We were lucky to catch up with Misha Vaidya recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Misha , so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
I posted a quote on Instagram a couple of years ago (and likely a few times since), “Creative people need time to sit around and do nothing.” Unsurprisingly, it got a fair amount of love, especially from the artists, writers, designers and creatives in my life.
How do I overcome creative blocks? Well, I’m still learning and I’m not sure these could be considered pearls of wisdom (just yet), but back to said quote; I try to inject balance into the situation. Balance for me is understanding when the scales need to be tipped in one direction or another, and when they need to come back to centre. That middle-ground is often where I formulate my ideas, when I’m able to take inspiration from my travels, conversations and observations. That quiet time we all need once in a while. Nature, photography and the ocean are a few of my go-to’s when trying to achieve that sense of equilibrium.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I consider myself to be a creator; someone who puts a little bit of myself out into the world (so scary, but that’s another topic entirely), hopes to add value and create meaningful conversation and energy. That little bit of myself just so happens to be in the form of a clothing brand.
Misha Vaidya is a ready-to-wear women’s fashion brand dedicated to creating quality pieces for the modern woman. Established by my Mum and I, our mission is to create pieces rooted in purposeful, ethical, and intentional design, never at the expense of our planet or people, always with the sole intent of empowering. We believe in conscious consumption, respectful, professional relationships, sustainable design, manufacturing, and up-front retail experiences.
Inspired by the details and intricacies of culture, people and the earth’s natural beauty, the Misha Vaidya philosophy is that everything is connected, and that our actions directly impact ourselves, others, and generations to come. We strive to create garments in equal parts beautiful and sustainable. Our contemporary collections include a mixture of elevated basics, separates, dresses, jackets, t-shirts and accessories.
The most special part of what I do is the people I’ve been able to connect with along the way. The women who wear our pieces, the creatives we’ve collaborated with, the partnerships that push our boundaries, the conversations that inspire design, the exploration of culture in each city we shoot in. People. Always people. I love what I do, it’s the hardest thing I’ve done, but the most rewarding.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
At the start of most years, I try to give myself a word to live by, a bit like a resolution, but more as a reminder, a lesson. Frequently, I remind myself that the way we speak to ourselves matters. Not because I speak to myself badly, or don’t appreciate the wins, but because when you’re always go-go-go, it’s important to stop and give yourself the credit you deserve.
I know that’s not necessarily three qualities, but I feel like when infused into our daily routine, it can impact every other quality, skill and outcome. “Our words shape the way we think. The way we think shapes the way we feel. How we feel determines what we do. What we do reinforces our beliefs.”
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Always!! I’m a firm believer that real magic can be created with an open mind, and a focused creative collaboration. After all, collaboration equals innovation. I’m always keen to work alongside fellow artists, designers, photographers, and sustainability-focused businesses, in an effort to grow creatively and add value to our respective communities.. Our Instagram and website are great ways to reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mishavaidya.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MISHAVAIDYA/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mishavaidya/
Image Credits
Photographer: Vlad Lafontant Models: Ada Czekolada, Alexis Marie Balliro, Melissa Ziegler, Jess Estrada
