RGNN Alum Ananya Goenka Launches Eponymous Fashion Brand – For Women Who Lead, Gracefully and Unapologetically

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“If you have a perspective you believe in, share it — whether you’re 22 or 62,” says Ananya Goenka Bagaria. And it could well be our entire motto at RGNN, too. Ananya completed our Internship and Mentoring Program at RGNN Academy back in 2018, and we can’t say how proud we are of how far she has come.

Upon completion of the RGNN Program, -Ananya was studying at the University of Michigan at the time,- she worked at Goldman Sachs. From finance to fashion? Yes, it is possible, and Ananya is proof. She just launched her eponymous fashion label, Ananya Goenka Bagaria, and the designs are stunning to say the least. Read on to find out what it is like to start a fashion brand from scratch and how you, too, can pursue the career of your dreams, be it in fashion or another industry. Thank you, Ananya, for sharing your advice, this will be so useful for future students!

What was your favorite part of the Internship & Mentoring Program at RGNN?

My favorite part was how unconventional the learning experience was. RGNN brought in people from completely different industries to challenge how we think. I still remember a session with an RGNN Expert from Vogue in which we weren’t talking about magazines at all — we were brainstorming how to market hot chocolate. It forced us to think beyond the obvious and approach problems creatively.

Another highlight was living with fifteen girls from across the world. We came from different cultures, backgrounds, and ambitions, and in those weeks I grew both professionally and culturally. It was as much about learning from the program as it was about learning from each other.

Post-graduation, you went on to work in finance at Goldman Sachs. Why did you decide to leave your position and start a fashion brand?

The idea of starting a fashion brand came after I left Goldman Sachs in New York and London. Moving back to India, I knew I wanted to build something of my own — to step into entrepreneurship. As I explored possibilities, fashion felt like a natural fit.

I had lived in cities like New York and London, surrounded by style and innovation, and came from India — a country with an extraordinary heritage of craftsmanship. The blend of these influences made fashion feel like the right canvas to bring my vision to life. Everything just flowed from there.

How did your training at RGNN, as well as your experience in finance, help you launch a fashion brand?

RGNN expanded my world. It introduced me to people from all walks of life, taught me how to connect with different perspectives, and showed me the value of seeing an idea through another lens.

Finance, on the other hand, trained me to be methodical, analytical, and resilient. Building a brand involves constant problem-solving — from budgets to operations to negotiations — and those skills were invaluable. Together, the two experiences gave me both the creativity and the discipline to start AGB.

What was the most difficult aspect of starting a fashion brand?

The most challenging part was setting up the logistics from scratch — figuring out suppliers, production timelines, quality control — all without a background in fashion or design.

Coming from finance meant I was used to research and analysis, and I leaned on those skills heavily. I spent countless hours learning about fabrics, construction, and the industry itself. It was overwhelming at times, but that steep learning curve also shaped the brand’s foundations.

Could you take us through the process of creating a fashion brand from scratch?

For me, it began with passion — the desire to create pieces I could never find in the market. I’ve always believed in slow fashion: clothes you treasure, not just wear. AGB was built on the idea of dressing women who already have quiet confidence. We don’t replace their strength — we enhance it.

The concept came first, followed by finding the right fabrics. I explored suppliers in India and beyond, prioritizing quality and craftsmanship. For pattern-making and construction, I collaborated with designers and artisans, working closely with them to translate my vision into reality. Every step was a mix of research, collaboration, and instinct.

What advice do you have for other students who want to launch a fashion brand?

Stay ambitious, but add a layer of patience. Our generation wants everything fast, but building a lasting brand takes time. Ask yourself: are you chasing hype that will fade, or building something that will endure?

You’ll make mistakes — everyone does. The key is not to dwell on them.

Accept them, learn quickly, and move forward. Every day will bring a “first time” situation, and there’s no perfect playbook to follow. Adaptability is your greatest strength.

What advice do you have for others, no matter what age, who want to leave their current job and pursue a career in fashion?

Fashion is deeply personal and subjective. Don’t let anyone else dictate what it should mean to you. If you have a perspective you believe in, share it — whether you’re 22 or 62. The right time is when you decide to start.

Shop the collection on ananyagoenkabagaria.com and connect with Ananya on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Want to train under the mentorship of our prestigious Experts and Mentors? Head on over to ROOSTERGNN Academy programs here!