Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Anjali Phougat

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anjali Phougat. Check out our conversation below.

Anjali, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I begin my day with mindfulness and light exercise to set a focused mindset. Then I spend time reviewing priorities, aligning my top three goals with business outcomes, and scanning project dashboards or overnight updates from global teams. Before the day gets busy, I connect with my leadership team—whether that’s sharing direction, clearing blockers, or motivating them. This way, in the first 90 minutes, I’ve centered myself, set strategic priorities, and ensured my team is aligned for success.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Anjali Phougat, a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and storyteller. I founded Designer Dream Collection to bring couture with purpose—bridging timeless Indian craftsmanship with global luxury aesthetics. What makes our brand unique is that every piece is more than fashion—it’s a statement of culture, empowerment, and storytelling.

Beyond the runway, my journey has been about breaking barriers, whether it’s showcasing collections inspired by spirituality and mythology or championing inclusivity and diversity in fashion. We’ve presented our work on international platforms and we’re currently working on new collections that blend sustainability, spirituality, and high fashion.

At its heart, my story is about turning dreams into reality—not just for myself, but for others who wear and connect with my creations.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world was when I faced a serious leg injury during my spiritual practice. My guru advised me to visualize the asanas in my mind, even though I couldn’t physically perform them. Over time, I regained strength, but more importantly, I realized the power of the mind to transform limitations into possibilities. That experience changed how I approach life and work—it taught me that resilience, visualization, and faith can create breakthroughs. I carry that lesson into my designs, my leadership, and my storytelling—seeing challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow and create something meaningful.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me humility, patience, and resilience in a way success never could. Success can be empowering, but it often speaks to outcomes—while suffering forces you to look inward, build strength from within, and cultivate empathy for others. It showed me that true growth doesn’t come from achievements alone, but from the way we rise, heal, and help others through their struggles. That perspective has grounded me and made every success more meaningful. Also sufferings brought me closer to god.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I deeply admire my mother for her character, not power. Her resilience, kindness, and unwavering values have shaped who I am far more than any position of influence ever could. She taught me that true strength lies in integrity, compassion, and the ability to uplift others—qualities that inspire me every day in both my personal journey and professional work.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I am deeply grateful for my life, and each night I rest with the awareness that tomorrow is never guaranteed. With that understanding, I strive to keep my karma as clean and pure as possible, living with integrity, gratitude, and purpose. So nothing will be changed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anjaliphougat.com/
• Instagram: @anjali_phougat6
• Facebook: Designerdreamcollection
• Youtube: AnjaliPhougatpodcast

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