US based fashion designer Anjali Phougat keeps praying for everyone’s safety in India!

US based fashion designer #AnjaliPhougat holds a double Master’s degree in IT and computer science. She has designed outfits for various beauty pageants and styled many celebrities. Her work and achievements have been covered by media across the globe. More so because she advocates social issues and brings mental health awareness. Interestingly, she hosts talk shows such as Designerdreamcollection Diva Series and Just a Conversation, has judged various beauty pageants and received several awards for her luxury outfits and jewellery.

One wonders how she manages so much work? “I enjoy my work and this passion keeps me going. When you enjoy doing something you always make time for everything. Time management is the key and in today’s world we all need to learn that,” she says.

Phougat did not take any formal training on fashion designing. “It all comes from within and cannot be learned is what I believe in. There are many successful people who have excelled in various fields of work without any formal training. They learnt on the job. Ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra is one such example,” adds Phougat, who for the first time designed and styled herself in 2000 when she was crowned Miss Haryana.

Now based in Ohio, Phougat says her heart lies in India. “There has been no single day in my life when I don’t talk or think about India. I am praying everyday and every moment for the safety of people of my country during these unprecedented times and want to visit soon,” she adds.

Talking about how she started her business in Ohio, she says, “My work was appreciated during the Miss Haryana pageant. That gave me motivation, and I started investing more time in sketching and designing. I started designing runway outfits as a hobby, which resulted in setting up a small boutique. With my boutique’s big success, I came to the US to pursue my passion. I started working in the IT Industry and side by side worked on establishing my fashion brand (both clothing and jewellery).”

Even in times like these, when all kinds of sectors have been affected Phougat and her team are trying hard to make things work. They are taking orders in advance so that they can deliver on time.

So what are the essentials for becoming a fashion designer? “Passion and understanding the relationship between fashion and comfort is essential. Beauty should not hurt or discriminate but liberate our soul,” pat comes the reply.

According to Phougat, stylish Bollywood actresses are Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Kangana Ranaut. She would like to work with them in coming times.