Meet Shubhra Jain

We were lucky to catch up with Shubhra Jain recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shubhra , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

“Being the only one in the room” has been less of a rare moment and more of a familiar pattern throughout my journey. As a first-generation Indian woman building something from scratch in a space where I rarely saw anyone who looked like me, I’ve had to learn to trust my own voice—even when it felt quiet or uncertain.

I come from a culture rich in heritage, tradition, and resilience, and I carry that with me in everything I do. In many ways, my brand is a love letter to where I come from. I built it without a blueprint—learning as I went, falling hard sometimes, and getting back up with more clarity each time.

Being “the only one” has taught me to turn what could feel isolating into something powerful. To lead with heart. To build with intention. To stay rooted in my values, even when the path feels lonely. And most of all, to believe that every time I take up space, I make a little more room for someone else to feel seen.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

House of Alaan is a boutique lifestyle brand that brings India’s timeless textile traditions into modern homes—through artisan-made quilts, robes, cushions, table linens, and accessories. We specialize in handcrafted block-printed pieces that blend heritage techniques with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic. Each collection is made in small batches by skilled artisans using sustainable materials like cotton and muslin, ensuring every piece tells a story and feels deeply personal.

What sets us apart is our commitment to intentional design, slow production, and emotional connection. We believe that beauty lies in the details—whether it’s a hand-pressed pattern, a reversible quilt, or a robe that makes your morning feel like a ritual. Our products are not mass-produced. They’re thoughtful, soulful, and made for those who find joy in everyday rituals.

What makes this journey truly special is watching these pieces find homes far beyond where they began. Our collections are increasingly loved by interior designers, boutiques and concept stores, event stylists, gifting companies, and homemakers who value soul over sameness.

We’re currently working on exciting collaborations with like-minded brands, hotels, spa and wellness centers and specialty boutiques, expanding our reach across Texas and beyond. This year, you’ll also find us popping up at some incredible trade shows and markets as far as Florida and a few other that are still under works. Let’s just say—big things are coming, and we can’t wait to meet more people who connect with what we’re building.

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?

Looking back, the three things that have shaped my journey the most are belief in myself, figuring it all out—one step at a time, and learning how to keep showing up even when it’s hard to be seen.

First, believing in myself has been the one constant. That inner voice has kept me going when things felt overwhelming, lonely, or uncertain. No matter how hard it got—and it did—I’ve always known I could keep going.

Second, I had to learn everything from scratch. Manufacturing, dealing with quality issues, logistics, pricing, marketing—you name it, I’ve had to figure it out. And when you’re building something from nothing, everything feels like a priority. Some days, it still does.

Third, networking has been the hardest. I’ve always been someone who speaks truthfully and shows up with sincerity. But finding people to connect with, to feel seen and accepted—it didn’t come easy. I’m still learning. Still showing up, even when it feels awkward or uncomfortable.

If there’s one thing I’m quietly proud of, it’s how I’ve built a brand. Not just a name or a logo, but a voice, a vision, and values that now guide everything we do. When I started, those were just buzzwords. Now, they’re the compass.

To anyone starting out: trust your instinct. Yes, learn. Yes, read. But don’t let the noise—especially on social media—drown your inner voice. One day you’re looking something up, and the next day your feed is full of people trying to sell you shortcuts. Take them only after you’ve laid your own foundation. There’s no skipping the real work, and honestly, that’s where the magic lives.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We’re always open to thoughtful, purpose-driven collaborations. At House of Alaan, we believe creativity grows stronger in community. We’re especially excited to connect with designers, illustrators, stylists, design houses, and established brands who are passionate about storytelling, craftsmanship, and meaningful design.

We’re also deeply committed to uplifting other women-led businesses, and we’re always looking for ways to create together, support each other, and share the spotlight. Whether it’s co-creating a collection, working on a styled shoot, or dreaming up something entirely new—we’re here for it.

If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our vision, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @houseofalaan. Let’s make something beautiful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.houseofalaan.com
• Instagram: houseofalaan

Image Credits

Amanda Barker Photography