Meet Sonali Sethi

For years I worked in the hospitality industry, where I eventually accepted a management position. After 3 years of management and almost 9 years of being with the same company, I realized that I was not living the life I wanted for myself.
So I took my savings, quit my “big girl” job and started my business in 2016.

I started my business 7 years ago and I specialize in making womenswear with an Indian flare. Each item of clothing is uniquely designed and handmade by me with fabric sourced from India. My clothes are designed to empower women, make them feel beautiful and confident in who they are, while showing off their unique personality. I pride myself in making something for every woman out there.
Personality isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement aimed at encouraging women to find their passion, chase their dreams, and most importantly, stay true to themselves.

Growing up in India I have seen how terrible working conditions are, exploitation of women and child labor is a huge issue. My goal is to do my part in creating a better world and better working conditions for women globally.

My mission as a brand is to bring awareness to the inequalities of work conditions across the globe. By me personally manufacturing ever single item of clothing I know that I am a small contribution to the larger cause at hand. As my business grows, I plan on teaming with like minded individuals to build my brand. Any and all outsourcing will take place only under ethical working conditions, with fair wages and working conditions, and without child labor.

Most recently I was selected as a pop up resident at Boxyard RTP.
I’ve had the chance to create my first brick and mortar store and have been open since June.

Over the course of owning my business another one of my missions has been to uplift and give other women owned businesses a platform to expand their businesses.
Through my four month residency at Boxyard I have been able to collaborate and support 4 women owned businesses.
As long as I have a platform I will continue to support and empower as many local women and minority owned businesses.

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?
As my residency ends at Boxyard RTP I will be popping up with Triangle pop up through fall and winter. I am currently creating a capsule fall and winter collection which will be available soon at my pop ups and website

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Persistence, patience and determination were the three things that have gotten me to where I am today.

There were days, especially during Covid, when I didn’t know how my business would survive. I truly believed I would have to close up shop and my dream would be over.
However, I found a purpose in the darkest of times.
At the start of covid I began donating masks to healthcare professionals all over the US. I donated over 1000 masks made from left over fabrics. From them on I took in a new mission of becoming a zero waste business. I repurpose and recycle any fabric remnants into scrunchies, masks, and earrings.

Advice I would give:

Starting your own business can be daunting, and that’s ok! You have to take it one day at a time. There will be good days, bad days and some extremely bad days. Every new day is a new opportunity filled with unlimited potential. The key is not giving up when things get tough. Everyday you have to keep betting on yourself and believing in what you are capable of. We are all capable of more than we give ourselves credit for.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Honestly I take a break! As an artist it is necessary to stay creative. Designers block can be very real, and I have experienced it often.
So it is important for me take breaks often so I can preserve my creativity and have a clear mind whenever I start a new project.