At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Priyanka Kakkar for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Priyanka is an Entrepreneur and Founder at Ankyra by Priyanka Kakkar. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Priyanka:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, in 2006 and began my journey by interning under the legendary British designer Zandra Rhodes in 2005, followed by working with Raghavendra Rathore’s design cell in 2006. That exposure shaped my foundation and gave me a global perspective on design and craftsmanship.
Later in 2007, I launched my label Ankyra by Priyanka Kakkar, which retailed at multiple designer stores in India and soon expanded internationally to the U.A.E., U.K., USA, Kuwait, South Africa, and Hong Kong. The label showcased at prestigious platforms such as Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, India Premier London Fashion Week, the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris, and the Salon International de Lingerie in Versailles, France.
In 2016, I consciously chose to take a sabbatical to focus on family and personal growth. This pause gave me the space to reflect, evolve, and rediscover my creative purpose with greater clarity. In 2024, I returned with a renewed vision to shape Ankyra not only as a fashion label but as a lifestyle brand rooted in emotional expression and well-being.
Alongside this, in 2024, I also ventured into the food space by founding The Seasoning Company, a brand that curates global flavours and culinary storytelling. This parallel journey allows me to bring together two things I love deeply creativity and human connection, whether through fashion or food.
How did you discover your passion?
I’ve always had a deep love for art, and being an introvert, I found it easier to express myself through creating. Sketching, fashion, and styling became my language—a way to communicate emotions, ideas, and stories. As a child, I remember how dressing myself and my dolls filled me with joy.
In the 2000s, fashion in India began gaining mainstream recognition, and I feel grateful that my parents encouraged me to follow my heart. Their support gave me the freedom to pursue creativity, and that freedom shaped my passion. It continues to inspire my journey in design today.”
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
I’ve had my share of tough phases—including a long sabbatical that tested me on every front. What keeps me going is my belief that creativity is not just work; it restores me. Every time I sketch, design, or build something new, I feel myself coming alive again.
Challenges may slow me down, but they never stop me, because I know I’m not just creating clothes or products—I’m creating possibilities, for myself and for others.
My children, my sense of purpose, and my vision of leaving behind a meaningful legacy are what anchor me when times get rough. That reminder—that my work can inspire someone else—gives me the courage to keep moving forward.”
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1) Your own family—your roots—will always be your backbone. But when you step into another household, the dynamics may not always remain in your hands. A career, once paused or abandoned, is much harder to rebuild. Don’t give it up, thinking that marriage will sustain you for life. Holding on to your professional identity means holding on to your strength, purpose, and freedom—no matter how life unfolds.
2) It’s in the hardest phases of life that you discover who truly stands with you. When times get rough, people reveal their priorities—and their choices. That’s when you learn who belongs in your circle.
3) No one can live your struggles for you. Family or friends can support you, but the responsibility of building your life rests in your hands. Never give up your independence—emotional, financial, or professional.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
The key to success is to love what you do and stay deeply committed to it. Dedication and focus are what transform passion into progress.
When you align with work that excites you, challenges no longer break you — they shape you. Success then becomes not just an outcome, but a natural extension of your journey.”
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice to students and young professionals is simple: stay grounded while you grow. This generation has the advantage of speed — everything is available at the click of a button, knowledge is accessible, and opportunities are global. But with that speed comes a danger: losing patience with the process.
AI and technology are powerful tools, yet they can never replace human intuition, creativity, and resilience. Hard work, focus, and consistency will always remain non-negotiable.
The real edge will come from blending your agility with depth — learning to stay curious, dedicated, and emotionally intelligent. Don’t just chase what’s trending; build skills that will hold value even when the world changes again. In the long run, discipline and passion will outlast shortcuts.”
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey exciting is the exposure I’ve had on global platforms — being part of prestigious events and showcasing my work in front of diverse audiences.
Every such experience has not only validated my creativity but also expanded my vision. The appreciation my work has received along the way adds a deep sense of fulfilment, reminding me that fashion can transcend borders and connect people emotionally.
What keeps it truly satisfying is being part of something larger than myself — carrying my voice, my culture, and my stories into spaces where they are celebrated. Each milestone reminds me that the journey is not just about creating clothes, but about leaving an imprint.”
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
