Ishita Desai

Passionate about Community and Cause

work with Me

About

Experience

About me

Curiosity and being part of a global vision is what motivates me to get out there, meet new people and hear their stories. I enjoy learning their success, struggles and the nuances in between and bring this approach into what I create.

With roots in both India and Hong Kong, my culture and degree in Journalism shaped my career goals and led to the launch of my first company, Aanya, an ethical womenswear brand, in 2016. From sourcing materials to opening our boutique in Soho, I’ve made active strides in developing the brand and supporting initiatives for marginalized communities in Hong Kong and India. Empowering women to rise to the challenge has been at the heart of my work.

Running my own business has been invaluable to me. My top two learnings are:

Prioritize People: Engage with and learn from your community, customers, and colleagues.
Be Adaptable: Stay open and willing to pivot, retreat, and reshape your plans and ideas.

Now, I’m excited to leverage my entrepreneurial experience and explore opportunities with like-minded businesses and individuals who share a vision of making a difference. Previously, I’ve worked with Jaipur Rugs, Fox International Channels, and Lifestyle Asia.

Languages: English, Gujarati, Hindi

Relevant experience

FOUNDER & CEO

Aanya 2016-present

Founded in 2016, Aanya aimed to showcase Indian-inspired prints and craftsmanship while championing women’s empowerment.

Starting as an e-commerce platform, I later implemented an omni-channel approach, merging online and offline channels, including ZALORA, GOXIP, Shopee, and regional wholesalers.

Managing all facets from sourcing to marketing, we expanded to a team of 4, gained 10,000+ followers, and fulfilled over 10,000 orders.

Aanya’s Pop-Up Shop 2018-2022

Our retail store on Hollywood Road doubled as a community hub where we actively engaged with the larger community through events, charity fundraisers and retail marketing.

Collaboration was a key focus for this location and we successfully launched over 50 local brands in our boutique and partnered with charities to fundraise every year.

Aanya is a sustainable bohemian womenswear label that celebrates craftsmanship and community.

New Venture Development

Retail Operations

Stakeholder Management

Sales strategy and execution

Project Management

Community Building

SALES MANAGER

B2B | Architects & Interior Designers

Jaipur Rugs contract

As the sole team member in Hong Kong, I spearheaded efforts to identify business opportunities, enhance brand visibility among interior designers and architects, and manage client relationships.

Employing a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy, I developed design proposals, collaborated with our headquarters in India, and coordinated with internal teams to achieve project goals.

I conducted 150+ meetings with design firms, utilizing both cold outreach and targeted prospecting, resulting in a significant deal valued at HK$ 200,000.

Jaipur Rugs is a company that designs, produces, and distributes handmade carpets, focusing on traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

+91O2 Fundraiser

Aanya and Qiasmus teamed up to host +91O2, a one-day fundraiser to support India’s COVID-19 crisis. With the pandemic ravaging India and daily cases exceeding 400,000, showing solidarity and support was critical.

We set a target of HK$ 50,000 and successfully raised HK$ 58,425.20 in less than 24 hours, which was donated to GIVE India.

The event featured two segments. From 1pm to 5pm, attendees participated in a turmeric tie-dye workshop and henna art by local artists, catering to families. Starting at 7pm, guests enjoyed refreshments from F&B sponsors, accompanied by a live DJ performance.

Tickets were donation-based, with additional funds raised through sales of drinks, workshops, food, and exclusive merchandise.

Women Empowerment Initiatives

Aanya and Table Of Two Cities, in partnership with Art Women, worked together to create a safe space for creativity and economic independence for female asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.

Through workshops hosted by volunteers, we trained them in vocational skills like pattern-making and sewing, enabling them to create finished products for retail sales.

The project was awarded the ‘Eaton Acknowledgement’ at the Hong Kong Human Rights Arts Prize 2018.

We partnered with Sewing the Seeds to create an exclusive range of tote bags made from recycled sari fabrics. The collaboration was founded on the principle of providing women with income and opportunity and breaking the cycle of poverty.