Roomila is on a Mission to Empower Children and Inspire Parents
What’s your story?
As a graduate of the University of Michigan, with 10+ years working in Children’s Fashion and Public Relations, in New York and Hong Kong, I am well prepared for my current role as Founder of Tachéri. My perspective on children’s party wear is inspired by my unique upbringing and travels. Having lived in different countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, as well as the United States, I have been introduced to numerous cultures and fashion styles. I also pull inspiration from my Indian heritage, and from the French aesthetic that dominates Mauritius, where my family lives.
What excites you most about your industry?
What’s exciting in my industry is that moms are becoming more discerning and aware of how their favorite brands are producing garments. When buying for young kids, moms demand comfort, first and foremost, allowing children to move and play freely. They look for well-stitched garments made from high-quality fabrics that won’t irritate their child’s skin. They also demand more transparency, and want to understand what their favorite brands are doing to produce clothing responsibly.
As a mother of two, I understand the demands, fears, and hopes moms have when it comes to buying quality occasion wear for their children. These challenges make working in this space an ever changing and exciting business to be in today.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My husband and I have lived in Hong Kong for nine years. Our children were born in Hong Kong, making this a very special place for us. We absolutely adore Hong Kong’s culture, food, and people, as well as the incredible landscapes that make up this beautiful and dynamic country.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I love Hong Kong, the energy it brings, and the can-do attitude everyone exudes. I believe, for businesses, and especially start-ups, Hong Kong offers great tools. It is easy to register your business, find legal help, as well as an abundance of opportunities to network and connect with other entrepreneurs in different industries. There are also a number of workshops offered that new business owners can attend, to sharpen their skill sets. Once you’re within the Hong Kong entrepreneurial scene, the energy from this group of people will drive you to keep learning, growing, and excelling.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I received was from Marie Forleo’s show MarieTV. In one episode, she shared this wonderful saying which was, “Everything is figureoutable. The more you do, the more you can do.” It’s such a powerful message that has helped me face challenges at work as well as personally. The more you do, the more you learn and therefore, the more you learn, the more you can do. It’s the notion that there’s very little we can’t do today, you just have to figure out how it’s done. We live in a digital world where every answer is only a Google search away or in a YouTube tutorial, making it easier to learn quickly, and on the go.
Who inspires you?
My kids inspire me everyday to wake up and follow where my passion flows. I truly want to show them that anything is achievable, no matter what your background is, where you come from, or who you know.
I’m also inspired by these female powerhouses:
- “Queen of QVC,” and Shark Tank’s, Lori Greiner
- #1 NYTimes Bestseller, Marie Forleo
- CEO of Thrive Global, Arianna Huffington
- Creator of Elcie Cosmetics, Lilit Caradanian
- Founder of Live Tinted Deepica Mutyala
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently read there are approximately 39 million students or recent graduates on LinkedIn!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! I love the path I’ve taken and am currently on! I’ve enjoyed the good, the bad, the easy and the hard times. They have brought me to where I am today. I’m truly grateful for everything I have today and for everyone I’ve had the opportunity to meet.
How do you unwind?
This may sound strange but I love to plan my Instagram post when I unwind, it helps me to relax! Otherwise, when I’m not online, I love to cuddle with my kids and watch a fun cartoon with them, including lots of popcorn! We live near the beach, so walking by the water on the promenade, as a family, is a must for us. If I’m unwinding by myself, you can usually find me watching reality TV design shows or classic movies from the 60s and 80s, while enjoying a Gin cocktail.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand is one of our favorite destinations to head to when we need rest and relaxation. Whether it’s Koh Samui, Phuket or Krabi, we know the food is superb, the beaches are breathtaking, the Thai massages are epic, and the people are amazing.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“Everything is Figureoutable,” by Marie Forleo
Shameless plug for your business:
Tachéri is a Hong Kong based, award winning children’s luxury party wear brand, offering comfortable, classic designs, perfect for special occasions, that let children move and play freely. Our high-quality fabrics are hand-sourced and stitched in India, where we concentrate on small batch production to help control wastage of materials used. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @tacheriofficial and visit our website at www.tacheri.com.
How can people connect with you?
Email me at [email protected] or send a DM at our Instagram @tacheriofficial.
Twitter handle?
My Twitter handle is: @RoomilaC
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
