A beautiful, elegant and talented lady in equally graceful attire; can pass off as a model showcasing designerwear. I saw a few of her pictures in common forums and then learnt that she was actually the designer; ever since then I have been longing to wear one of her creations. I have known her for a couple of years now and have been keenly following her work. She curates events through her enchanting work be it ethnic or high end fashion; she specialises in uniforms too. Recently she designed for a hospitality forum that had delegates from India and abroad. She added so much charm and hint of the local culture to the already well planned event the HPMF 9th convention and awards in Kochi, Kerala, India; by making all delegates look their best and create camaraderie among them. This is just an example of her innovative creativity; she has been doing them with élan year after year. She is one of the few professionals who believe in delivering ‘nothing but the best’. IWH spoke to Ms. Swapnila Mishra Purecha, entrepreneur; Owner of SwapsCouture.
IWH: Tell us something about you, your growing up years, life through school, college etc.
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: I was Born in Madhubani a district in Bihar, India, did my schooling in the same city. Since Madhubani is know for its paintings I had early exposure to art, which later lead me to fashion and I did my BTech in Fashion from NIFT Kolkata.
IWH: What made you select a career in designing? Was it easy making that decision?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: Studied science and coming from a family background of IAS, IPS, Doctors and Engineers I had loads of pressure to pick one of these fields. I appeared for IIT, NIFT and CBSC Engineering and got through all three of them. My parents did support me to take up qualifications of my own interest and create my own identity.
IWH: What is your current role?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: I’m currently running my own business of High end Fashion apparel and designer uniforms for India as well as International Market.
IWH: How has your professional journey been so far? Pros, cons etc?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: It has been a roller coaster with loads of ups and downs, specially learning and amazing experiences to look back and thankfully making me what I’m today.
IWH: Who has been your mentor or a role model? In what way has that person helped you?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: In my professional life there have been many mentors and role models on various levels, however my biggest role model has been my Mother and Father who have always guided me and trained me to follow my heart.
IWH: What have been the high points of your career? Highlight at least 3.
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: High points, it is a very difficult to answer this question as I feel there is always scope for more in one’s life and you grow with each passing day/ month/ year, however honestly the one that excites me the most is the decision of starting my own business and generating employment.
IWH: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry? How did you deal with them?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: I personally feel there are always two ways to look at what life offers you; either you take it as a challenge or you take it as an opportunity. I have always come across opportunities in life which have taught me and made me stronger each time.
IWH: If there was anything that you could change about your life or career what would that be?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: I’m very happy with the way things have shaped in my life, if given a chance I would have loved to start my business a couple of years earlier than I did.
IWH: What do you think of IWH?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: It is a great platform to connect with women from the hospitality industry and learn from each other. It is extremely motivating to see women being recognised through this platform.
IWH: Your advice to the young professionals and students.
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: My biggest advice would be, not take advice from others as you know better what is good for your own self. Always follow your heart and instinct.
IWH: Anything else you wish to share with our readers?
Swapnila Mishra Purecha: Be happy and thankful for what you currently have however, never be content in life and always thrive hard to peruse new opportunities.
What a delightful conversation we had with her; it kind of made up for the long wait for having her story on this inspirational platform.
