November 19, 2025 • 31 mins
RACHNA DISCUSSES THE BEAUTIFUL INDIAN ASIAN CLOTHNG CREATIONS AT TAJ COTTAGE AND THE MANY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SEWING AND FASHION FIELD AT TI-STAF (TAJ INDUSTRIES SEWING TRAINING AND FASHION).
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Light Up the D, a focus on what's
happening in our community from the people who make it happen.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Here's your host.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
IHeartMedia Detroit Market President Colleen Grant.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Good morning and welcome to another episode of Life the D.
Speaker 4 (00:20):
Thanks for joining me.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
I'm your host, Colleen Grant, and today I'm joined by
Rachna Chandra. She is the CEO and owner of Taj
Cottage and Thai Staff. Rachna Chandra is a dynamic entrepreneur,
accomplished fashion designer, and passionate philanthropist. She's the owner and
founder of a South Asian fashion brand, Taj Cottage. She's
(00:42):
also the visionary behind Thai Staff Training in Sewing, Textiles
and Fashion, a one of a kind facility offering comprehensive
sewing training programs and cotton sew manufacturing services to empower
individuals in the fashion and textile industries. Please join me
in welcoming Rachna. Thank you for joining us today.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Rachna, thank you so much, it's a pleasure to be here.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Well, why don't we just start with how did you
even get started in this kind of industry? What was
it in yourself that said I'm totally passionate about design
and sewing and that kind of creative development.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
So Touch Cottage actually was a little girl's dream. So
I always dreamed being a fashion designer since a teenager.
A long story short, migrated to the United States in
ninety seven with my husband with three hundred dollars in
our pocket and started Touch Cottage out of my garage
when I was taking care of my one year old
(01:37):
daughter and pregnant with my son, So just worked out
of the garage and started this brand. It was not
with the mission, I would say at that time, but
it was more of a little girl dream to be
a fashion designer and an entrepreneur.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
And what year again, was this nine?
Speaker 2 (01:57):
I started the brand in Thatch Cottage in two thousand
and five.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Two thousand and five, so it's been twenty five years.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Yeah, it's twenty years.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Twenty years, twenty years of yeses, and tell me about
what's progressed over that time.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Twenty years. It's a lot of history of Touch Cottage
I have created. So in twenty years, I have built
a brand with the mission, a vision, a story behind it,
and I have catered more than thousand thousands of people
through my designs aspiring the South Asian culture in the
(02:31):
Indian despora, and now we are also catering to our
customers in Walmart dot com.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
We also sell on Etsy as well as on our website,
and we have a storefront in Farmington Hills. It's been
six years I opened the first storefront. So fourteen years
I worked out of my basement, raising two kids, and
then decided to quit my corporate job and moved out
of my basement to a store front.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
So you say it was a you know, a child,
childhood dream, But what inspired that?
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Where did that come from?
Speaker 2 (03:07):
So I've always loved sewing. My mom used to sew
and with her machine, I used to just try whatever
I can. In summertime, I used to take sewing camps
and in high school actually that time in my era,
they used to teach sewing. So I was always inspired
by the colors, the fabrics. Fabrics was like my barbies.
(03:29):
I used to you know, play everything with fabrics. So
I used to sew for myself, my sister, siblings, and
for everybody who wants anything sowed. So that's was the
creativity which sparked. And never thought that I would create
a fashion brand. Out of it and it's twenty years now.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
That's really really special. So what was your first sewing.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Project as a little girl. My first sewing project was
of course for myself. I created and then I revamped
and learned from old textiles and up cycle stuff. But
as a brand enough for my first client, I would
say I have done all initially years through my garage.
(04:08):
I used to sew my own, so I didn't have
a team. I didn't have any production, nothing, no help.
So I was sewing on my own sewing machine, one
hundred dollars sewing machine. I've got of seers and I
was sewing and whoever wanted alterations done and outfit zone.
So I was taking care by myself.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Wow, tell us about taj Cottage, Like, how did that
come about?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Inspiring from South Asian fabrics culture, heritage and those beadwork
and the artisans so beautiful, it's really gorgeous. Yeah, I
mean it always gives me goosebumps when you see colors
and fabrics. Slowly, I build up a team, so I
have a production in India now and they work for
us for our brand. And I build up the team
(04:57):
with creative, creative people and artisans, and we cater to
brides as well as we cater to non bridal clients
as well. So let's say anything which can be Asian
inspired bead work, handwork, delicerately done on those executive executed
fabrics and you know, so we do all that and
(05:19):
it can be custom modeled to your needs or it
can be bought after rack. So we do have merchandise inventory.
And this boutique which you can go and buy from.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Is it mostly formal were there is.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Casuals too, Even casuals are a little more than what
casual would be. Yeah, I would call it like a
party ware, not bridle bridle, but they are more, yeah,
but they're they're do you know, nice silhovettes with modern
cuts and this rich Indian fashion, textiles and the fashion.
(05:54):
It's really nice to have those garments on your body
when you feel confident in them.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So you said Indian textiles and fabrics. Why don't we
talk a little bit about how your cultural background influences
your brand and business values.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
So Indian culture or Asian culture is all about heritage
and colors and more of you know, we cater to
clients who are looking to be into those garments which
are fitting in their need where they're going for a
wedding party or they're a wedding guest or a family
(06:29):
of a bride and room. And nowadays there's so much
of fusion weddings happening, even of the spouses actually Indian
or Indian despora. And then you know, you get married
to whosoever is non Indian, and then everybody needs an
Indian outfit, and then clients come to us and they
(06:49):
have very less knowledge of how Indian outfits are worn
and what are the even colors actually meaning for the ceremonies.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
How interesting? So there are different colors for different ceremonies. Yes,
they have different meanings. Yes, can you share an example?
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
So Indian wedding on an average lasts from three to
five days. Oh wow, I know.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Well I love that getting married and I would be like,
let's go.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Well, that was the traditional way to do it, but
nowadays people do very short weddings, which is fine too,
but on an average you would still see the ceremonies
are three days long. So it starts with pretty much
more of a turmeric kind of a event. So turmeric
is applied all over the grooms and bride's body. And
(07:38):
then it's to enhance your skin and the skin tone.
That's how the meaning is for that. So everybody wears
yellow for that. So that's the color yellow. So I
have to carry a lot of yellow in the inventory.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
Right yallow to start.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Yes, and it does look very beautiful on our brown skin,
or anybody could wear a yellow, I would.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Say, yeah, it's a beautiful color. Yes.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Yeah. So there's different styles, you know, and when clients
come to usespecially if who are not knowledgeable about Indian styles,
they're like, you know, here's the wedding invitation, I need
to go to this, or my son is getting married
to Indian girl, and I don't know what to do.
I don't want to offend anyone. So then we have
to cater from their thoughts to their closet. So it
(08:24):
takes a little while to you know, get them familiarized
with the outfits, the colors, and the themes and wedding guests. Usually,
you know, they come to us with their wedding invitations
and they will be like, bride has asked me not
to wear red. Is there a reason? Yeah, there is
a reason, because bride want to wear a red or
(08:45):
bride to traditionally do wear reds and maroons. So that's
the wedding color. And then there is an event in
between the wedding and like a second day or so,
which is called a hinna party you can say, or
a sun eeth where it's dancing fun in an application.
You know, a lot of fun in that event. And
(09:07):
that event caters to more colorful outfit. So the outfits
are all colored, colorful colored. If bride has a certain theme,
of course she will let the guests know that please
follow this or do not wear this color. So then
you know it's all about the colors. It's all about
the colors in our culture.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
Wow, I love that. How beautiful?
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Yes, it is very beautiful.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Yeah. And then the name taj Cottage, Where did that
come from?
Speaker 2 (09:35):
So tach Cottage actually came from because I'm from a
city named Agra, and that's where the seven wonders of
the word Taj mahald A monument is. Oh okay, So
I always was inspired by that monument's artistry, the craftsmanship
on that monument, and you know it's just super gorgeous
(09:56):
if you look at that monument. So the name Taj
was derived or actually inspired, inspired from there and cottage. Actually,
I wanted to build a community, a fashion community, a
client base where you know, people feel comfortable and confident
in my designs and outfits and they come back to
(10:17):
me again and again. So that's the community I wanted
to build, and in twenty years I have built a
lot of people.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Yeah, so let's talk about Let's talk about your customers.
You had said they may show up with an invitation
if they're trying to navigate what they should be wearing.
And then obviously you have a clientele who's very well
aware of what they should be wearing. But how do
you feel like you help them feel seen through the
fashion that they experience.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Well, some of them, as I said, you know, they
are very lost and confused, and as soon as they
enter the boutique, we can sense that, you know, they
really need help. They need help for starting from even
the styles. Okay, they might have given the invdding, invitation,
the color choices, but they did not mention what style
you should be wearing or what style the client will
(11:03):
be comfortable in. So there are styles like cropped up
and a skirt. Not everybody's comfortable showing their belly, So
some people wanted more coverage, so we have to make
them feel comfortable in their skin and feel confident in
what they are, and then toss sizes. You know, Indian
women are more shorter in size and shorter shoulders and
(11:25):
shorter basically statch. The non Indian clients are a little
more taller and broad shoulders, so we have to actually
create a size chart or a size sizing for our
non Indian clients as well. Okay, so now you're talking
about a yellow outfit in all the sizes right, in
(11:46):
four different styles, so imagine the client taile.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
We can serve, but you do customer orders too.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
We do customer orders to the only people have to
consider wild custom art is it takes thirty days or more?
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Oh that's I think that seems pretty fast.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Actually, Okay, that's good to know.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
I do for a custom order and the com you know,
it's quite complicated and you know, exquisite, so I would
have thought longer.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Yeah, things do take longer, depending on you know, how
intricate things are. On an average, it's thirty days. And
since we have our own productions so we have better control.
We don't work through a factory or a third party
or something, so we have better control over our production.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
Oh that's great.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
I'm curious what makes Todge Cottage different from other South
Asian boutiques and are are there a lot in this area?
Speaker 2 (12:39):
There is not a whole lot in Michigan. It's not
like Chicago or East or West Side, but in Michigan
there's a few of them Asian boutiques or Indian boutiques.
What makes Touch Cottage or my brand different is actually
we don't sell, and I mean we don't buy and
just sell. We make our We cater to our clients,
(13:02):
individual clients, and we want to make sure that they
are confident and comfortable in whatever they are purchasing. So
what again, you know what makes us difference is we
do customize and give a personal touch to stuff. Let's
even say you don't even have to buy or purchase
from our designs and ours. We do also cater to
alteration and tailoring services. If you have in garment, people
(13:26):
bring to us from wherever you know, they buy from
Indian website, they buy even from Amazon and bring to us,
and of course they don't fit you because you don't
know what size you are there, you don't know how
the shoulders will work. You don't not know how the
fabric falls. I'm not a very good to I would
say I'm not a I don't vouch for buying fabrics online.
(13:48):
I want to feel touch, put it on me, and
then test it and try it. So I'm that kind
of a person. But people are different, That's okay. So
here are these people they're buying stuff online bringing to
us to get it fixed. So we have to make
them make it correct. We have to again make them
feel confident and comfortable because they're trusting us. So it's
(14:09):
all about the people's trust they put in us, and
we cater to that trust. I'm sure you know other
boutiques or clients other brands are doing that too, but
we are a little different in that we are very
customer focused. A client has to be happy. We like Costco.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
You can say, i'd say better than.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Yeah, Like people don't think twice before they go to
Costco and first day is anything right. So I want
to be that kind of a brand where people are
putting their trust in us, and they do. Twenty years
has been a long time to survive in the industry.
I survived the pandemic. A lot of businesses have been closed,
but I'm still around knock converted, you know, and the
doors are still open. So we do take care of
(14:54):
her clients special attention and especially if.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
You're just joining us.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Our guest is Rachna Chandra, owner and CEO of Tadje
Cottage and Tie Staff. And let's move on to tie
Staff all Rachna and help everybody understand what tie staff
is and how it's different than your boutique business, Todge Cottage.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
So Taie staff was. You know, it's another passion of
mine because I love sewing, as I just spoke about,
and you know, I love to sew and I love
to create stuff. But then there was a gap that
the young people or the young minds are not interested
anymore in learning about sewing or mending or fixing their stuff.
(15:35):
And now we're creating textile waste. A lot. People talk
about plastic waste all the time. Just think about textile waste.
Speaker 4 (15:44):
Oh huh, No, I'd never even considered it.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
No, it's a big, big problem. Really, it's a big problem.
It's i would say, even closer to plastic it is. Yeah, wow,
you can somewhat control plastic control waste because you can
drink out of your bottle or wherever you know and
avoid the one used plastic. But the textile waste is
like everybody needs to wear clothes every day and on
(16:09):
an average individual would change at least two garments in
a day. And how many people or how much of
the audience community people do know how to mend or sew? Right,
if a button is broken, does it go to the
garbage or does it go to salvation army? Sometimes? Yes,
sometimes most of the time, no, No, you can fix
(16:30):
that button. You should be able to learn how to
fix that button.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Yeah, but that's a good point I never even thought about,
Like when something rips, like the average person is probably like, hmmh,
this is done.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
For yes, yeah, yeah, most of us are doing that,
and especially younger generations, they don't want to learn the skill.
I have taught both my kids how to use a
sewing machine. That would be very It's hard for me
not to teach them, of course, yes, yeah, but they
both can sew, and I'm very proud of them. They
can sew, so younger generation also should learn how to show.
(17:00):
So there was a gap in between where you know,
we are losing the workforce let's talk about in the industry, right,
So manufacturing, Why are we not manufacturing in America because
we don't have skilled workers? Why are we not training them?
Are people not interested or it's just that we don't
prefer not to train them, So we have to think
(17:22):
about that. And not everything can be brought or got
from China or whatever, you know. And again, you know,
going to textile waste, a lot of things, a lot
of textile waste. They go to these other countries like
Ghana and all and there is piles and piles of
textile on the beaches or it's just going to the ocean,
(17:45):
so it's hurting the ecosystem as well. So thinking about
all that, you know, I wanted to continue teaching this
skill through tire Staff and give entrepreneurs our young minds
and opportunity even individuals who want to start their fashion
brands who want to learn just to use their sewing machine.
(18:08):
So that gap I was trying to fill. And six
months now with tie Staff opening, I think I have
achieved quite a bit there and people are interested in
coming and learning about home sewing industrial sewing. With tie Staff.
Actually we also offer DULL approved, a federal approved apprenticeship program,
(18:30):
so we have the credentials that people can learn and
get trained on industrial machine and take this nationwide and
they can work for whoever employer or you know, they
can have a career in that.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
Wow, and it can all start at this your organization.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yes, which, by the way, just a reminder, tie staff
stands for training in sewing, textiles and fashion. If you're interested,
if you're listening and you're wondering about Toach cottage and
all the colors we're talking about, the intricate detailing that's
contained in the outfits that we're discussing, or if you're
interested in Thai Staff, which is more of the training side,
(19:10):
toach Cottage can be found at Todgcottage dot com and
Thai Staff can be found at Thai hyphen Staff and
it's TI as in training in Ti hyphenstaff dot com
and that's where you can find more information on both
of those. How do you use fashion as a tool
for empowerment because I know that's important to you as well.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Yes, I totally believe in empowering humankind. Let it be
men or women. I would vouch more for women though
being a woman. But my biggest tool for fashion as
an empowerment is my fashion shows. So when I host
fashion shows or when I take part in fashion shows,
(19:53):
I empower individuals regardless of their size age. I give
an opportunity to everybody to model in my clothes, so
they are not always size zero, they're not always sixteen
to twenty five year old. You can see a variety
of people on stage with different body shapes, and that
(20:15):
also gives a message to my audience where they can
see that my clothes or my Dutch cottage designs can
fit into a size zero, and we can also cater
to a size to any person. So that also enhances
and empowers people about that.
Speaker 4 (20:36):
Either way, you're going to make them feel beautiful.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
Yes, I love that.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
What have been some of the larger challenges you've faced
as a small business owner.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Well, the biggest challenge, especially after the pandemic, has been
the fast fashion.
Speaker 3 (20:49):
Okay, yeah, boy, I'll tell you. It's amazing how cheap
and quick you can get things.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
Yes, I'm not against businesses, but I would not shop
on sheet No.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
That's exactly the one I was naking. That's so funny
that you said that.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Yeah, I tried just to see how things are and
I bought some things off TikTok, very beautiful they look
in the picture in the video. As I said, I
have to have the textile in my hand for me
to purchase and wear it. And next day I had
to return those pieces. They were very poor fabric, very
(21:27):
poor textile. It's not breathable, it doesn't feel comfortable on you.
It's just looks nice in the TikTok videos. So I
have tried it, and I just wanted to test it
and see how why these youngsters are just going And
it's twenty five dollars, so that could explain so a
better filter for the audience to filter it out white
(21:48):
so cheap because it's cheap, if it makes sense, it's
cheaper material, it's cheaper textile, cheaper sewing, cheaper fit, and
that's not what we are. We are highly standard in
our fits are fabrics. You can have these garments as keepsakes.
Speaker 4 (22:10):
Oh that's wonderful. I love that.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
And it just bes to the quality that you're assuring
your customers are going to get when they work with you.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
Yes, the craftsmanship and quality is our biggest pillars.
Speaker 4 (22:21):
So these these fast what did you call them fast? Fabric,
fast fast fashion, fast fashion. Yeah, it's a big thing
right now.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Yeah, they are.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
Yeah, And I worry about small business owners or medium
sized business owners because it's the foundation of so many
things of the economy and industry and employment. And you know,
we're sending it elsewhere and getting it cheap fast, and
it's not real people anybody.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Some people have learned their lessons. I get a lot
of clients, right so at the boutique, and then they
come to us with all these e commerce purchases and
it's ill fitting. It doesn't look the weight was shown
in the picture. I don't want to name the big brands,
but even the big brands from India had some very
(23:09):
faulty pieces clients have brought to us. Some we are
able to fix through our tail ring. Some we cannot
at all. So, of course fast fashion is killing everything
and people look for oh I just have to wear
it one time. Why spend five hundred I can spend
one hundred and fifty and get it right. Think about it,
your inner conscious. How can you create more piles to
(23:32):
textile waste? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (23:34):
Yeah, so let's talk about that.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
I mean, how do you balance creativity and running a
sustainable business and one that's conscientious of textile waste.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
So balancing creativity with sustainability is you know, it's our job.
I feel as a human being is in brand owner,
it is my responsibility and that's what we do at
Thatch Cottage and tas Staff actually both. So on the
creative side, I'm always expected rementing with new designs and
(24:01):
fabrics and cultural fusion. Actually that makes our pieces unique
and personal and very conscious about how the fabric falls
lays on you and how you how the fabric the
textile breeds, and how would this stitch or this embroidery
(24:22):
would last you a longer time rather than the fast
fashion stuff. So but at the same time, you know,
we have to source and find the right sources for
these which are price conscious as well, and sustainable. Upcycling
is another feature of ours where we upcycles. Let's say
(24:48):
you have a grandma's or your mom's or even your own, sorry,
in your closet, in your trunk, which you want to upcycle.
You're not using it anymore, bring it to us. We
will convert that into a modern garment or whatever you
would like to convert into.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
So now I understand the concept of upcycling. Okay, it's
so funny because my daughters see my wedding dress in
a box and I'm like, you guys don't want to
wear this. I mean it's I can't even imagine them
wearing it. But we talk about taking pieces of it
and parts of it and putting it, you know, to
use in a way, whether it wraps around their flowers
or whether they wear it for their rehearsal dinner as
(25:27):
a skirt, you know, a shorter skirt.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Yeah, so that's upcycling.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
Yes, people have heard about recycling all the time. We
do all recycle, but how many of us are upcycling?
Speaker 4 (25:37):
Right?
Speaker 2 (25:38):
We have to get into a habit of upcycling too.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
And you host camps, host sewing camps, as we talked
about with Thai staff, but upcycling workshops too.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
Yes, we do actually sewing parties. Okay, So people can
celebrate special occasions girlt nights out or whatever, a fundraiser.
So upcycling in those is you bring your pair of
jeans and in three hours you'll cut so of crossbody back.
Speaker 4 (26:07):
Oh I love that, I know.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
Yeah, so you just made something out of your old garment,
which you can use it as well as you just
saved a pair of jeans going to the landfill.
Speaker 4 (26:20):
Right, what a great party idea?
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Oh yes, yeah, so it's called SIP and Saul parties.
Speaker 4 (26:25):
Oh my gosh, that sounds like a great time.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Yes, yes, all right, people have fun and there's no
experience required, so you could be a beginner, so over too.
Speaker 4 (26:33):
And a person can learn about that at thai staff
dot com or.
Speaker 2 (26:35):
Yes, okay, it's on our website.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
All right, Yes, that sounds like I love that.
Speaker 3 (26:40):
What are some big plans you have for launches coming
for taj Cottage and tie Staff anything new coming up
in the near future.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
So for tach Cottage, actually we are focused on expanding
our e commerce side of business. Our website is under
construction revamping position right now. It's getting a makeover, so
you won't see a lot of product up there, but
it's getting a makeover. So this is our vision for
another five years to have a full fledged e commerce
(27:08):
website where people can actually shop. Not only shop, they
can put in their measurements and we can alter the
stuff for them from wherever you are and you will
be able to ship your stuff to us and we
will alter and send it back. So even to that
extreme when a user free, user friendly. So that's where
you know the big plans are and for tire staff. Actually,
(27:31):
I'm looking forward to the industrial's sewing program. An apprentice
program just got approved, so we are looking forward to
fill that gap of skilled workers and teach more people
how to sew.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
How many people are you wanting to teach to.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
Sell classes wise? You know it's always it's a six
weeks course for Biginner's sewing class. Every six weeks a
new course comes up. Anybody can sign up and apprentice
program currently we take two apprentices at a time and
it's a one hundred and fifty five hours requirement for
apprentice program to be approved. So I mean to be
(28:10):
completed and then we get new apprentices.
Speaker 4 (28:13):
And skill for life, yes life.
Speaker 3 (28:16):
If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream project
be that you would launch.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
So let's say if I had unlimited resources, I would
love to launch a global South Asian fashion and Empowerment hub,
a space actually that blends fashion, culture and education under
one roof and on the touch cottage side. It would
be a flagship design studio and cultural center where brides
and fashion enthusiasts could collaborate directly with designers, excess exclusive
(28:45):
collections and experience fashion shows that celebrate South Asian culture
on an international stage. And I would also serve as
a plate to It would also serve as a platform
for emerging South Asian designers to showcase their work and
for tire staff. Actually, my dream would be to create
a world class training and innovation institute for sowing textiles
(29:07):
and sustainable fashion manufacturing. So it would be in how
state of the art facility for industrial sewing, upcycling, ethical production,
combined with the Department of Flavor recognize apprenticeship pipeline that
could empower thousands of people.
Speaker 3 (29:23):
Well, speaking of that's beautiful and I love that and
I can actually see your vision in my head when
you were talking about it. But you mentioned emerging Asian designers.
What advice would you give to young South Asian creatives
or entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2 (29:37):
So currently we are working with some brands building them
up South Asian brands. Yeah, so that's a part of
Fashion Incubator as well for tire staff. But my advice
would be to actually embrace your heritage as your strength
and not a limitation. And for many of us growing
up in South Asian families or community mean balancing two worlds,
(29:58):
our cultural traditions at home and the fast paced mainstream
and outside world. Instead of feeling like you have to choose,
let the duality fuel your creativity and perspective. Second, don't
be afraid to start small and experiment. Money is not
an angel. You know, it comes slowly. It took me
(30:18):
twenty years to where I am, so it's a slow process.
But be consistent, be out there and don't be scared
to take risk.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
That's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (30:29):
Remind people where they can find both of your organizations
online or in person and support you or at ten
your next event.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
So both of the businesses are located in Farmington Hills.
You can find us on the website Thatchcottage dot com
or ti hyphen staf dot com or our social media
you can go to Instagram, thatch Cottage or ti Staf
twenty twenty four.
Speaker 3 (30:56):
And Roger Now tell us what is the favor your
favorite thing about what you do?
Speaker 2 (31:01):
I love everything about what I do. There is not
one thing I can pick about what I do. All
I can tell you is if you are passionate on something,
it moves you forward. Passion is a purpose and it
takes you to where you want to be.
Speaker 3 (31:18):
Our lovely guest today has been Rachna Chandra. She's owner
and CEO of Todge Cottage and Thai staff. Thank you
so much for joining us today, Rachna, it.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
Was my pleasure. Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (31:29):
This has been light Up the d a community, a
fairs program from iHeartMedia Detroit. If your organization would like
to get on the program, email Colleen Grant at iHeartMedia
dot com. Here are all episodes on this station's podcast page.
Welcome to Light Up the D, a focus on what's
happening in our community from the people who make it happen.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Here's your host.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
IHeartMedia Detroit Market President Colleen Grant.
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Good morning and welcome to another episode of Life the D.
Speaker 4 (00:20):
Thanks for joining me.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
I'm your host, Colleen Grant, and today I'm joined by
Rachna Chandra. She is the CEO and owner of Taj
Cottage and Thai Staff. Rachna Chandra is a dynamic entrepreneur,
accomplished fashion designer, and passionate philanthropist. She's the owner and
founder of a South Asian fashion brand, Taj Cottage. She's
(00:42):
also the visionary behind Thai Staff Training in Sewing, Textiles
and Fashion, a one of a kind facility offering comprehensive
sewing training programs and cotton sew manufacturing services to empower
individuals in the fashion and textile industries. Please join me
in welcoming Rachna. Thank you for joining us today.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Rachna, thank you so much, it's a pleasure to be here.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Well, why don't we just start with how did you
even get started in this kind of industry? What was
it in yourself that said I'm totally passionate about design
and sewing and that kind of creative development.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
So Touch Cottage actually was a little girl's dream. So
I always dreamed being a fashion designer since a teenager.
A long story short, migrated to the United States in
ninety seven with my husband with three hundred dollars in
our pocket and started Touch Cottage out of my garage
when I was taking care of my one year old
(01:37):
daughter and pregnant with my son, So just worked out
of the garage and started this brand. It was not
with the mission, I would say at that time, but
it was more of a little girl dream to be
a fashion designer and an entrepreneur.
Speaker 4 (01:54):
And what year again, was this nine?
Speaker 2 (01:57):
I started the brand in Thatch Cottage in two thousand
and five.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Two thousand and five, so it's been twenty five years.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Yeah, it's twenty years.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
Twenty years, twenty years of yeses, and tell me about
what's progressed over that time.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Twenty years. It's a lot of history of Touch Cottage
I have created. So in twenty years, I have built
a brand with the mission, a vision, a story behind it,
and I have catered more than thousand thousands of people
through my designs aspiring the South Asian culture in the
(02:31):
Indian despora, and now we are also catering to our
customers in Walmart dot com.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
We also sell on Etsy as well as on our website,
and we have a storefront in Farmington Hills. It's been
six years I opened the first storefront. So fourteen years
I worked out of my basement, raising two kids, and
then decided to quit my corporate job and moved out
of my basement to a store front.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
So you say it was a you know, a child,
childhood dream, But what inspired that?
Speaker 4 (03:06):
Where did that come from?
Speaker 2 (03:07):
So I've always loved sewing. My mom used to sew
and with her machine, I used to just try whatever
I can. In summertime, I used to take sewing camps
and in high school actually that time in my era,
they used to teach sewing. So I was always inspired
by the colors, the fabrics. Fabrics was like my barbies.
(03:29):
I used to you know, play everything with fabrics. So
I used to sew for myself, my sister, siblings, and
for everybody who wants anything sowed. So that's was the
creativity which sparked. And never thought that I would create
a fashion brand. Out of it and it's twenty years now.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
That's really really special. So what was your first sewing.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Project as a little girl. My first sewing project was
of course for myself. I created and then I revamped
and learned from old textiles and up cycle stuff. But
as a brand enough for my first client, I would
say I have done all initially years through my garage.
(04:08):
I used to sew my own, so I didn't have
a team. I didn't have any production, nothing, no help.
So I was sewing on my own sewing machine, one
hundred dollars sewing machine. I've got of seers and I
was sewing and whoever wanted alterations done and outfit zone.
So I was taking care by myself.
Speaker 3 (04:28):
Wow, tell us about taj Cottage, Like, how did that
come about?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Inspiring from South Asian fabrics culture, heritage and those beadwork
and the artisans so beautiful, it's really gorgeous. Yeah, I
mean it always gives me goosebumps when you see colors
and fabrics. Slowly, I build up a team, so I
have a production in India now and they work for
us for our brand. And I build up the team
(04:57):
with creative, creative people and artisans, and we cater to
brides as well as we cater to non bridal clients
as well. So let's say anything which can be Asian
inspired bead work, handwork, delicerately done on those executive executed
fabrics and you know, so we do all that and
(05:19):
it can be custom modeled to your needs or it
can be bought after rack. So we do have merchandise inventory.
And this boutique which you can go and buy from.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Is it mostly formal were there is.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Casuals too, Even casuals are a little more than what
casual would be. Yeah, I would call it like a
party ware, not bridle bridle, but they are more, yeah,
but they're they're do you know, nice silhovettes with modern
cuts and this rich Indian fashion, textiles and the fashion.
(05:54):
It's really nice to have those garments on your body
when you feel confident in them.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So you said Indian textiles and fabrics. Why don't we
talk a little bit about how your cultural background influences
your brand and business values.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
So Indian culture or Asian culture is all about heritage
and colors and more of you know, we cater to
clients who are looking to be into those garments which
are fitting in their need where they're going for a
wedding party or they're a wedding guest or a family
(06:29):
of a bride and room. And nowadays there's so much
of fusion weddings happening, even of the spouses actually Indian
or Indian despora. And then you know, you get married
to whosoever is non Indian, and then everybody needs an
Indian outfit, and then clients come to us and they
(06:49):
have very less knowledge of how Indian outfits are worn
and what are the even colors actually meaning for the ceremonies.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
How interesting? So there are different colors for different ceremonies. Yes,
they have different meanings. Yes, can you share an example?
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
So Indian wedding on an average lasts from three to
five days. Oh wow, I know.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Well I love that getting married and I would be like,
let's go.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Well, that was the traditional way to do it, but
nowadays people do very short weddings, which is fine too,
but on an average you would still see the ceremonies
are three days long. So it starts with pretty much
more of a turmeric kind of a event. So turmeric
is applied all over the grooms and bride's body. And
(07:38):
then it's to enhance your skin and the skin tone.
That's how the meaning is for that. So everybody wears
yellow for that. So that's the color yellow. So I
have to carry a lot of yellow in the inventory.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
Right yallow to start.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Yes, and it does look very beautiful on our brown skin,
or anybody could wear a yellow, I would.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
Say, yeah, it's a beautiful color. Yes.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Yeah. So there's different styles, you know, and when clients
come to usespecially if who are not knowledgeable about Indian styles,
they're like, you know, here's the wedding invitation, I need
to go to this, or my son is getting married
to Indian girl, and I don't know what to do.
I don't want to offend anyone. So then we have
to cater from their thoughts to their closet. So it
(08:24):
takes a little while to you know, get them familiarized
with the outfits, the colors, and the themes and wedding guests. Usually,
you know, they come to us with their wedding invitations
and they will be like, bride has asked me not
to wear red. Is there a reason? Yeah, there is
a reason, because bride want to wear a red or
(08:45):
bride to traditionally do wear reds and maroons. So that's
the wedding color. And then there is an event in
between the wedding and like a second day or so,
which is called a hinna party you can say, or
a sun eeth where it's dancing fun in an application.
You know, a lot of fun in that event. And
(09:07):
that event caters to more colorful outfit. So the outfits
are all colored, colorful colored. If bride has a certain theme,
of course she will let the guests know that please
follow this or do not wear this color. So then
you know it's all about the colors. It's all about
the colors in our culture.
Speaker 4 (09:25):
Wow, I love that. How beautiful?
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Yes, it is very beautiful.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Yeah. And then the name taj Cottage, Where did that
come from?
Speaker 2 (09:35):
So tach Cottage actually came from because I'm from a
city named Agra, and that's where the seven wonders of
the word Taj mahald A monument is. Oh okay, So
I always was inspired by that monument's artistry, the craftsmanship
on that monument, and you know it's just super gorgeous
(09:56):
if you look at that monument. So the name Taj
was derived or actually inspired, inspired from there and cottage. Actually,
I wanted to build a community, a fashion community, a
client base where you know, people feel comfortable and confident
in my designs and outfits and they come back to
(10:17):
me again and again. So that's the community I wanted
to build, and in twenty years I have built a
lot of people.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Yeah, so let's talk about Let's talk about your customers.
You had said they may show up with an invitation
if they're trying to navigate what they should be wearing.
And then obviously you have a clientele who's very well
aware of what they should be wearing. But how do
you feel like you help them feel seen through the
fashion that they experience.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Well, some of them, as I said, you know, they
are very lost and confused, and as soon as they
enter the boutique, we can sense that, you know, they
really need help. They need help for starting from even
the styles. Okay, they might have given the invdding, invitation,
the color choices, but they did not mention what style
you should be wearing or what style the client will
(11:03):
be comfortable in. So there are styles like cropped up
and a skirt. Not everybody's comfortable showing their belly, So
some people wanted more coverage, so we have to make
them feel comfortable in their skin and feel confident in
what they are, and then toss sizes. You know, Indian
women are more shorter in size and shorter shoulders and
(11:25):
shorter basically statch. The non Indian clients are a little
more taller and broad shoulders, so we have to actually
create a size chart or a size sizing for our
non Indian clients as well. Okay, so now you're talking
about a yellow outfit in all the sizes right, in
(11:46):
four different styles, so imagine the client taile.
Speaker 4 (11:50):
We can serve, but you do customer orders too.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
We do customer orders to the only people have to
consider wild custom art is it takes thirty days or more?
Speaker 4 (12:02):
Oh that's I think that seems pretty fast.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Actually, Okay, that's good to know.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
I do for a custom order and the com you know,
it's quite complicated and you know, exquisite, so I would
have thought longer.
Speaker 2 (12:16):
Yeah, things do take longer, depending on you know, how
intricate things are. On an average, it's thirty days. And
since we have our own productions so we have better control.
We don't work through a factory or a third party
or something, so we have better control over our production.
Speaker 4 (12:30):
Oh that's great.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
I'm curious what makes Todge Cottage different from other South
Asian boutiques and are are there a lot in this area?
Speaker 2 (12:39):
There is not a whole lot in Michigan. It's not
like Chicago or East or West Side, but in Michigan
there's a few of them Asian boutiques or Indian boutiques.
What makes Touch Cottage or my brand different is actually
we don't sell, and I mean we don't buy and
just sell. We make our We cater to our clients,
(13:02):
individual clients, and we want to make sure that they
are confident and comfortable in whatever they are purchasing. So
what again, you know what makes us difference is we
do customize and give a personal touch to stuff. Let's
even say you don't even have to buy or purchase
from our designs and ours. We do also cater to
alteration and tailoring services. If you have in garment, people
(13:26):
bring to us from wherever you know, they buy from
Indian website, they buy even from Amazon and bring to us,
and of course they don't fit you because you don't
know what size you are there, you don't know how
the shoulders will work. You don't not know how the
fabric falls. I'm not a very good to I would
say I'm not a I don't vouch for buying fabrics online.
(13:48):
I want to feel touch, put it on me, and
then test it and try it. So I'm that kind
of a person. But people are different, That's okay. So
here are these people they're buying stuff online bringing to
us to get it fixed. So we have to make
them make it correct. We have to again make them
feel confident and comfortable because they're trusting us. So it's
(14:09):
all about the people's trust they put in us, and
we cater to that trust. I'm sure you know other
boutiques or clients other brands are doing that too, but
we are a little different in that we are very
customer focused. A client has to be happy. We like Costco.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
You can say, i'd say better than.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Yeah, Like people don't think twice before they go to
Costco and first day is anything right. So I want
to be that kind of a brand where people are
putting their trust in us, and they do. Twenty years
has been a long time to survive in the industry.
I survived the pandemic. A lot of businesses have been closed,
but I'm still around knock converted, you know, and the
doors are still open. So we do take care of
(14:54):
her clients special attention and especially if.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
You're just joining us.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Our guest is Rachna Chandra, owner and CEO of Tadje
Cottage and Tie Staff. And let's move on to tie
Staff all Rachna and help everybody understand what tie staff
is and how it's different than your boutique business, Todge Cottage.
Speaker 2 (15:14):
So Taie staff was. You know, it's another passion of
mine because I love sewing, as I just spoke about,
and you know, I love to sew and I love
to create stuff. But then there was a gap that
the young people or the young minds are not interested
anymore in learning about sewing or mending or fixing their stuff.
(15:35):
And now we're creating textile waste. A lot. People talk
about plastic waste all the time. Just think about textile waste.
Speaker 4 (15:44):
Oh huh, No, I'd never even considered it.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
No, it's a big, big problem. Really, it's a big problem.
It's i would say, even closer to plastic it is. Yeah, wow,
you can somewhat control plastic control waste because you can
drink out of your bottle or wherever you know and
avoid the one used plastic. But the textile waste is
like everybody needs to wear clothes every day and on
(16:09):
an average individual would change at least two garments in
a day. And how many people or how much of
the audience community people do know how to mend or sew? Right,
if a button is broken, does it go to the
garbage or does it go to salvation army? Sometimes? Yes,
sometimes most of the time, no, No, you can fix
(16:30):
that button. You should be able to learn how to
fix that button.
Speaker 3 (16:33):
Yeah, but that's a good point I never even thought about,
Like when something rips, like the average person is probably like, hmmh,
this is done.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
For yes, yeah, yeah, most of us are doing that,
and especially younger generations, they don't want to learn the skill.
I have taught both my kids how to use a
sewing machine. That would be very It's hard for me
not to teach them, of course, yes, yeah, but they
both can sew, and I'm very proud of them. They
can sew, so younger generation also should learn how to show.
(17:00):
So there was a gap in between where you know,
we are losing the workforce let's talk about in the industry, right,
So manufacturing, Why are we not manufacturing in America because
we don't have skilled workers? Why are we not training them?
Are people not interested or it's just that we don't
prefer not to train them, So we have to think
(17:22):
about that. And not everything can be brought or got
from China or whatever, you know. And again, you know,
going to textile waste, a lot of things, a lot
of textile waste. They go to these other countries like
Ghana and all and there is piles and piles of
textile on the beaches or it's just going to the ocean,
(17:45):
so it's hurting the ecosystem as well. So thinking about
all that, you know, I wanted to continue teaching this
skill through tire Staff and give entrepreneurs our young minds
and opportunity even individuals who want to start their fashion
brands who want to learn just to use their sewing machine.
(18:08):
So that gap I was trying to fill. And six
months now with tie Staff opening, I think I have
achieved quite a bit there and people are interested in
coming and learning about home sewing industrial sewing. With tie Staff.
Actually we also offer DULL approved, a federal approved apprenticeship program,
(18:30):
so we have the credentials that people can learn and
get trained on industrial machine and take this nationwide and
they can work for whoever employer or you know, they
can have a career in that.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
Wow, and it can all start at this your organization.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yes, which, by the way, just a reminder, tie staff
stands for training in sewing, textiles and fashion. If you're interested,
if you're listening and you're wondering about Toach cottage and
all the colors we're talking about, the intricate detailing that's
contained in the outfits that we're discussing, or if you're
interested in Thai Staff, which is more of the training side,
(19:10):
toach Cottage can be found at Todgcottage dot com and
Thai Staff can be found at Thai hyphen Staff and
it's TI as in training in Ti hyphenstaff dot com
and that's where you can find more information on both
of those. How do you use fashion as a tool
for empowerment because I know that's important to you as well.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Yes, I totally believe in empowering humankind. Let it be
men or women. I would vouch more for women though
being a woman. But my biggest tool for fashion as
an empowerment is my fashion shows. So when I host
fashion shows or when I take part in fashion shows,
(19:53):
I empower individuals regardless of their size age. I give
an opportunity to everybody to model in my clothes, so
they are not always size zero, they're not always sixteen
to twenty five year old. You can see a variety
of people on stage with different body shapes, and that
(20:15):
also gives a message to my audience where they can
see that my clothes or my Dutch cottage designs can
fit into a size zero, and we can also cater
to a size to any person. So that also enhances
and empowers people about that.
Speaker 4 (20:36):
Either way, you're going to make them feel beautiful.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
Yes, I love that.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
What have been some of the larger challenges you've faced
as a small business owner.
Speaker 2 (20:44):
Well, the biggest challenge, especially after the pandemic, has been
the fast fashion.
Speaker 3 (20:49):
Okay, yeah, boy, I'll tell you. It's amazing how cheap
and quick you can get things.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
Yes, I'm not against businesses, but I would not shop
on sheet No.
Speaker 4 (21:03):
That's exactly the one I was naking. That's so funny
that you said that.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Yeah, I tried just to see how things are and
I bought some things off TikTok, very beautiful they look
in the picture in the video. As I said, I
have to have the textile in my hand for me
to purchase and wear it. And next day I had
to return those pieces. They were very poor fabric, very
(21:27):
poor textile. It's not breathable, it doesn't feel comfortable on you.
It's just looks nice in the TikTok videos. So I
have tried it, and I just wanted to test it
and see how why these youngsters are just going And
it's twenty five dollars, so that could explain so a
better filter for the audience to filter it out white
(21:48):
so cheap because it's cheap, if it makes sense, it's
cheaper material, it's cheaper textile, cheaper sewing, cheaper fit, and
that's not what we are. We are highly standard in
our fits are fabrics. You can have these garments as keepsakes.
Speaker 4 (22:10):
Oh that's wonderful. I love that.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
And it just bes to the quality that you're assuring
your customers are going to get when they work with you.
Speaker 2 (22:17):
Yes, the craftsmanship and quality is our biggest pillars.
Speaker 4 (22:21):
So these these fast what did you call them fast? Fabric,
fast fast fashion, fast fashion. Yeah, it's a big thing
right now.
Speaker 2 (22:29):
Yeah, they are.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
Yeah, And I worry about small business owners or medium
sized business owners because it's the foundation of so many
things of the economy and industry and employment. And you know,
we're sending it elsewhere and getting it cheap fast, and
it's not real people anybody.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
Some people have learned their lessons. I get a lot
of clients, right so at the boutique, and then they
come to us with all these e commerce purchases and
it's ill fitting. It doesn't look the weight was shown
in the picture. I don't want to name the big brands,
but even the big brands from India had some very
(23:09):
faulty pieces clients have brought to us. Some we are
able to fix through our tail ring. Some we cannot
at all. So, of course fast fashion is killing everything
and people look for oh I just have to wear
it one time. Why spend five hundred I can spend
one hundred and fifty and get it right. Think about it,
your inner conscious. How can you create more piles to
(23:32):
textile waste? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (23:34):
Yeah, so let's talk about that.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
I mean, how do you balance creativity and running a
sustainable business and one that's conscientious of textile waste.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
So balancing creativity with sustainability is you know, it's our job.
I feel as a human being is in brand owner,
it is my responsibility and that's what we do at
Thatch Cottage and tas Staff actually both. So on the
creative side, I'm always expected rementing with new designs and
(24:01):
fabrics and cultural fusion. Actually that makes our pieces unique
and personal and very conscious about how the fabric falls
lays on you and how you how the fabric the
textile breeds, and how would this stitch or this embroidery
(24:22):
would last you a longer time rather than the fast
fashion stuff. So but at the same time, you know,
we have to source and find the right sources for
these which are price conscious as well, and sustainable. Upcycling
is another feature of ours where we upcycles. Let's say
(24:48):
you have a grandma's or your mom's or even your own, sorry,
in your closet, in your trunk, which you want to upcycle.
You're not using it anymore, bring it to us. We
will convert that into a modern garment or whatever you
would like to convert into.
Speaker 3 (25:05):
So now I understand the concept of upcycling. Okay, it's
so funny because my daughters see my wedding dress in
a box and I'm like, you guys don't want to
wear this. I mean it's I can't even imagine them
wearing it. But we talk about taking pieces of it
and parts of it and putting it, you know, to
use in a way, whether it wraps around their flowers
or whether they wear it for their rehearsal dinner as
(25:27):
a skirt, you know, a shorter skirt.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Yeah, so that's upcycling.
Speaker 2 (25:31):
Yes, people have heard about recycling all the time. We
do all recycle, but how many of us are upcycling?
Speaker 4 (25:37):
Right?
Speaker 2 (25:38):
We have to get into a habit of upcycling too.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
And you host camps, host sewing camps, as we talked
about with Thai staff, but upcycling workshops too.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
Yes, we do actually sewing parties. Okay, So people can
celebrate special occasions girlt nights out or whatever, a fundraiser.
So upcycling in those is you bring your pair of
jeans and in three hours you'll cut so of crossbody back.
Speaker 4 (26:07):
Oh I love that, I know.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
Yeah, so you just made something out of your old garment,
which you can use it as well as you just
saved a pair of jeans going to the landfill.
Speaker 4 (26:20):
Right, what a great party idea?
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Oh yes, yeah, so it's called SIP and Saul parties.
Speaker 4 (26:25):
Oh my gosh, that sounds like a great time.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Yes, yes, all right, people have fun and there's no
experience required, so you could be a beginner, so over too.
Speaker 4 (26:33):
And a person can learn about that at thai staff
dot com or.
Speaker 2 (26:35):
Yes, okay, it's on our website.
Speaker 4 (26:37):
All right, Yes, that sounds like I love that.
Speaker 3 (26:40):
What are some big plans you have for launches coming
for taj Cottage and tie Staff anything new coming up
in the near future.
Speaker 2 (26:46):
So for tach Cottage, actually we are focused on expanding
our e commerce side of business. Our website is under
construction revamping position right now. It's getting a makeover, so
you won't see a lot of product up there, but
it's getting a makeover. So this is our vision for
another five years to have a full fledged e commerce
(27:08):
website where people can actually shop. Not only shop, they
can put in their measurements and we can alter the
stuff for them from wherever you are and you will
be able to ship your stuff to us and we
will alter and send it back. So even to that
extreme when a user free, user friendly. So that's where
you know the big plans are and for tire staff. Actually,
(27:31):
I'm looking forward to the industrial's sewing program. An apprentice
program just got approved, so we are looking forward to
fill that gap of skilled workers and teach more people
how to sew.
Speaker 4 (27:47):
How many people are you wanting to teach to.
Speaker 2 (27:49):
Sell classes wise? You know it's always it's a six
weeks course for Biginner's sewing class. Every six weeks a
new course comes up. Anybody can sign up and apprentice
program currently we take two apprentices at a time and
it's a one hundred and fifty five hours requirement for
apprentice program to be approved. So I mean to be
(28:10):
completed and then we get new apprentices.
Speaker 4 (28:13):
And skill for life, yes life.
Speaker 3 (28:16):
If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream project
be that you would launch.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
So let's say if I had unlimited resources, I would
love to launch a global South Asian fashion and Empowerment hub,
a space actually that blends fashion, culture and education under
one roof and on the touch cottage side. It would
be a flagship design studio and cultural center where brides
and fashion enthusiasts could collaborate directly with designers, excess exclusive
(28:45):
collections and experience fashion shows that celebrate South Asian culture
on an international stage. And I would also serve as
a plate to It would also serve as a platform
for emerging South Asian designers to showcase their work and
for tire staff. Actually, my dream would be to create
a world class training and innovation institute for sowing textiles
(29:07):
and sustainable fashion manufacturing. So it would be in how
state of the art facility for industrial sewing, upcycling, ethical production,
combined with the Department of Flavor recognize apprenticeship pipeline that
could empower thousands of people.
Speaker 3 (29:23):
Well, speaking of that's beautiful and I love that and
I can actually see your vision in my head when
you were talking about it. But you mentioned emerging Asian designers.
What advice would you give to young South Asian creatives
or entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2 (29:37):
So currently we are working with some brands building them
up South Asian brands. Yeah, so that's a part of
Fashion Incubator as well for tire staff. But my advice
would be to actually embrace your heritage as your strength
and not a limitation. And for many of us growing
up in South Asian families or community mean balancing two worlds,
(29:58):
our cultural traditions at home and the fast paced mainstream
and outside world. Instead of feeling like you have to choose,
let the duality fuel your creativity and perspective. Second, don't
be afraid to start small and experiment. Money is not
an angel. You know, it comes slowly. It took me
(30:18):
twenty years to where I am, so it's a slow process.
But be consistent, be out there and don't be scared
to take risk.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
That's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (30:29):
Remind people where they can find both of your organizations
online or in person and support you or at ten
your next event.
Speaker 2 (30:37):
So both of the businesses are located in Farmington Hills.
You can find us on the website Thatchcottage dot com
or ti hyphen staf dot com or our social media
you can go to Instagram, thatch Cottage or ti Staf
twenty twenty four.
Speaker 3 (30:56):
And Roger Now tell us what is the favor your
favorite thing about what you do?
Speaker 2 (31:01):
I love everything about what I do. There is not
one thing I can pick about what I do. All
I can tell you is if you are passionate on something,
it moves you forward. Passion is a purpose and it
takes you to where you want to be.
Speaker 3 (31:18):
Our lovely guest today has been Rachna Chandra. She's owner
and CEO of Todge Cottage and Thai staff. Thank you
so much for joining us today, Rachna, it.
Speaker 2 (31:26):
Was my pleasure. Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (31:29):
This has been light Up the d a community, a
fairs program from iHeartMedia Detroit. If your organization would like
to get on the program, email Colleen Grant at iHeartMedia
dot com. Here are all episodes on this station's podcast page.
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