Today we’d like to introduce you to Lata Karna.
Lata, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in India, I came to the USA at the age of 20. I studied Fashion Design in San Francisco, Ca and worked my way up in the fashion trade in San Francisco and then for 25 years in New York City. The last 10 years as a co-owner of a wholesale import clothing company. In 2007, I moved to Austin and opened a retail store “Marigold – Gateway to India”. It carries clothing, accessories, gifts and home furnishings, many of them handmade & one of a kind, all imported from India
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never smooth! At least not for long. Every day is a new challenge. I opened in 2007 and the next year was the financial crash of ’08. It was very slow going for the first 2-3 years. South Austin is currently experience rapid growth and that results in increased rents.
Marigold – Gateway to India – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As the name suggests, my retail store has a bit of everything (or almost everything) from India. India has a rich tradition of textiles and handmade crafts which I am proud to carry in my shop. I enjoy purveying the unique handmade products of India to the mainstream American population. We have several specialties – white cotton clothing for the yoga crowd, Bollywood fashions for those on their way to an Indian wedding, vintage silk saris and scarves for those with an appreciation of beautiful textiles, home furnishings such as kantha quilts, block printed tablecloths, etc.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When a very stylish woman from Florida came in and declared that “this was the finest Indian store she had ever been to”.
Pricing:
- Vintage printed silk saris – $39
- White cotton yoga pants – $29
- Scarves – $10 – $79
- Cotton tops and tunics – $24.95 – $39
- Textured Cotton Men’s Shirt – $42
Contact Info:
- Address: 2200 South Lamar Blvd, #A
- Website: www.marigoldaustin.com
- Phone: 512 442 6600
- Email: marigoldgatewaytoindia@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marigoldaustin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marigoldgatewaytoindia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marigoldaustin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/marigold-gateway-to-india-austin
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/marigoldaustin/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
