Meet Sonali Sethi | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonali Sethi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonali, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My family migrated from India in 2001 to North Carolina. I was 12 years old with a lifelong dream of having my own fashion brand. I grew up with a passion for design and every opportunity I got I would go to the tailors in India with my mom and design outfits for myself. However, I also grew up knowing that my career choices were very limited as it was for most women in India. Coming to America was truly one a dream, and that’s when I knew I would eventually make my dream a reality one day. After graduating high school I was admitted into the NCSU College of Textiles. I graduated in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Textile and Apparel management.
For years I worked in the hospitality industry, where I eventually accepted a management position. After 3 years of management and almost 9 years of being with the same company, I realized that I was not living the life I wanted for myself.
So I took my savings, quit my “big girl” job and started my business in 2016.
I started my business 7 years ago and I specialize in making womenswear with an Indian flare. Each item of clothing is uniquely designed and handmade by me with fabric sourced from India. My clothes are designed to empower women, make them feel beautiful and confident in who they are, while showing off their unique personality. I pride myself in making something for every woman out there.
Personality isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement aimed at encouraging women to find their passion, chase their dreams, and most importantly, stay true to themselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My designs are always exclusive and one of a kind. I design every look myself, I then cut and sew every garment.
I create a small batch of each design, essentially one of each size ranging from small to xtra large.
Everything is handmade by me, and once a design sells out, it’s gone forever.

I also recently established myself as a zero waste business.
All my fabric scraps are repurposed into earrings, scrunchies, and even masks.

I started my journey seven years ago, and it has not always been easy. Especially once the pandemic hit.
I truly did not know if my business would survive and make it out of 2020.
However, I have always believed in giving back to the community.
So while everyone was on lockdown with nowhere to go, I decided to start donating face masks.
Once the word got out, I was able to donate over 1000 masks to healthcare and frontline workers all over the country.

From then on I realized that I couldn’t quit and let my business go down with the pandemic.
So I kept pushing and eventually started selling masks to the community.

The community in Durham rallied behind me and supported me in a way I could never have imagined. My community is the reason I survived the pandemic, and I am forever grateful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would do ALL THINGS DURHAM!

Dinner at M Sushi, followed by drinks on the roof top of the Durham Hotel

Next, a show at DPAC, followed by a night cap at kingfisher

Lunch at Queen burger, followed by a durham bulls game

We would visit Duke Gardens

Timing permitting, we would definitely go to a Duke basketball game at Cameron

There are so many gems in durham, these are just a few to squeeze in for a week

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My partner, Derrick! Ever since we started dating in 2010 he has always believed in my talent and encouraged me to follow my heart.

When I came to the realization that I was ready to take the leap and pursue my dream, he held my hand and help me take the jump.

On my bad days and good days, he has always been there to support my dream, and encourage me to never stop following my heart.

Website: https://personality.design/

Instagram: personalitydesigns

Facebook: Personality designs

Image Credits
Brittany Barnwell photography