I and my team are personally involved in helping individuals with dressing and draping, particularly with sarees and lehengas. On those hectic wedding days, it’s my privilege to assist brides, bridesmaids, and their families in getting ready, ensuring they look and feel their best, right on schedule. Taking that little bit of stress away from their busy day is something I find deeply rewarding.
One of the aspects I particularly enjoy is working on bridesmaid dresses. I love the process of conceptualizing and designing bride’s dress than creating coordinated looks for the bridal party, ensuring they complement the wedding theme and beautifully align with the attire of the bride and groom. It’s all about creating a seamless and stunning visual harmony for the celebration.
What’s most important to me at Taj Fashion is the personal connection I make with each customer. I believe in taking the time to truly listen – to their ideas, their needs, and their vision. Whether someone is looking for one special piece or several outfits, I give them my full attention and honest guidance, without any pressure to buy unless they absolutely love it. Building those relationships and making everyone feel valued is at the heart of what I do.
For the men who visit my store, I’m proud to offer what I believe is the largest selection of Indian traditional clothing in the area, alongside stylish Indo-Western options, elegant sherwanis, and all the essential accessories like “Pagaris”. I want every customer to find exactly what they’re looking for.
Given the often-customized nature of Indian garments, I also understand the importance of a perfect fit and timely alterations. That’s why I offer on-site stitching for quick fixes and have a dedicated team of skilled seamstresses for more intricate work. My promise to every customer is that their garment will be ready on or before the date we agree upon.
Coming from a humble background myself, I deeply understand that looking and feeling good in what you wear shouldn’t require spending an exorbitant amount of money. At Taj Fashion, I firmly believe in offering a range of options to suit different budgets without ever compromising on quality or style.
What truly excites me is helping my customers get creative with their wardrobes. I love providing ideas and suggestions for mixing and matching different pieces, sometimes even breathing new life into older outfits by pairing them with newer items or accessories. It’s about giving clothing a different spin so it not only feels fresh and new but also perfectly fits the occasion.
This approach not only makes fashion more accessible but also encourages a more sustainable way of building a wardrobe. It’s about smart choices, thoughtful combinations, and understanding how to maximize the potential of each garment. For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to see a customer’s eyes light up when they realize they can create multiple stunning looks without breaking the bank. It’s about empowering them to feel confident and stylish, regardless of their budget.”
This addition beautifully highlights your values and adds another dimension to your brand – one of practicality, creativity, and understanding your customers’ needs on a deeper level. It makes Taj Fashion even more appealing and relatable.
Finally, what makes me most proud of Taj Fashion is the trust and loyalty I’ve built within the community. I want the readers to know that when they come to Taj Fashion, they’re not just entering a store; they’re stepping into a space where tradition is honored, individual style is celebrated, and they’ll be treated with genuine care. My team and I are here to help everyone find the perfect outfit for any occasion and to make their special events even more beautiful and memorable.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
“Looking ahead at the Indian fashion industry over the next 5-10 years, especially here in a vibrant and evolving city like Austin, I anticipate some significant shifts and exciting trends.
Firstly, the digital landscape will become even more integral. I foresee a continued and perhaps accelerated fusion of styles. The beautiful blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern silhouettes and global fashion influences will likely become even more prominent. Younger generations, both here in Austin and globally, are embracing Indo-Western styles and seeking versatile pieces that can be styled in various ways. We’ll need to continue to curate and offer designs that cater to this evolving aesthetic.
A crucial shift I also anticipate is the growing importance of sustainability and ethical practices. Consumers are becoming more conscious about the impact of their clothing choices. I believe there will be a greater demand for transparency regarding sourcing and production. For Taj Fashion, this means exploring opportunities to work with artisans and suppliers who prioritize ethical production and potentially offering more sustainable fabric options.
Another trend I see gaining momentum is the desire for personalization and customization. Our existing strength in offering on-site alterations and working closely with customers on their specific needs positions us well for this.
Finally, the wedding market, while always significant for ethnic wear, will continue to evolve. Couples are increasingly seeking unique and personalized wedding experiences, which will influence their attire choices. The trend of coordinating outfits for the entire wedding party, which we already specialize in with bridesmaid dresses, is likely to expand to groomsmen and other key members.
In essence, the next decade for Indian fashion in Austin and beyond will likely be characterized by a dynamic interplay of traditional and modern styles, a greater emphasis on ethical and sustainable choices, a demand for personalized experiences, and an evolving wedding landscape. At Taj Fashion, my focus will be on embracing these changes while staying true to our core values of quality, personalized service, and celebrating the rich heritage of Indian attire in a way that resonates with our diverse clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tajfashion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NishaTajFashion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TajFashion/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tajfashion
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/taj-fashion-austin
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tajfashion/
Image Credits
Ram Agrawal
www.ragrawal.com/photography
