We recently connected with Anandita Yadav and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Anandita with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my parents. They taught me through their actions the importance of hard work and perseverance. Even today they are my biggest motivators. They are always cheering me on and encouraging me to push my limits. They have instilled a strong value system and a can do attitude in me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Ana, the founder of Zillajee. Growing up in India, I remember wearing cotton clothes all the time. I love cotton fabric as it can be worn throughout the year and is very durable. It is also easy to care for, making it a practical choice for everyday use. When I moved to the US, I found it hard to find good quality cotton clothing. I was disappointed to find that even clothing marketed as cotton would often contain only a percentage of cotton blended with other sometimes synthetic fabrics. As a cotton lover, I was really disappointed by the limited options available for affordable, sustainable 100% cotton sleepwear and casual wear. I was also concerned about the environmental impact and labor practices associated with traditional textile production.
Determined to make a positive difference, I embarked on a mission to create a brand that offers ethically produced organic cotton sleepwear, and hence ‘Zillajee’ was born. ‘Zillajee’ is a sustainable sleepwear brand for the modern woman. Our pajama pants are made from 100% organic cotton using natural dyes.
Our production process prioritizes the use of organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides, ensuring a safer and healthier option for both consumers and the planet. We are dedicated to transparency, fair labor practices, and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. I envision a more conscious future for fashion.
We are very mindful of our customers’ specific needs. For example, our pajama pants come with big pockets for convenience and an adjustable waistband for a custom fit. We recently launched our Winter Collection that features a range of vibrant designs in warm tones that are perfect for the winter season. We are currently working on our Spring ’24 collection. We are also adding new categories of casual wear that we are very excited about.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think one of the most important traits is perseverance. With a small business there are new challenges every day. You just have to keep moving forward, solving one problem after another. Social media has us thinking that overnight success is a norm. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Building a successful business can take a few months if not years so one should plan accordingly.
I think another important character is self-discipline. You must be able to set clear goals and then dedicatedly work towards them. It’s very easy to lose sight when you are your own boss. I would suggest utilizing tools and planners that help you prioritize and manage your time efficiently.
I think being able to multi-task and focus on what is most important is also key. As a small business owner there is always so much to be done and time is limited so it’s essential to prioritize and delegate. I need to be mindful of what actions bring us the most results and ensure that I prioritize them.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I think when just starting out with building a business one has to wear many hats. So, it’s definitely important to develop a diverse skill set that can enable efficient solutions and more informed decisions. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows so learning has to be an ongoing process. The business world is dynamic, and learning new skills gives entrepreneurs a competitive advantage in the face of ever-changing technologies, market trends, and evolving customer preferences.
When I was just starting out, no supplier was ready to work with me because my order size was too small. Since my business was bootstrapped, I couldn’t risk a big order. My negotiation skills aren’t the best but in this case I just had to tactfully negotiate with the suppliers. I had to clearly communicate and present my vision to them so I could convince them of the long term benefits of supporting my business. It took several attempts, but I finally managed to convince a supplier to work with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zillajee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zillajee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zillajee
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/zillajee/
