Harshna Patel was born on August 22, 1987 in Vadodra , Gujarat. A middle class family, her father Harishbhai Patel did farming and Arunaben Patel her mother a home maker. Harshna has an elder sister Janvika who is into research in Australia and younger brother Dhrumin, her partner at Meeshi Design.
Harshna did her basic education in Mahatma Gandhi Vidhyalaya ,Vadodara and secondary school at H S Patel High School in Vadodra. She graduated from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and completed her post-graduation in Interior designing from the Sardar Patel University, Vadodara. A family that clearly prioritized education as far as their children were concerned.
Passion for creativity
Designing was a passion since childhood for Harshna and her inclination towards fashion, interior designing and jewelry designing was very evident. Her brainchild Meeshi Designs was the end result of that passion. However, to get here she had her share of challenges. Harshna worked as an office assistant at a mere pay of 4500 per month. But she had her focus on designing;she did many short term courses with the intention of enhancing her career prospects.
Comforts come with a price and Harshna Patel at a point did two jobs to have the comfort of having her own home and vehicle. Struggles are part on any journey where the goal is to achieve one’s dreams. Harshna’s day would start from 6.30 and end almost at midnight. Home chores too demanded time and the day would eventually wound up at 2 am only to restart again the next day at 6.30 am. Indeed a grueling routine, which could be withstood by just a determined few.
Role model at home
She did not have to look far for a role model. Her mother is her ideal. Though Arunaben was educated only till the 8th grade she had her ideas in place for her family. Aggressive when she had to and at the same time instilling values and family culture in her children. She was a very hardworking and a strong woman who motivated her children to be fearless, a virtue that’s most needed in today’s big competitive and careless world. Besides Harshna’s brother Dhrumin stood by her unconditionally and was there for her as both a father and brother. She owes her successful journey to them in every way.
Marching ahead – focus in place
The world today is out to get each other down. Lucky are the few who have a good family and friends circle who stick by them Harshna feels it’s our karma to do good and think good. The law of karma ensures goodness, success, happiness and joy always boomerangs. There will be critics with varied views. Take on criticism if at all in a positive and constructive way and follow your dream to the end.
Aspirations for the future
In initial days she was doing 2 project a year which is now 8-10 per month. Harshna is a distribution partner of “ANJE” – a luxurious European brand of furniture, official designer of da pizzarium. Till date she has completed 75+ projects of da pizzarium, the copper, L&T, haydro-carbon and many more residential as well as commercial projects from planing to entire interior solutions. She also has successfully designed 150+ range of residential and commercial furniture globally. She has her own manufacturing unit of furniture.
In near future, Harshna wants to be known as the most successful and sensational business woman of the world especially in her niche area of expertise like furniture and interior designing. Having started a chain of stores for furniture she is one step closer to her dream of having a retail chain business of premium furniture.
Message from experience
Harshna Patel feels one should never deter from focus and aims because of challenges, critics, social pullbacks or by those who sense insecurity because of your growth. One must march ahead, whatever the circumstances.
Hobbies as a relaxant
Harshna’s work is also her hobby and she loves fashion designing, travelling and movies. A creative mind like hers looks for avenues and each one of these hobbies help her with ideas and ways and means to put back into her work creatively.
As the saying goes – “An arrow can be shot only by pulling it backwards”
