Design Diva Richa Murgai

Designer Richa Murgai talks about her brand Diva Rich'e

Richa was raised in the tranquil environs of the Himalayas which is reflected in her calm, self-assured persona. She might be gentle and soft-spoken, but her excitement is palpable when she talks about the feng shui-based quilts and other products from her brand Diva Rich’e.

Design is her true calling but Richa loves being a corporate hotshot too – she is the director and marketing head for a water disinfection solutions company! Merging two disparate worlds comes easy to the lady who believes her greatest strength is her ability to “prioritise and disengage” when required. We really enjoyed chatting with the enterprising young woman!

Can you tell us a little about your childhood and formative years? 
I was born and raised in the beautiful Kullu-Manali, an area in the lap of the Himalayas, known for its apple, plum and kiwi orchards. The landscape is stunning and it’s popularly called the ‘Valley Of Gods’. I did my schooling from Lawrence School in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh and my journalism honours from Lady Shri Ram
College in New Delhi.

How and when did you come to Dubai? 
I got married in the UK where I attained a degree from the London College of Fashion. I am passionate about fashion and have been involved with the fashion fabric trade for the last 10 years. I moved to Dubai about two years ago and entered the corporate world. Currently I am the director and marketing head for ‘Ximax Middle East’, a water disinfection solutions company. I also launched my label Diva Rich’e.

Tell us more about the inception of Diva Rich’e, your soft furnishings label? 
Having been brought up in a quiet, peaceful place like Kullu-Manali, I give a lot of importance to natural elements. I strongly believe that the environment at home
influences one’s personality. That’s how we came up with the idea of customised digital designs for people complementing their style, auras and personality. Two years ago, my sister, Divya and I launched Diva Rich’e, under our six-year-old company, ‘The Sunflower Forest’. In Dubai, the collection is available at Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor’s boutique.

What sort of synergy do you share with Divya? 
Divya heads the production unit in Delhi while I handle the PR and marketing for London and Dubai. I love ideating with Divya. Both of us have a strong flair for fashion and design and it works well for our products – customised, design-oriented soft furnishings along with room accessories such as lampshades, trays, towel sets etc. We believe in tapping the rich cultural heritage and workmanship available in India to create products of bespoke luxury and elegance.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
Our designs are inspired from cultural civilisations of Greece, Rome and Mughal India and also the Renaissance and Victorian period. The idea is to create ornate pieces carrying emotional and spiritual symbolism with a theme and history behind each piece.

I am a firm believer in the uplifting power of colours so I use shades that beat stress and increase the happiness quotient. Our feng shui based furnishings use embellishments like the evil eye and semi-precious stone tassels. We also use a lot of design elements like cupid for relationships, lotus for prosperity and renaissance mermaids for fame!

What are the most essential qualities to turn into a successful entrepreneur?
Focus is very important. Do one thing properly, not 10 things poorly! Do what you love and love what you do. Dream big but start small; keep your goal worthy and in sight. Be flexible in your thinking. You can get the best out of others only when you give the best yourself! Finally, advance with self-confidence in the direction of your dreams and you will meet with success.

How and where did you meet your husband Anjan? 
I feel relationships are pre-destined. Anjan was born in London and I first met him when I was eight! We met again years later while I was studying journalism in Delhi. Before I knew it, love happened! We have now been married for 11 years and have a nine-year-old son, Aarman.

How do you juggle your home and a business? 
Home, family and relationships are my topmost priority. When I am at work, I focus entirely on work and when I am home I focus on spending quality time with my family. I know how to prioritise and disengage when required.

Can you give us five tips while furnishing one’s home? 
Well, I suggest that you create your own personalised living space keeping in mind your likes, style and personality. Keep comfort level in mind. Use the uplifting power of colours. Paintings and art that you connect with are a must. Lastly, ensure that the theme, colours and furniture you choose are in sync with
your personality.

How would you define your style quotient? 
I don’t go by what’s in or out! I use trends as an inspiration and create my own unique style. I follow a simple diktat... don’t let your clothes wear you; it’s you who should wear them with confidence and a smile.

What are your hobbies apart from work? 
Well, fashion is obviously my passion. I love dancing, skiing, golfing and travelling and am also heavily into meditation and healing workshops. Having tapped my intuitive abilities and learning Reiki and theta healing, I have realised that in theta state you can create anything and accept reality instantly. It’s all within us.