Men Use Money For Power , Women Use It For Security.

As one of India's leading lifestyle designers, Raseel Gujral Ansal has been ceaselessly valued for her outstanding ability in leading architecture and interior design trends over the past 25 years. Her design philosophy emphasizes a refined use of art, magnificent objects, patterns, strong silhouettes, textures and a sophisticated color palette, that is beautifully balanced to provide a refined original signature. 

Casa Paradox was founded over 20 years ago and she has been the creative genius behind some of the most spectacular lifestyle spaces in the country. Raseel Gujral Ansal has created and realized multiple, diverse projects covering the full spectrum involved in lifestyle design. Widely acclaimed residential developments, corporate interiors and retail spaces have been infused with her immaculate sense of style and glamour which is a direct result of her great passion and meticulous planning.

Inspired by her international experience and exposure, as well as her deep appreciation for the exquisite design heritage of her native India, Raseel Gujral Ansal relies on innovation and imagination to create elegant and majestic Architecture & interior spaces that express a client's personality. In a field rife with change and annihilation, she has emerged as a designer who can constantly deliver the flavor of today. 

Raseel Gujral Ansal possesses a fervent enthusiasm which is evident in the tangible energy that is felt and witnessed in her work. Her inspiration also comes from her lineage, the daughter of Satish Gujral, one of the country's great contemporary artists thus; her love for artistic designs and creativity literally flows in her blood. Her style and ideas are constantly breaking away from the traditional, the customary and the predictable. 

The Paradox Line of stores epitomizes luxurious elements and experimental shapes taking life-style design to a new realm of sheer indulgence and with Pop , she skillfully orchestrates her sense of style into the various elements of design, creating an environment that is reflective of sophistication yet a vibrant persona. 

Raseel Gujral Ansal's exceptional taste and unconventional approach to design has made her one of the most sought after designers in India. From fabrics to furniture, home décor and architecture. Her designs are luxurious yet vibrant at the same time. Her accomplishments can be attributed to her talent, drive, determination and a pure love for beauty in design. 

As Ms. Ansal puts it, 'I have always given my imagination a free run. What emerges is really a fusion of modern and contemporary'. So one might refer to her style as a mix of tradition and today but she is happy being called a "contemporary classic". 

 

We hope that this read shall be an inspiration for all our readers ! 

 

Give us an insight into your business ? 

Let me give you the bird's eye view. Primarily , our business started from a design company and it remains a Design Driven company. 

I started my consultancy business which was purely Interior Architecture, took it further into product which was furniture , then took it further into Architecture. So , the business remains design driven and the design gets translated into spaces as well as into product. 

There is a Parent Design Company which is in my name Raseel Gujral Ansal under which there is a Graphic studio , Interior Designing studio and Architectural studio. Another aspect is Casa Paradox which signifies the furniture and the luxury end of the business. Then there is Casapop which grew out of the Graphic studio and the smaller end of home – Fashion product which is Graphic related.

 

What motivated you to start your business ? 

Just like there is a natural inclination for a person to be a doctor or an artist since he is born in the family of doctors or artists, I too was born in the family of design and being born in it , I had the natural understanding of the business. 

 

“So, Design chose me and I did not chose design. I just decided to excel my attributes in the field of Interior Designing and Architecture.” 

 

Who motivated you to do this business ? 

Anybody cannot motivate you , you can be encouraged along the path. I am a happier person , a better person , a better wife , a better parent when I am working. Everyone around me has a clear understanding of this aspect. 

“Just like few people need to meditate or workout , I need to go into the studio to feel harmonised.” 

My husband has always been very encouraging , not just encouraging but extremely supportive in all the different directions that I have chosen to experiment.

As far as my family is concerned , they had never thought that I would be having such a drive in me. So this has been my beautiful journey so far.

 

What obstacles have you faced in your journey and how have you tackled them ? 

According to me , in any business – the minute you are not simply designing or creating for yourself , everyday has a problem. Somedays , the problems are big , other day , it is small. 

But I am a very solution based person. I just focus on the solution. I want people to come to me with a solution , not a problem. That is where I thrive because problems are a negative drain of energy and on the other hand , solution is exciting , challenging – It is a battle where you have no choice but to win. 

 

What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs in order to be successful ? 

My advice would be that one must learn the mantra. Don't think yourself as a woman but don't loose your feminine side also. You are equally capable or incapable as another person. There are enough incapable men around as incapable women and vice versa. On the other hand , your family should also understand how important your career is for you. 

 

What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs who have just started up ? 

Firstly , I would say , it's a great time – it's a developing market which is gaining some maturity in a digital space. So, it's much easier to reach a wider audience. In a very little gap , one can reach large number of people. 

Secondly , my advice would be that do whatever business you wish to do but have the passion for it and then nobody can stop you from reaching greater heights. 

 

Do you feel women should have financial knowledge ? Do you have complete hold of your investments ? 

Yes , women should have financial knowledge as I feel women are naturally better when it comes to managing money. 

 

"Men use money for power, women use it for security."

 

Yes , I have complete hold of my investments. I am completely aware as to where my money is being invested and I have complete knowledge of my financial aspects. 

 

SUCCESS MANTRA 

My success mantra would be - Never Give up , Wake up every morning and follow your routine.