Puja Kanwar
Owner SAMpark LLC
What inspired you to start your business?
Sampark is an Indian word that means to liaison, to link, to communicate. An apt name for how I would like to make the world smaller by bringing a part of Indian culture through its fabrics and techniques to the U.S. A way to link the cultures and aesthetics of both worlds and making them one for children’s fashion worldwide.
What challenges have you faced as a women entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
I didn’t know how this market worked at all and how to navigate the fashion world. I believed in the product and in my capabilities to learn and persevere.
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
Embrace new experiences and be open to learning new ways. A lot of time I see people resistant to let go of traditional ways of working.
What women inspire you?
Michelle Obama – I just read her book Becoming and it inspires me in so many different ways. What stayed with me is her self-doubt that emerged in different stages of her life and how she overcame that. I believe, women particularly, are prone to self-doubt. And specially in business, that can creep in very easily.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
Everyone talks about sustainable fashion but that truly is very important, and I am glad that at least there is a conversation to try to make that happen. It can be very hard to implement and not everyone can follow through with it, but small changes can also help.
What three traits define you?
Optimistic, Fearless, Loyal
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
Honestly, that would be import duties! Those are not in one’s control.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I love the fact that it has endless possibilities. It can be a continuous, almost 24 hours-a-day, pursuit to achieve your dreams.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Instagram!
What are you reading or listing to now?
Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - loving it!
How do you unwind after a long workday?
Netflix.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... stay optimistic.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… to stay in the creative field.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… coffee.
By this time next year, I will… one year older.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… traveling to Bahamas!
To get my creative juices flowing, I… listen to music.
SAMpark LLC
SAMpark imports children's clothing from established brands in India for wholesale distribution to boutiques/stores across the United States.
