#WomenOnTheMarch

Every March, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia celebrates International Women’s Day by featuring tales of extraordinary women. This year, in addition to dedicating most of this edition to female travellers’ voices, we sat down with some pioneering personalities who have not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for a generation of female entrepreneurs, writers, sportspersons, and creators. Find inspiration from these pathbreakers who will also help you set some serious travel goals.

Devika Narain

DESIGNING DREAMS

Ever since the ‘Virushka’ wedding went viral, Devika Narain and Company has etched itself on the wish lists of many betrothed couples. Its founder speaks with RASHIMA NAGPAL about the humble beginnings of her dream, the challenges of designing destination weddings, and her grand plans for the future.

CURRENTLY READING

I am currently obsessed with Rebecca Solnit. I’m reading Men Explain Things to Me.

DREAM WEDDING DESTINATIONS

I hope to design weddings in Mexico, Morocco, and Cuba.

As a young girl, did you have an idea about the kind of woman you’d like to become?

I was brought up in a community of strong women—my aunts, mother, and grandmothers. They encouraged me to be my own person. From a young age, my mother made sure I learned that women need to make their own money. I was encouraged to make my own decisions. I don’t have a typical career, and I think I owe it to the people who raised me. The 13-year-old me would be proud of where I am today, even though the 30-year-old me feels that I have miles to go. When you’re young, you have a vision for your life, and I was very clear that I wanted a creative life. I knew I wasn’t going to do a nine-to-five job. I can’t wear a suit to work; I wanted to wear my saris, big bindis, and work in the arts. I managed to find a field where all of that overlaps beautifully.

When did the idea of Devika Narain and Company first come to mind?