Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anoushka Darlene Braganza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Anoushka Darlene with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic stems from a combination of personal experiences, deep curiosity, and an intrinsic drive to create. Growing up, I learned early on the value of persistence and hard work—my interests were always evolving, and it wasn’t always easy to balance the desire to explore new ideas with the discipline needed to master them. Whether it was trying my hand at crocheting one day or furniture making the next, I realized that dedication was key to truly understanding and pushing the boundaries of any creative practice.
The challenges I’ve faced—whether it was shifting from a science background to design or navigating the uncertainties of learning new techniques in furniture making—have also instilled a strong sense of resilience in me. Every failure or struggle became an opportunity for growth. It taught me that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about how hard you’re willing to work, how much you’re willing to push through the discomfort, and how much you’re willing to learn along the way.
I also draw inspiration from the idea that creativity is a continuous process—it’s not something that’s just born out of inspiration; it requires consistent effort, experimentation, and refinement. I see my work as a dialogue between my imagination and the materials I use, and to make that dialogue meaningful, it demands discipline, focus, and an unyielding commitment to the craft. That’s where my work ethic comes from—it’s a reflection of my desire to always grow, to always learn, and to push beyond what I thought was possible.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
At the core of my work is a passion for creating objects and experiences that go beyond aesthetics. I’m an experiential and object designer, with a particular focus on furniture and interior design. My approach to design isn’t just about making things look beautiful—it’s about creating something that speaks, that evokes emotions, and that invites people to pause and reflect. Through my brand, Not So Square, I explore the intersection of organic forms, bold geometry, and the idea that design can be a deeply personal and emotional experience.
What excites me most about my work is the endless potential for discovery. I believe design is a living, evolving practice that thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging expectations. Every piece I create is a dialogue between the raw material and the imagination, blending function with emotional resonance. Whether it’s crafting a functional piece of furniture or designing a space that tells a story, my goal is always to create something that moves people, that encourages them to think differently and engage with their environment in a new way.
One of the most exciting aspects of my journey has been seeing how people interact with my work. I love it when a piece of furniture or a space encourages someone to feel something, whether it’s a sense of calm, reflection, or curiosity. It’s about creating moments that people can connect with on a deeper level. Not So Square reflects that ethos of embracing the unexpected, of challenging the status quo, and celebrating the unconventional. It’s a brand that’s all about pushing past the conventional boundaries of design and creating something unique, something that sparks conversation.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding the reach of Not So Square. I’m working on new projects that continue to explore this emotional, storytelling-driven approach to design. I’m also excited to be collaborating with other designers and artists, pushing the boundaries of materials, techniques, and collaboration in ways that I hadn’t imagined before. These collaborations are an opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge myself—and hopefully, together, we will bring new, thought-provoking pieces into the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I can pinpoint three key qualities and areas of knowledge that were most impactful in shaping my journey: resilience, a hands-on approach to learning, and the ability to embrace vulnerability in creativity.
1. Resilience
The path I’ve walked hasn’t been without its challenges, but resilience has been crucial in helping me push through the tough times. Whether it was navigating moments of self-doubt or learning to cope with setbacks, resilience allowed me to keep moving forward and growing. It’s a reminder that failure is often part of the journey, not an end, but a chance to learn and improve.
Advice for others: When you’re early in your journey, don’t be afraid to stumble. Failures are not reflections of your potential, but lessons in what works and what doesn’t. The key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels hard, and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Practice persistence, and be kind to yourself when things don’t go according to plan.
2. Hands-On Learning
One of the turning points in my career was the realization that creativity and design need to be grounded in hands-on experience. Whether it was learning woodworking, ceramics, or metalworking at the Savannah College of Art and Design or understanding how materials interact with each other, I realized that knowing how things are made is just as important as knowing how to design them. This tangible experience not only builds technical skills but also deepens creativity by offering new ways to think about the process.
Advice for others: Don’t wait for things to be perfect before you start creating. Dive into the process and learn by doing. Even if your first attempts aren’t perfect, each one will bring you closer to mastering your craft. Take the time to get your hands dirty, whether that means experimenting with materials, tools, or techniques. The more you practice, the more you’ll understand the materials and their potential, which will inevitably fuel your creativity.
3. Embracing Vulnerability in Creativity
The third quality that has shaped my journey is the ability to be vulnerable in my work. For me, design isn’t just about making something functional or visually appealing—it’s about tapping into emotions, challenging expectations, and putting pieces of myself into the work. Embracing vulnerability allows my work to connect on a deeper level with others. It has also made me more willing to experiment, take risks, and evolve in unexpected directions.
Advice for others: When you’re starting out, it can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting your work to be perfect or safe. But some of the most impactful work comes from a place of authenticity and vulnerability. Don’t be afraid to put your unique perspective into your work and take risks, even if they feel uncomfortable. The more you’re willing to explore your creative boundaries and embrace imperfection, the more your work will stand out and resonate with others.
In summary, resilience, a hands-on approach to learning, and embracing vulnerability have been pivotal in shaping my journey. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend focusing on these qualities—they will help you navigate the challenges ahead, make your work more meaningful, and ultimately lead to a deeper connection with your craft.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values the emotional power of design and understands that design is more than just aesthetics—it’s an experience. They are individuals or businesses who seek to create spaces or objects that resonate on a deeper level, sparking reflection, connection, and even transformation. They are open-minded and appreciate the process of storytelling through design, wanting their surroundings or products to reflect something unique about themselves or their values.
An ideal client is someone who is willing to take creative risks and push beyond the conventional. They appreciate the balance between form and function and are looking for pieces that don’t just serve a purpose, but evoke feelings, stimulate thought, and challenge the everyday. They are often interested in the narrative behind the work—the materials used, the inspiration drawn from art, nature, or human experiences—and how the design process itself is a journey that infuses meaning into the final result.
In addition, I value clients who trust the design process and see it as a collaborative effort. They are open to dialogue, willing to be vulnerable with their ideas and vision, and understand that great design is an evolving conversation. Whether it’s creating a piece of furniture, an interior space, or an experiential installation, they are looking for something that feels personal and meaningful rather than just something that “fits” a trend or a brief.
Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who is aligned with the philosophy of my brand, Not So Square—a brand that embraces the unexpected, values authenticity, and believes that design has the power to create moments of pause, reflection, and deep connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://issuu.com/anoushkadbraganza
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_notsosquare_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anoushka-braganza27/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anoushkabraganza27
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