A leaders wisdom and humility go hand in hand, says Anu Shyamsundar, Business Director and Partner, House of Three
A design graduate of NIFT Delhi, Anu Shyamsundar began her career in the design space, and over the years transitioned to brand management, buying and curation for some of the top corporate fashion houses in the country such as Allen Solly, Indian Terrain, Evolv and Calvin Klein. Anu Shyamsundar, the Business Director and Partner at House of Three, is the force behind the wheel that steers this ship. She takes care of operations, business development, finance and particularly enjoy curating product and fashion designers for our online and store edits. House of Three is a designer label based in Bangalore. Launched in 2009 by La Mere designs, it has 4 distinct lines of Couture, Prêt, Diffusion, Menswear and a line of home decor. The label draws inspiration from various spheres of modern lifestyle, new age music, graphics, modern art & architecture. An avid traveller that she is, her sense of adventure has helped Anu chart a very inspiring path in a 15-year long fashion retail career, launching and managing new brands and categories in apparel and accessories for the contemporary Indian.
Here are a few excerpts from the interview where Anu unfolded her entrepreneurial journey with HelloPost Team on the occasion of International Women’s Day:
- What motivated you to be a part of this venture- House of Three?
In my stints across various companies, I spearheaded about 4 startup businesses that I thoroughly enjoyed and felt it was the right time to work on my own. With House of Three, I found the right fit.
- What were the challenges that you’ve faced while building the brand?
We have faced many challenges including demonetisation, decreased consumer spending since 2018 and COVID during my last 3 years.
- Which was the moment in your journey when you felt that it’s not working but still you didn’t lose your hope and kept it going?
The COVID lockdowns were tough and we didn’t know if we could stay afloat! But we persevered and were quick on our feet to strengthen our online business while adding additional categories of masks and our interiors vertical. We also curated from fellow designers both in home decor and fashion in order to support their businesses too
- What was the biggest achievement during your entrepreneurship journey?
Many win especially when you see the joy on the faces of our customers when they get their perfect outfit or the perfect fit!
The big win this year is being selected as a SONDER CONNECT Mentee for the 6th COHORT of Microsoft for Women Entrepreneurs, funded by Target Accelerators 2021.
- How do you maintain a good work-life balance and mental health?
Yoga and meditation help find grounding and energy to keep going despite a hectic work schedule
- Who is your role model?
I seek inspiration from so many accomplished women and men everyday!
My dad Mr V Shyamsundar , Ex MD of the Durgapur steel plant has been a big inspiration and role model .
- What is your secret to success?
Hard work , belief in oneself and the strong network of family and friends.
- What’s one leadership lesson that you’ve learned in your career?
A leaders wisdom and humility go hand in hand.
- What are your future plans?
We are looking at expanding our brand House of Three’s retail footprint in India and internationally while parallelly working with large retail organisations to expand their sustainable product offering.
- Any advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself and take care of yourself because this journey is arduous
