FASHTALKS WITH VISMAYA

What inspired you to name your brand?

The meaning of Vismaya is “wonder”. We wanted to create everyday wonders in our accessories collection.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

We can remember some of the earliest paisley designs that our father worked on as well as the antique artisanal hand work on a shawl.

"Vismaya is firmly rooted in its history and perpetually inspired by the unique wonder within each individual."

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

Vismaya is firmly rooted in its history and perpetually inspired by the unique wonder within each individual. We are committed to using that inspiration to create unique, earth-conscious, and high-quality products at a fair price. We firmly remain committed to our goal of doing well by doing good - always searching for new ways to use this business to positively impact the communities we work in.

What is your favorite part about designing?

Creating a mood board or an inspiration board is my favorite! There are so many aspects of design and things around you that inspire you to create something. I also love colors and creating a color palette!

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is all about being comfortable, yet stylish.

What is your favorite fashion film or show?

We do not have a favorite fashion film or show. Instead, we are inspired by every designer out there, both big and small. They each have a unique story of success that sets them apart from each other.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

We would like to positively impact our community by creating wonders. Whether it be by giving opportunities to local artists and artisans or creating products that help neutralize the carbon footprint, we want to do our part to create a better world.

What can consumers expect to see next from your brand?

They can expect an environmentally conscious brand with use of organic and natural fabrics.

Where is your favorite place to travel? Why?

Every place that we travel to has something different to offer and learn from. Every city and country has a unique culture that defines the trends and style of that location.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have designed? 

There are many beautiful pieces that it is too difficult to choose just one design. I do however love all hand work and embroideries that are particularly inspired by kalamkari, which is an ancient style of hand painting.

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

It was difficult not having brand identity to begin, which caused hesitation for stores to carry Vismaya. Meeting our minimums for production and fulfilling styles for stores that did not make the cut was also very challenging. Thankfully, we were able to slowly move our production factory to becoming more sustainable and have adopted more eco-friendly processes, which has always been our goal.

"One can have everything, but if you do not have the passion for what you do, you will not be able to take the steps necessary to accomplish your dream." 

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

It may sound rhetoric, but I think passion is what it takes to create value and stand apart. One can have everything, but if you do not have the passion for what you do, you will not be able to take the steps necessary to accomplish your dream.

How did your brand navigate and overcome the pandemic in 2020?

We consider ourselves extremely fortunate for overcoming and sailing amidst one of the most challenging times of our lives. Being opportunistic and offering our customers what they like was key to surviving 2020. We identified the need for bandanas and offered our sentiment bandana collection, which to date, is doing extremely well. It was a game-changer for us!