Meet Alpa Bhungalia

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alpa Bhungalia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alpa, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

My purpose comes from my children. I took a long career pause to raise them during a time when stepping away from a career wasn’t common for women. I got married young and had kids early, and that phase of my life shaped me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. My children taught me patience, resilience, and adaptability—and gave me the courage to start something new.

Through Silai, I want to show my children, and others, that we can pivot and chase our dreams no matter how old we are. They’ve inspired me to embrace change, take risks, and build something meaningful—not just for myself, but to leave a legacy of perseverance and possibility for the next generation.

My purpose began to take shape when I found myself scouring the web and social media for the perfect outfit, only to discover it wouldn’t arrive, even after I paid for it. The options available off the rack, whether in the US or India, often didn’t account for women of different shapes and sizes. Clothing felt disconnected from real people’s needs—comfort, coverage, and practicality.

Trips to India became a cycle of searching for fabrics, designing clothes with local tailors, and bringing suitcases full of outfits back home. But each trip left me with regrets—so much time spent on clothes that I missed the chance to explore and connect. Even after all that effort, the clothes often didn’t suit my body or lifestyle.

These frustrations became the foundation for Silai The Label. My purpose became clear: to give people back their time, design clothing that makes the wearer feel confident and comfortable, and create styles that reflect individuality and practicality. My dream is to not just create beautiful garments but also opportunities—building a place of employment for women and men so they can create better lives for their families.

I grew up in an immigrant entrepreneurial family where everyone had their own business. My dad, brothers, and many of our family friends were business owners. Some even had side hustles before that concept was popular. I married into an entrepreneurial family, and unknowingly, I married one of the best business minds in the country. While the men ran the businesses, the women in the family worked just as hard, juggling parenting responsibilities and supporting the family’s endeavors. For me, work ethic wasn’t something I had to learn—it was ingrained in my DNA.

Through Silai, I’ve found a way to channel my entrepreneurial upbringing, my cultural heritage, and my personal experiences into something meaningful. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about empowering others, celebrating diversity, and giving people the confidence to embrace who they are.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the Co-Founder of Silai The Label, founded alongside my niece, Shweta, who is based in India where our garments are brought to life. Together, we blend rich South Asian heritage with the practicality and aesthetics of the West, creating clothing that bridges cultures and generations.

Born and raised in the US, I’ve always sought ways to honor my Indian heritage. Inspired by my mother, who sewed dresses for me as a child, I turned to fashion as a way to connect with my roots. Frustrated by the lack of quality South Asian-inspired clothing for the diaspora, I co-founded Silai to bring authentic, thoughtfully crafted garments to global audiences.

At Silai, we collaborate with skilled artisans in India to preserve traditional craftsmanship while embracing ethical fashion practices. Our made-to-order approach minimizes waste and ensures each piece is tailored to fit beautifully, celebrating all body types. From handwoven blouses to versatile trousers, our designs merge heritage and modernity, offering timeless and stylish options for any occasion.

This year, we’re excited to kick off a series of live events across the US and India, starting with a pop-up in New York City from February 28 to March 2. These events give clients the opportunity to experience our garments firsthand and place custom orders, fostering deeper connections with our community.

Last year, we introduced our signature print, inspired by the iconic paisley motif. Reimagined with a contemporary twist, this design embodies Silai’s ethos: honoring tradition while embracing modern style.

Our mission goes beyond creating beautiful clothing. We are dedicated to providing ethically crafted fashion that reflects individuality and timeless design. By offering made-to-order garments, we strive to redefine South Asian-inspired fashion with a sustainable, thoughtful approach for modern audiences.

You can find us on Instagram and our website but we are working on doing a lot more communication via our emails

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Acceptance That Time is Finite & the Importance of Processes

Time is limited, and as a mother of three—soon to be an empty nester—I’ve learned the importance of setting up systems to manage both family and business effectively. At Silai The Label, managing multiple time zones and priorities has taught me to streamline communication and documentation. These systems help us stay focused and ensure we’re spending time on what truly matters.

One example is working with my co-founder, who lives across the globe and in a different stage of life (she has a toddler). While she’s waking up, I’m winding down, and this dynamic has made clear processes and documentation critical for our success. At home, the same principles apply—balancing family demands while running a business requires discipline and adaptability.

Another lesson I’ve learned is the value of saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with our mission. Being selective allows us to conserve energy and focus on projects that truly matter. These boundaries are essential for balancing creativity, family life, and business growth.

Customer Experience (Employee Experience is Key)

The customer experience begins with the employee experience. At Silai The Label, we believe the energy and care our team puts into creating garments directly impact the final product. By fostering a supportive and respectful work environment, we create pieces infused with positivity and intention.

For us, every client has a unique story, and we strive to build meaningful connections. This personal approach is reflected in how we work with our team. Whether it’s through thoughtful communication or offering flexibility, we ensure our employees feel valued and motivated. When our team thrives, it directly translates to happy, engaged clients who feel seen and heard.

Resilience, Focus, and the Power of a Supportive Tribe

Resilience and adaptability are key in entrepreneurship. One of our biggest pivots was transitioning to a made-to-order and made-to-measure model. We realized we were spending too much time on singular designs without seeing proportional returns. Simplifying choices for our clients while maintaining creativity allowed us to scale and focus on what truly matters.

As a team, we’re also learning to manage our own excitement. We’re passionate about creating, but sometimes we need to slow down and go back to our hero products, as well as streamlining our processes. This balance between creativity and practicality has been an ongoing journey.

Personally, my support system—my husband, kids, family, and friends—has been invaluable. When things get tough, they remind me of what truly matters and provide the encouragement I need to keep going. Sometimes, they offer tough love, but it always helps me grow.

Surrounding yourself with a supportive tribe and learning to pivot when necessary are essential skills. Resilience isn’t about pushing through everything; it’s about adapting and thriving through challenges. With the right people around you, the journey becomes more rewarding and fulfilling.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

One challenge I’m currently facing is breaking out of my shell to network. Networking often feels inauthentic to me—like I’m promoting my brand rather than building genuine connections. I value getting to know people for who they are, not just sharing what I do.

Another challenge is the isolation of entrepreneurship. I don’t know many people who are designing clothes and selling their own designs that are not mass-produced or white labeled, which can feel lonely. I also often feel older than my competitors, which can be both daunting and motivating.

Entrepreneurship is also lonely because I’m not naturally good at asking for help. I’m learning to identify what I need and ask specifically for it. My friends and family want to help, just as I’d want to support them, and I’m working on accepting that.

I’ve adopted tools like “morning pages,” where I write three pages a day to organize thoughts, vent, and process emotions. Writing helps me release imposter syndrome and embrace both my struggles and accomplishments. Growing up, I was taught to stay humble, so learning to celebrate my wins is a work in progress.

When overwhelmed, I turn to Atomic Habits for inspiration, talk to my entrepreneur husband and marketing-savvy sister-in-law, and lean on my business partner, Shweta. Her perspective and support are invaluable.

My advice is to embrace imperfection and find what works for you—whether it’s writing, reading, or leaning on your support system. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, and it’s important to remind yourself you don’t have to do it all.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Zealand Photography

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