Meet: Liya Thachil & Tania Kottoor
Founder of: WESTxEAST
Tell us about your business:
WESTxEAST is a digital platform that provides a virtual design service to create custom, size-inclusive cultural clothing.
What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out?
Solve a problem you face and don't change your business because of what is in trend. Do not be afraid to assert your expertise.
Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were first starting out?
There isn't anything we would change because each mistake brought on a lesson and it helped us grow and evolve and become the best possible service.
Name the biggest overall lesson you've learned in running a business?
The biggest lesson is learning how resilient and strong we are. It was a long journey to build the company, and we did it without the blessings of our family. We had to prove WESTxEAST can and will be successful. Four years in, and we've grown bigger than we imagined and are excited for our next chapter.
Does your culture influence your choices and decisions? If yes, how?
As first generation Indian Americans who want to keep their traditions alive and celebrate their culture, we created WESTxEAST to help others like us. Most of our important life moments, like weddings, require specific outfits that serve a purpose in the traditions. However, we knew how difficult it was to get those garments. There just never seemed to be a seamless way of getting custom pieces without expensive travel or shady online platforms. We created this process so more and more folks can keep their culture alive.
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build your resolve?
Just remembering how far we've come always gives the extra push to get through the self-doubt. From sleeping on friend's couches, to completing 75 custom pieces for Tania's wedding, we really have blossomed and nothing can stop us.
What tool, object, or ritual could you not live without in your workday?
Answer from Liya: Slack is how I keep myself sane and organized. My work ritual is spending the mornings catching up with our team in India and seeing how orders are progressing.
Tania's Answer: Getting up early and leaving my apartment to go to Luminary (a female co-working space in NYC).
How do you balance your workload? What does self-care look like for you?
Liya's Answer: self-care is a good face mask, aromatherapy, and scrolling on Pinterest.
Tania's Answer: I have a glass of wine when I get back home. I also like exploring Ayurvedic skincare brands. I absolutely love experiencing everything that NY has to offer.
Discover more:
www.westxeast.com
@westxeast
