Category People

Must we say that women of today are executing excellence in diverse roles across industries and it is not the talk to be surprised by any more or a first-time, women have been at the forefront of many revolutions and reforms, shattering glass ceiling or mundane rulebooks. And while we celebrate men and women as two equals, we have a story to highlight of a woman who is breaking gender stereotypes and championing it in a profession more so male-dominated and may require more than grit and vision; it requires an extraordinary force to deliberate on topics no one wants to put on mainstream or in public view.

The fashion industry stands at a crossroads, with its undeniable environmental and social impact, brands, consumers, and policymakers alike are seeking best practices and innovations to make fashion more sustainable. In the midst of this transformation, innovators like Akhil Sivanandan, CEO and co-founder of Green Story, are leading the charge.

Research indicates that first impressions matter, in a study conducted by Princeton psychologists J Willis and A. Todorov, it was highlighted that people form first impressions within 1/10th of a second based just on appearances. This says a lot about why emphasis is placed on what we wear, our body language and our mannerisms. To support the topic, another study by Harvard Business School in 2014 found individuals to be more successful than those who dressed in a more polished manner, and also to be perceived as more intelligent and deserving of the job portfolio. This is about how impressions are made on others from job interviewers to colleagues to our circle of influence. But what if we tell you that fashion, dressing, and personal grooming also profoundly impact the self – research by Northwestern University introduced the term ‘Enclosed Cognition’ suggests what we wear affects our psychology – meaning appropriate dressing offers us boosted confidence and strength.

In this candid interview, Hiral Agrawal shares her journey from her childhood in Nigeria to her experiences on MasterChef India, the creation of her flourishing bakery and confectionery stores in the city of Gorakhpur, and her inspiring message for women everywhere. Hiral is vivacious, full of zeal and fearless – this conversation will inspire women to be true to themselves, to work with their strengths and never hesitate to try.

Vice-President of the Economics Society at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK A Young Awareness Officer at the Marian Foundation, Gorakhpur, India

crusade for ocean health.

Environmental Projects Officer at Vice Chancellor's Office, University of Bolton, United Kingdom, President Bolton Student Union (2021-2023), Founder - PAOW, Students & Community Engagement

This special feature is contributed by Amreesh Chandra,Trustee and Executive Principal of St. Paul’s School.