Insistent on retaining her sense of self, Anavila Misra has held her own ever since 2011 when she would sell handwoven linen sarees at Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda Festival. So, when she begins this interview with, “After a lot of deliberation…”, we smile as she speaks of going “out of comfort zone” with a foray into bridal and occasion wear. This is a debut of sorts after being around in the business for 12 years.

Misra added her own personality when she introduced an unorthodox twist on saree-blouse pairing in linen, and this is what made her brand unique. “But after a decade, they [linen sarees] are no longer exclusively ours. Every other designer and artisan sells linen weaves with minor colour changes or masking rayon for linen.” This challenge is every day in the mid-range market where Misra’s brand is positioned.