#ChooseToChallenge

International Women’s Day is very close to our hearts, given that its core values—justice, dignity, hope, equality, collaboration, tenacity, appreciation, respect, empathy, forgiveness—align so well with ours. This year, perhaps even more so, as the theme is a call-to-action to challenge the status quo by raising awareness against bias, celebrating women's achievement, and taking action for equality.

As a brand we hope to inspire and empower girls every day, leading by example both in our collections, and in our business operations. We aim to demonstrate that the world is their oyster; they are free to express themselves however they please, and the future is theirs for the taking. We also encourage them to do, be, and have all of that, while remaining caring and respectful.

As a business that is female owned, lead, operated, and staffed, this IWD we’re celebrating the women of Tutu du Monde, and their phenomenal achievements with the brand.

Creative in India - 7 years working with tdm

How/where did you learn your design and beading skills?

I have a diploma in fashion designing from South Delhi Polytechnic but my inclination towards fashion and designing goes back to my childhood. Though I never got any formal training in beading techniques, my interest in fashion and curiosity were the reasons that I developed detailed understanding of the concepts. I’ve also worked as a Jewellry designer in the past, and that understanding too was purely acquired due to my interest in fashion.

How do you stay inspired?

For me inspiration comes from every day things in life. A visit to Chandni Chowk, Delhi Haat or a walk down Janpath seeing beautiful things created by artisans across the country give me great deal of inspiration. The early morning sun, a stroll in the park, being in nature are my other sources of inspiration

What is most rewarding working with women?

I’ve always believed in empowering women. I think the most rewarding aspect for me is seeing them become independent and more confident in a society like ours which is male dominated. The appreciation they get at work encourages them and makes them more confident in their personal lives. And, this to me is really rewarding.

la producer and set designer - 4 years working with tdm

How you did you start off as a producer?

I am a very organised and structured person, sometimes maybe too much! I love the challenge of putting all the pieces together to create a masterpiece.

What do you love most about working on campaign photo shoots?

I love working with all the talented and creative people it takes to put together a shoot. It definitely takes teamwork. I love all the “crazy" time and energy that goes into the shoots, but most importantly, I love to see the “magic” we have all created in the end. It's quite bittersweet when each shoot is over and I anxiously await the next.

During my time working with Tutu Du Monde, I have built lifelong relationships with strong, powerful women that I will treasure forever. That's definitely the best part!

Who is a woman that has inspired you and why?

My mom has been my greatest inspiration. She was not only my mother, but my best friend and mentor. She offered me the guidance, the direction, and the tools that have made me into the woman I am today…a caring daughter, a loving wife and now, the best mother I can be. I am my mother’s daughter!

chief operations officer at tutu du monde

how did an apparent failure end up being a win?

Leaving a terrible job without having another one to go was concerning and a risk, however it gave me the opportunity to be available for new opportunities.. which is why I am now working with all of these amazing women at Tutu Du Monde.

what is one of the most challenging parts of your job and how did you overcome it?

Our company is always growing and evolving so it's important to always change processes and not get stuck in old routines that are comfortable. Learning to take a step back to either work on myself or work on the bigger picture is so important.  

who is your female role model and why?

There is too much pressure on womens these days to be everything to everyone. So I can't say that I have one role model, I admire alot of women for different reasons. I especially admire women who are activists or are in politics and are standing up for change. I admire women who are not conforming to the pressures of social media on how we need to look, dress and behave. I admire women who go against the grain and are confident in their own skin. It takes alot of courage to be your true self. So I admire this quality in alot of women!

owner of rolling kids china - stockist of tdm

What inspired you to start your own retail business?

I've been passionate about fashion and retail since I was a little girl, and after graduating I have been on this side of the business ever since.

What is one of the hardest challenges of being your own boss?

The combination of work and family with kids is unfortunately the hardest part, because of the long hours I don't get to spend as much time as I would want with my kids.

What's the best advice you've received from another woman?

Live the life you love, love the life you live.

head designer at tutu du monde

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS WITH YOUR WORK SO FAR?

There have been many amazing accomplishments over my career but a moment that shines in my heart & mind was seeing my designs in store at Victoria's Secret in the mid-2000's in their flagship store in Herald Square, NYC. They were a powerhouse brand with global recognition so to witness my work in a larger than life retail environment was amazing. I'm always romanced by the notion that a seed of thought (an idea) evolves into a product for others to enjoy.

HOW HAS HAVING A DAUGHTER OF YOUR OWN AFFECTED YOUR WORK?

My daughter Scarlett is now 19 years old and I feel very proud of the young lady she's become. I chose not to let my child affect my work, I've always enjoyed my career & planned around being a working mother as best as I could with the support of others where needed.

I never felt that I had to choose between a career and being a good mother and actively approached parenting and career with an open mind, organisation and good routines. My mantra has always been 'be the woman you'd want your girl/child to become', in other words I wanted to show up as a mum and also display a strong work ethic.

WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 20 YEAR OLD SELF?

Dear 20 year old Marie, Say this to yourself each morning upon rising and each night before retreating:

"I am enough, I have enough, I do enough."

Don't fall into the marketing pitfalls that project an unrealistic image of what women should be or look like. You do you.

Practice self acceptance, be kind to yourself, be of service to others, always follow your heart and the rest will follow. Don't be afraid to take chances, make mistakes and then learn from them. Be satisfied with what you have right now in this moment while striving for bigger things, never stop learning, above all- have fun!