We recently connected with Nila Chakraboty and have shared our conversation below.
Nila, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My self-esteem and confidence are deeply rooted in the foundation my parents gave me growing up. They constantly affirmed my worth and believed in me, even when I doubted myself. They instilled values like hard work, kindness, and resilience, which shaped how I see myself and navigate the world. Knowing I had their unconditional support made me feel capable of taking on challenges, learning from failures, and celebrating successes. That early sense of security and encouragement became the cornerstone of my confidence today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m passionate about helping and meeting new people everyday. I like to hear their stories, where they came from, what they are about, what they are going through. At its core, what I do is about helping people feel more confident in themselves, whether that’s through [providing a beautiful smile, creating meaningful art, guiding personal growth—tailor to your field]. What excites me most is seeing the transformation—not just on the outside, but in how people carry themselves and show up in the world after our work together. This is where fashion comes to life.
What makes my approach special is that it’s very personal. I take time to understand people’s unique stories, their goals, and what really matters to them. It’s not a one-size-fits-all process; it’s about creating something meaningful and lasting for each individual than I customize my products to fit their needs and demands. What looks good on them, what they would feel comfortable in, what builds their confidence in what they are wearing. Again these South Asian clothes are quite different from Western attire so people need to feel their best in these styles they have never worn before.
Right now, I’m excited about SBW Talks. My new venture in my podcast channel with a little bit of daily motivation for all us women to get out of bed and do our best. In the 9 years of business I have met over 500 + people coming through my doors to shop and have heard their stories and I wanted a platform where they could be heard. So I started SBW Talks.
I want all us women to be heard, understood, feel confident in their own skin and say I am PROUD to be what I am and what I have become through my highs and lows….
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Self-belief: This really came from the support of my parents, who always made me feel like I was capable. Even when things felt uncertain, they reminded me of my strengths. For anyone early on, I’d say—surround yourself with people who uplift you. And learn to be that voice for yourself. Positive self-talk sounds simple, but it’s powerful.
2. Resilience: Life isn’t a straight line. There were times I doubted myself or faced setbacks. But I realized it’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from it and bouncing back stronger. My advice? Don’t be afraid to fail. See challenges as opportunities to grow. And give yourself grace in the process.
3. Curiosity and lifelong learning: I’ve always been curious, and that’s led me to new opportunities and personal growth. Whether it was learning from my parents, school, or later in life, staying open to learning has been key. For anyone starting out—stay curious. Ask questions, seek mentors, read, explore. You never know where that next piece of knowledge will take you.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in me, even before I believed in myself. They created an environment where I felt safe to be myself, to make mistakes, and to grow. They never pressured me to be perfect; instead, they focused on effort, character, and kindness. Their unwavering support gave me the confidence to take risks and chase opportunities I might have otherwise been too scared to try.
Even during times when I doubted my abilities, they reminded me of who I was and what I was capable of. That quiet, steady belief became the foundation of my self-esteem. It’s something I carry with me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopbollywear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbollywear_sbw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopbollywearusa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilaroy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SBWTALKS
Image Credits
Twin Cities Live- Elizabeth Ries
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