Meet Rachna Chandra of Taj Cottage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachna Chandra.  

Hi Rachna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was my childhood dream to be an entrepreneur and fashion designer. In my teen years, I use to design and sew mine and my sisters’ outfits. 

I started the business in 2005 while I was taking care of my one-year-old daughter, and I had quit my job to take care of her, 

I remember my first exhibition was in my garage. 

I had worked really hard and stayed focus and persistent to my passion, no matter how many ups and down came through. 

It was an era when social media and google was not that popular. 

After working from home for 14 years and raising my 2 kids, I had opened the storefront in 2019. 

I also teach Industrial sewing class at Zaman International (nonprofit), where we train underprivileged women and make a positive change in their lives. 

I serve as the Vice President at Glamorous Moms Foundation (nonprofit), and as a Co-Executive Director at Detroit Garment Group (nonprofit) I am also a co-founder of a nonprofit Detroit Indian Women Association. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is never a smooth road, especially life of an entrepreneur. Some of my struggles were to import stuff from overseas or work-life balance. 

We’ve been impressed with Taj Cottage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my business Taj Cottage in 2005. It’s an Indian bridal boutique in Farmington Hills. It caters to all ethnicities who would like to dress up in unique styles. 

I also carry outfits for men, kids, and jewelry. 

We also provide alterations and tailoring services. 

I specialize in customized bridal outfits and Indo fusion styles. 

My designs have been showcased on many local televisions and magazines, including Detroit Public Television. 

I have been fortunate to present my collections in various runway shows like 

New York fashion week, Michigan Fashion Week. 

I am going to present my collection at Paris fashion week this fall, which I am very proud of. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Success doesn’t come overnight; one has to work really hard for. What made me successful is perseverance and family support. 

Staying true to your customers is a key, it easy to make few bucks and deliver non quality product or a service, but that’s not what I believe in. Customers keep my business alive, and it’s my responsibility to make them happy. 

Risk-taking is a must when you are an entrepreneur, and sometimes you might fail too, but you need to keep trying until you succeed. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tajcottage.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tajcottagenovi
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/tajcottage
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/tajcottage
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCWCSfhbBda_Al79ZtBiun7A