At just 21, Shailaja Adhikar started exploring the fashion and interior designing domain. Pioneering the fashion and education arena In Nepal, Adhikary has already left a distinct mark in this field. Holding an MBA from Symbiosis International University, Pune, she is currently the Managing Director at Fashion and Interior Design Education, (IEC) and Euro Kids Nepal. For her contributions in the education sector in Nepal, she was rightfully awarded the Best Women Entrepreneur in 2013. She is also the recipient of the Educational Excellence Award 2012 held at IIT, Delhi (India).

In an interview with My City’s Sonam Lama, Adhikary talked about her experience and the setbacks in the field of fashion and interior designing. 

How has the scope of fashion and interior designing changed in Nepal?
Persuading people to enroll in fashion and interior designing was tough, especially in the beginning; it was a field in dire need of thorough exploration. The students were not ready to take the risks of investing time, or revenue in such a doubtful career. Also, the parents were reluctant on admitting their children to institutes that taught fashion, and interior designing courses, citing unstable career possibilities. Thus, Convincing parents and winning students was difficult back then. However, the present-day scenario has changed.  Interested students, with a long-term goal, envisioning a stable career join IEC. So, I believe this change is remarkable in the fashion domain of Nepal.

What encouraged you to establish IEC, a fashion and interior designing college despite coming from a different background?
Since I belonged to a family of bankers, it was tough for me to take a leap from the banking sector to fashion designing. Before IEC, I was an employee at Standard Chartered Bank.  It was only after joining the banking sector that I realized my desire to engage in a creative profession. I always believed that the learning process required creativity. This principle of my life led me to establish IEC. 

I had consulted with my parents before opening the school. It was a risky initiative, as it also included bank loans, and I was only 21. My loan payback tenure was three years, but I managed to clear off the debt in just two and a half years. 

You are a working mother and an entrepreneur, how challenging is it to play different roles?
I work with a large number of female employees, and it is empowering in many ways. I find myself fortunate enough to be surrounded by a supportive group of people sharing mutual values of work professionalism. Having a common goal to run an organization is important. It also ensures better teamwork. Working has become a part of my daily routine, but amidst the rush, I make sure that I fulfill my responsibilities as a mother as well.  However, I feel time management  is a bit challenging currently.

What messages would you like to convey to aspiring fashion and interior designers?
I think you have to be passionate about your profession. We often have a tendency to put half-hearted effort and burden our minds thinking about the future outcomes. In contrast to it, I believe to give my best in whatever I do. As an entrepreneur, it is important that you value your clients and customers as well as your team members.