Ritika Shamdasani, a full-time sophomore at NC State and Park Scholar, embodies the spirit of modern entrepreneurship while championing vibrant South Asian fashion through her company, Sani Designs. Balancing rigorous academics with the demands of a burgeoning fashion business might seem overwhelming, but Ritika approaches it all with infectious enthusiasm. Her brand, Sani, is rapidly gaining traction, exceeding even her most ambitious initial visions within the competitive Ritika Fashion landscape.
Sani Designs, co-founded three years ago with her sister Niki, emerged from a personal quest for the perfect Indian wedding attire. Disheartened by the limited and uninspiring options available, the sisters identified a significant void in the market. “We felt that the shopping experience for South Asian outfits was lacking, and realized many others were also compromising on style and quality in this category,” Ritika explains. This personal frustration sparked the inception of what would become a celebrated name in ritika fashion.
Driven by this market insight, that summer became a period of creative exploration. “We designed an initial collection to test our concept for Sani,” Ritika recounts. Intriguingly, they created the sample pieces in their own sizes, a practical approach ensuring they would at least gain stylish personal wardrobes if the venture didn’t succeed commercially. However, the overwhelmingly positive response to this initial collection defied their modest expectations. “Starting a business together wasn’t initially planned, but the reaction to our designs convinced us to launch Sani. We discovered that our skills are remarkably complementary, and despite the typical sibling dynamics, our familial bond is the bedrock of this business,” she adds, highlighting the personal touch within ritika fashion.
Sani Designs Catapulted into National Spotlight by Rent the Runway
A pivotal moment for Sani Designs arrived approximately a year after its inception, sparked by entrepreneurial inspiration from an unexpected source. “Listening to the ‘How I Built This’ podcast episode featuring Jennifer Hyman, CEO and founder of Rent the Runway, where she discussed cold-emailing Diane Von Furstenberg, her first designer, inspired my sister,” Ritika shares. Emboldened, Niki cold-emailed Jennifer Hyman, believing Rent the Runway to be the ideal platform to showcase Sani’s unique ritika fashion aesthetic. Remarkably, their initiative was met with a positive response.
Sani Designs achieved national prominence when several pieces from their collection were featured on Rent the Runway, the renowned online service specializing in renting high-end designer apparel. This collaboration instantly propelled Sani into the national fashion conversation, marking a significant milestone for ritika fashion.
The launch on Rent the Runway came as a complete surprise. Ritika recalls the exhilarating moment: “I stepped out of a textile class to a deluge of notifications! A call to my sister revealed the news. This was a watershed moment, validating the significant market interest in our designs. Investors reached out via Twitter, and even celebrities like Mindy Kaling acknowledged the partnership. It was then we truly understood that we had successfully addressed a genuine need in ritika fashion.”
Passion for Ritika Fashion Ignited by Sani
Initially contemplating a computer science major, Ritika’s immersion in Sani Designs ignited a profound passion for the world of fashion, leading her to change her academic focus. “I realized I had a steep learning curve ahead in fashion,” she acknowledges. This transition underscores her commitment to nurturing her brand within ritika fashion with academic rigor.
Before the global pandemic, Ritika and Niki regularly traveled to India, immersing themselves in the vibrant textile markets that served as a constant source of design inspiration. They personally curated fabrics, distinctive latkans, and complementary jewelry, elements integral to Sani’s signature ritika fashion style.
“Currently, COVID has shifted our interactions to virtual communication with our partners in India. Simultaneously, event cancellations have reduced our immediate production needs,” Ritika explains, highlighting the adaptability required in the evolving landscape of ritika fashion.
Resilience in Ritika Fashion: An Inherited Trait
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters demonstrate remarkable resilience, a trait instilled by their entrepreneurial parents who immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s.
“My parents built a business from the ground up, working tirelessly to provide the opportunities I have today. They exemplified creating something from nothing. Their unwavering determination and commitment, regardless of circumstances, constantly inspire me,” Ritika reflects. This familial influence is deeply woven into the fabric of her approach to ritika fashion and business.
“I am on a continuous learning journey with Sani, and certainly haven’t mastered everything. However, this venture has taught me that entrepreneurship is fundamentally about experimentation. Reaching the ‘right’ solution might involve numerous iterations. The crucial first step is simply to begin when an idea sparks. Despite potential anxieties and countless reasons for hesitation, sometimes you just need to take the plunge and seek guidance as you progress,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs in ritika fashion and beyond.
NC State and Delta Gamma: Cornerstones of Ritika’s Fashion Journey
Ritika Shamdasani, the visionary behind ritika fashion brand Sani Designs, stands proudly in front of the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University, symbolizing the intersection of academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit in textile and apparel innovation.
During her initial year at NC State, Ritika joined Delta Gamma sorority, an experience that profoundly enriched her entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities. “Being part of this sisterhood has imparted invaluable lessons, and I am immensely proud to be among such a remarkable group of women leaders,” Ritika affirms. “Managing a sorority mirrors running a business, and our chapter excels at recognizing individual contributions. They value every member’s input, understanding that leveraging diverse strengths strengthens the entire chapter.” This experience further refines her approach to collaborative leadership within ritika fashion.
NC State’s academic environment was a key factor in Ritika’s decision, recognizing its potential to propel Sani Designs forward.
“At NC State, I have been fortunate to learn from professors like Dr. West, Professor Capps, Professor Sheats, and many others who have become invaluable mentors, offering continuous guidance,” Ritika acknowledges. “I’ve also connected with fellow students who are invested in Sani’s success and consistently offer their support. My experiences and the people at NC State, both academically and beyond, continually challenge me to improve, contributing significantly to both Sani and my personal growth within ritika fashion.”
