Anjali Sharma : Creating A Confidence Revolution In The Fashion Industry
Anjali Sharma
Founder & CEO
But, over time, Westernization has dominated the global fashion industry, with its ripples making an impact in India as well. However, Indian women have their unique body types and aesthetics, creating a huge crater of demand. This is precisely where Angelicez emerged as the epitome of indigenous innovation, ensuring that its products suit the body type and aesthetic aspirations of Indian women. Anjali Sharma, Founder & CEO, established Angelicez, a contemporary luxury lingerie brand that has curated a collection of lingerie, bodysuits, and underwear that suits individual body types and skin tones.
The company has emerged as a preferred lingerie brand with its exquisite collection of lingerie that makes women feel empowered, cherished, and comfortable in their own skin. CEO Insights interviews the woman at the helm of Angelicez, Anjali, who has more than a decade of experience in the garments industry.
What inspired you to start a company of your own?
As a woman, fashion has always been an integral part of my identity and passion. I firmly believe that pursuing a career around one’s true passion leads to exceptional performance and lasting success. I truly believe that one should do what one loves, because only then, you’ll give your best to achieve excellence. This conviction inspired me to embark on my journey with Angelicez. Ever since then, I’ve been banking on my creativity and expertise to make an impact. Prior to this, I had a successful stint in the surplus garment business, collaborating with multiple renowned brands. These experiences have not only refined my skills but have also laid a solid foundation for my ongoing endeavors in the fashion industry.
As a woman entrepreneur, were there any specific
challenges that you faced initially, and how did you overcome those?
When I started my business in 2015, I encountered numerous challenges, particularly as a woman facing gender comparisons. However, the entrepreneurial landscape has changed significantly, and today, there are many successful women entrepreneurs in the market. Over a period of time, support from people and government initiatives for women entrepreneurs have grown. While it was a challenge back then, I believe such obstacles have become normal and more manageable for everyone now.
How has Imperial College in London helped you in your career and be an entre-preneur?
My time at the college was transformative as I learned the most valuable lessons there. Surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds, it helped me refine my inter personal and cross-cultural communication skills, adapt to collaborative styles, and negotiate in complex, multicultural settings. It also taught me the value of time management and managing multiple responsibilities, which helped me both academically and personally. I learned the leadership strategy to identify the strengths within the team and motivate common goals. The experience taught me adaptability, managing pressure, and excelling in a demanding environment. Additionally, it enhanced my critical thinking, problem solving abilities, and situational awareness, preparing me to tackle unforeseen challenges in the business world. These learnings have been invaluable to my professional growth and continue to shape my leadership approach.
How has the faculty of Imperial College helped shape your career?
The faculty was not just instructors but true mentors, deeply committed to their students' personal and academic development. The professors always offered support despite their busy schedules. The open-door policy allowed me to approach them freely for any support related to my studies. The mentorship and guidance provided by the faculty were integral to my academic journey. They not only helped me succeed in my studies but also inspired my passion for leadership and entrepre-neurship. The skills and confidence I gained from these inter actions have been invaluable in building my own brand today.
When I started my business in 2015, I encountered numerous challenges, particularly as a woman facing gender comparisons. However, the entrepreneurial landscape has changed significantly, and today, there are many successful women entrepreneurs in the market. Over a period of time, support from people and government initiatives for women entrepreneurs have grown. While it was a challenge back then, I believe such obstacles have become normal and more manageable for everyone now.
I strongly value ethics and effective time management
How has Imperial College in London helped you in your career and be an entre-preneur?
My time at the college was transformative as I learned the most valuable lessons there. Surrounded by individuals from diverse backgrounds, it helped me refine my inter personal and cross-cultural communication skills, adapt to collaborative styles, and negotiate in complex, multicultural settings. It also taught me the value of time management and managing multiple responsibilities, which helped me both academically and personally. I learned the leadership strategy to identify the strengths within the team and motivate common goals. The experience taught me adaptability, managing pressure, and excelling in a demanding environment. Additionally, it enhanced my critical thinking, problem solving abilities, and situational awareness, preparing me to tackle unforeseen challenges in the business world. These learnings have been invaluable to my professional growth and continue to shape my leadership approach.
How has the faculty of Imperial College helped shape your career?
The faculty was not just instructors but true mentors, deeply committed to their students' personal and academic development. The professors always offered support despite their busy schedules. The open-door policy allowed me to approach them freely for any support related to my studies. The mentorship and guidance provided by the faculty were integral to my academic journey. They not only helped me succeed in my studies but also inspired my passion for leadership and entrepre-neurship. The skills and confidence I gained from these inter actions have been invaluable in building my own brand today.
As a leader, you must address many challenges in your day-to-day life. What are some of the leadership principles that you follow?
I strongly value ethics and effective time management. In any business or entrepre -neurial journey, success hangs on mastering time management along with maintaining strong principles and ethics as a leader. I emphasize the importance of flexibility, especially within senior teams, including managers, to ensure cohesive and efficient operations. As a leader, this combination defines excellence.
How do you keep yourself updated with the latest industry advancements?
With advancements in technology, I prioritize networking and industry engagement by participating in high-level fashion conferences and connecting with pioneers. These experiences keep me updated on innovations, market shifts, and creative trends, helping me plan fabric launches, materials, and designs to compete internationally. I collaborate globally, forming exclusive brand partnerships and exchanging ideas to enhance international trade. Customer needs are paramount, and I focus on understanding cultural shifts, societal trends, and evolving lifestyles through social listening tools and direct engagement. These insights guide our collections and help us anticipate emerging fashion trends effectively.
What are the future plans you have in mind?
As an individual, I am passionately dedicated to Angelicez, a brand that symbolizes innovation, sophi- sticated expansion, and global recognition. My ultimate vision is to build a brand that transitions conventional fashion into a revolutionary empire, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Angelicez is evolving into a premium name in the fashion world, celebrated for its creative approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. My ambition extends beyond artistry and craftsmanship to making a transformative impact on the industry. Through Angelicez, I aim to empower women worldwide while advocating sustainability and pioneering forward-thinking designs. This summarizes my journey and the essence of my company.
Anjali Sharma, Founder & CEO, Angelicez
An alumnus of Imperial College London, Anjali has over a decade of experience in the fashion industry and is leading Angelicez from the front.
I strongly value ethics and effective time management. In any business or entrepre -neurial journey, success hangs on mastering time management along with maintaining strong principles and ethics as a leader. I emphasize the importance of flexibility, especially within senior teams, including managers, to ensure cohesive and efficient operations. As a leader, this combination defines excellence.
How do you keep yourself updated with the latest industry advancements?
With advancements in technology, I prioritize networking and industry engagement by participating in high-level fashion conferences and connecting with pioneers. These experiences keep me updated on innovations, market shifts, and creative trends, helping me plan fabric launches, materials, and designs to compete internationally. I collaborate globally, forming exclusive brand partnerships and exchanging ideas to enhance international trade. Customer needs are paramount, and I focus on understanding cultural shifts, societal trends, and evolving lifestyles through social listening tools and direct engagement. These insights guide our collections and help us anticipate emerging fashion trends effectively.
What are the future plans you have in mind?
As an individual, I am passionately dedicated to Angelicez, a brand that symbolizes innovation, sophi- sticated expansion, and global recognition. My ultimate vision is to build a brand that transitions conventional fashion into a revolutionary empire, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Angelicez is evolving into a premium name in the fashion world, celebrated for its creative approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. My ambition extends beyond artistry and craftsmanship to making a transformative impact on the industry. Through Angelicez, I aim to empower women worldwide while advocating sustainability and pioneering forward-thinking designs. This summarizes my journey and the essence of my company.
Anjali Sharma, Founder & CEO, Angelicez
An alumnus of Imperial College London, Anjali has over a decade of experience in the fashion industry and is leading Angelicez from the front.