Meet Jasmine Kaur Ahuja

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Kaur Ahuja and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi jasmine kaur, how do you think about risk?
Growing up in a society that valued direct and conventional career paths, I never imagined myself as a risk-taker. Playing it safe was the norm, and for much of my early life, I adhered to that principle. However, everything changed after high school when I decided to break away from tradition and pursue a degree in fashion design. It was a bold choice, one that set me on a completely different trajectory.

My passion for fashion led me to explore not just design, but also the business side of creativity. With an eagerness to understand how to monetize design, I moved to the US in 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in Luxury & Brand Management from SCAD. This experience was transformative, broadening my perspective on the industry and solidifying my ambition to work in the sportswear sector as a product manager.

I was confident that I would land a job at one of the big names in the industry upon graduation as I interned with them for the summer of 2023 & they never wanted me to leave. However, reality had different plans. After four months of relentless searching, I finally secured a job—but it was in the accessories business, a sector I had never been passionate about. Having always considered myself an apparel person, this was not the path I had envisioned. Nevertheless, I took the job, hoping to see where it would lead.

The role turned out to be more than just a job—it was a transformative experience. As an introvert, I had always struggled with social interactions. Ironically, I became a project manager, a position that required me to engage with people constantly, managing interactions every second of my workday. Over time, this exposure reshaped me. I not only learned to communicate effectively but also discovered a newfound love for working with people.

Today, I am deeply ingrained in my company’s operations, possessing an in-depth understanding of everything from design to production. Taking that initial risk, despite my reservations, has proven invaluable. It has not only expanded my professional skill set but has also made me more vocal and confident in my personal life.

Some risks are indeed worth taking, and my journey stands as a testament to that. The path may not always be straightforward, but sometimes, the unexpected turns lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Today, I am a Project Manager for Design & Production in an accessories wholesale business in New York. I am a self-proclaimed workaholic, often working until 8 PM and still being the first person in the office at 9 AM. What sets me apart is my dedication, commitment, and love for both my work and my incredible colleagues. More than anything, I am driven by my passion for creating a life for myself.

I never thought I would become a project manager, especially as an introvert who once found social interactions daunting. Yet, life had different plans. Today, I work with 25 people, communicating with each one of them daily. From the moment I step into the office until I leave, I am constantly engaging with someone.

I also never imagined working in accessories, often saying, “I’m not interested in accessories; I don’t understand them.” But after being unemployed for four months post-graduation, I decided to take a chance on this opportunity. There were moments when I wanted to quit. It was an immense challenge—learning about accessories, wholesale, and adapting to a fast-paced environment. At times, the pressure was overwhelming, even triggering anxiety attacks. But I never gave up.

Through this experience, I’ve learned that you will ultimately reach where you’re meant to be. If you don’t know something, conscious effort and patience will help you excel.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My New York City

Living in New York City means having endless things to do, even when you’re not looking for entertainment. Just walking the streets immerses you in the city’s energy. If I had to take someone to my favorite place, it would be Brooklyn Bridge Park. I could spend hours sitting by the East River, looking at the stunning skyline while enjoying a pizza—it brings me peace like nothing else.

One of my go-to restaurants is Chili in Midtown, where I always order the same chicken dish paired with a few lychee martinis. Central Park used to be my sanctuary before I started working; I loved having picnic days there with drinks and board games. And of course, Bryant Park holds a special place in my heart. During the summer, when the lawn is open, I stop by every day after work—whether to read a book, people-watch, or simply enjoy a coffee.

While I’m not a big party person anymore, I do love heading to NYU bars in the West Village every few months to let loose and party like a university kid over a few beers. And then there’s Fifth Avenue—walking down Fifth Ave for no reason, just window shopping, inspires me to work harder and grow each day. Watching a broadway after work, It is such a fun thing to do for me.

New York is not just a city; it’s an experience, and for me, it has become home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Through this journey, I have been fortunate to have a never ending support of my family. My parents, siblings, and extended family have been my biggest pillars of strength, never pressuring me to follow a conventional career path as is often expected in India—becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Instead, they encouraged me to pursue my passion for fashion. Their belief in me has been a driving force throughout my career.

My friends have also played a crucial role in shaping my journey. They have been my cheerleaders, lifting me up at every stage of life. Even when I withdrew and stopped reaching out for nearly two years due to settling in a new country, catching up on things at school, different time zones, they never gave up on me. They continued to check in, text, and call, even when I didn’t respond. Our bond goes beyond friendship—they are my chosen family.

I am also incredibly grateful to my professors, my mentor during my internship, he was “the best”, that is what he wanted us to call him which I don’t think was a lie, he did do justice to that title. and my current manager. My manager, in particular, has been instrumental in my growth. The way she pushes me to achieve my best and the way she protects and supports me has guided me through the challenges of the past year. She is a kind and sweet soul who has helped me navigate my role with confidence.