Name: Namita Seksaria
Company: MAATI
Website: Shop Maati
What inspired you to start your business?
First and foremost, it has to be the freedom of creative expression. When you work for yourself, you are free to create products that you truly believe in. I have never been a trend follower and I have always believed in creating pieces that are classic, that make a woman feel good and pieces that would accentuate a woman's personality. Secondly, since I was a kid, I wanted to become a household name. I dreamt of becoming famous, people recognizing me for my work, my name and designs being published in top fashion magazines and celebrities wearing my designs. Gosh, I feel so giddy even thinking about it! This is hard to come by when you work for somebody else. I'm definitely not the person who likes to be behind the scenes. I simply am a Leo—I enjoy attention!
What do you most love about it?
I mostly love that it doesn't feel like work. I love and enjoy what I do! I don't have to necessarily clock in 9-to-5 type of hours. I can work at my own time. Although after having a baby a year back, I am trying to self discipline myself and work fixed hours so I get to enjoy some free time with my baby and have the best of both worlds.
What's the hardest thing about running your own business and being a mom?
Oh my gosh! It is insanely hard in so many ways to be a mom and an entrepreneur. It feels like two siblings fighting for mommy's attention 24/7. My business is like my first baby and is still in infancy stage. My business is new and needs lots of time and nurturing, and so does my year-old daughter. I find myself constantly distracted at work. It is never like before that I could work with full focus without worrying about anything else in the world. I constantly think of my baby now, whether she's eaten properly, whether she's taken a nap or no, how many ounces of milk she's had (unfortunately she's been on the lower end of the growth chart when it comes to her weight). All of a sudden I find myself reading parenting blogs in middle of my work. The balancing act of being self-disciplined is the hardest thing while being a mom and an entrepreneur. There is a constant struggle and many times I find myself donning both hats at same time and not doing justice to either.
What's your best-selling product?
Our caftan dresses are very popular!
What do your daughter thinks about the work you do?
My baby is still a year old so I don't know. But I know it for sure she has been noticing fabrics/textures/prints since her birth. I have noticed her staring at my scarf prints as early as when she was probably 1 month old. She would be mindlessly babbling while looking at my designs, as if she's talking to it. In fact, many a times she would try to poke and try to pick elements from my dress/scarf when I am wearing one, haha!! So, I am guessing she already has a fascination and an eye for what I do.
Name three other mompreneurs you admire.
One of my closest friends, Swati (who lives in India), whose clothing company actually flourished after her baby girl was born 2 years back. She balances her mommy life and business life rather well. Also, Cindy Crawford and Diane von Furstenberg.
Keep up with Namita and her business on Instagram (@shopmaati). Namita is extending a 30%-off discount on orders of $50+ with code "RESORT2016"!
