From Rugs to Riches

Asha Chaudhary says she “grew up in the business.” Along with her two sisters and brother, the 33-year-old watched as her father grew Jaipur Rugs from two looms and nine artisans in India during the late ’70s into the $15 million international design brand it is today.

(Click here to read her exclusive profile.)

Their goal? To reach $30 million in revenue within the next few years.

As president of U.S. operations for Jaipur Rugs, Chaudhary melds her passion for design with serious marketplace know-how. Moving from India to the U.S. for college in 1997 helped her gain confidence, a chameleon-like adaptability and inspired her to, in her words, “keep on going and never stop.”

PINK: How do you network?
AC: When I go into networking events, I always make a point to talk to a lot of different people and get their business cards. You meet people from so many different areas. I keep business cards organized in my files, and I always make notes about what I thought of the person and where I met them. Then I send a note introducing myself and saying it was nice to meet them.

PINK: What kind of leader are you?
AC: My leadership style has evolved over the years. I’m learning to become a better manager. I’ve become more direct in expressing what I think. At the same time I’m very compassionate. I’m very aware of people’s needs and I treat everyone like a family, but there’s a clear distinction. Expectations are set with the team and they know what they need to achieve. I’m also fairly flexible. I’m a good listener so they know they can come to me with anything.

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By Caroline Cox

“[Women] have to believe in themselves. There’s nothing is this world they can’t do or achieve.” Asha Chaudhary