Meet Rucha Bendale | Data-Driven Marketing Strategist & Creative Brand Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rucha Bendale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rucha, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From the moment I first picked up a paintbrush to the countless hours spent perfecting ideas, creativity has been the heartbeat of my journey. But for me, creativity is more than just artistry—it’s about weaving strategy into innovation to craft meaningful stories that captivate and inspire.

My venture into luxury and brand management, my experience in Accenture, and my engineering degree have been a masterclass in combining the technical with the imaginative. Whether it’s designing a digital LookBook that turns casual browsing into unforgettable brand experiences or envisioning sustainable merchandising strategies that redefine luxury, I thrive at the crossroads where ideas meet impact. Working on iconic brands like Sally Beauty, L’Oréal, Loewe, Tiffany, etc. has shown me the power of creativity in action—how a spark of an idea can translate into campaigns that not only engage but also deliver measurable success.

For me, creativity isn’t just a passion; it’s a purpose. It’s the fuel that drives me to push boundaries, innovate, and leave a mark that resonates far beyond the moment. This path allows me to craft, connect, and create change—one project at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been interested in creative fields ever since I was a child. I used to participate a lot in extracurricular activities in my high school. Whether it be drawing, painting, singing, dancing, debating, speech etc. You name it, and I will have experience in that activity.

After completing my 12th grade, I didn’t think I could pursue a degree in the creative field, given the limited availabilities and salaries in this field. I am originally from India. Therefore, when I had to choose a career path, there was a whole taboo around everyone becoming either an engineer or a doctor. So, the creative path was a rather unconventional one to choose, which scared me a bit. Therefore, I opted for computer engineering as my degree in undergrad. I completed my engineering, but during these 4 years of time, I explored all sorts of hobbies and interests to find my ultimate career path, and it all came down to creative problem-solving. I wanted to get experience before I pursued this path, so I joined Accenture as an Application Development Analyst. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed working in this role developing applications. My favorite part was data analysis through Power BI. I loved it at Accenture. I stayed there for 3 years and made significant impacts in delivering exceptional results. However, after 3 years, I decided to move forward in my career.

I started exploring the Masters degree I can pursue utilizing my experience and my engineering knowledge. I was more of a technical, creative professional, which is what I established through my experience. I am not only for designing but also looking at the technical side of problems and providing solutions accordingly. So, I started looking for degrees that offer both of these things, and I came across a degree in fashion management. Then I started looking for the best colleges providing this course all over the world. I wasn’t confined to staying only in India. I shortlisted a few universities from all over the world and then looked at other factors (like living expenses, fees, lifestyle, etc) if I were to take up one of those universities. Ultimately, I loved what Savannah College of Art and Design was offering. A degree in Luxury and Brand Management, which is exactly what I was looking for – learning the businesses, especially the luxury brands. So, I decided to apply for that, but before that, I connected with people on LinkedIn who are alumni of the college and those who are currently studying at this college. I spoke to a few of them to learn more about the courses, staff, and environment there. I was convinced I wanted to go here. This whole process took 4-5 months.

My challenge now to apply was creating a portfolio. I had no idea what a portfolio was and what goes in it. So, I again started texting random SCAD grads and students on LinkedIn. A lot of them were really helpful in guiding me through their portfolios. Taking that guidance, I decided to work on projects to put in my portfolio. At the time, I was already working as an affiliate marketer and content creator. Therefore, I have worked with several brands already. Since this was a brand management portfolio, I decided to make this the star project of mine. So, I put together a process book on my entire journey and the success I got working with all these brands. I added other projects where I worked on a lot of paintings, photography, creative journals, and even my final year major project in engineering. This process took me two more months to prepare. I finally finished it and applied. A month later, I got admitted to SCAD with a scholarship, and I was at the top of the world. I accepted the admission, and the rest is history. That is basically how I got myself into a creative field.

The challenges did not end here. Although my technical expertise has helped me a lot to stand out in the job market, it wasn’t enough when I got into SCAD. I saw that my peers had extensive experiences in the creative field, working with global brands. At first, I thought it was going to be difficult to step up to that and deliver to that level. So, I contributed extra time to learning new tools, researching, and improving visuals. It was not easy. I used to work a lot. Sometimes, I even had to stay up the whole night to finish my projects. I never had to give in so much time for any professional work until then, but I also enjoyed the process. I did it. I took one step at a time. I left no stone unturned when it came to applying my skills in the corporate world. Be it an internship with Find Your Influence – working on brands like Sally Beauty, Hershey, and Walmart – or working full time in Newell Brands (on Sharpie, Papermate, Expo, Dymo brands, etc).

Currently, I have joined Americold E-commerce as an E-commerce Business Analyst, and looking back at my journey, I feel extremely proud of myself for getting myself out of my comfort zone to grow.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. Leaving an entire established lifestyle back in India to move to a completely new country to pursue something absolutely new was not easy. Moreover, transitioning from technology to a creative field came with its own set of hurdles—like crafting a portfolio from scratch and navigating an entirely new industry. I overcame these challenges by leaning into resilience, seeking guidance from mentors and peers, and believing in the unique perspective my unconventional background gave me.

Along the way, I’ve learned invaluable lessons. First, your background doesn’t define your future; your willingness to adapt, learn, and innovate does. You can always find a middle path between your two different interests and it is never too late to learn new things. Second, collaboration and community are essential—whether it’s connecting with SCAD alumni to gain insights or working with cross-functional teams to execute impactful campaigns. And finally, authenticity is key; staying true to your values and vision will always resonate with others.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that success isn’t linear, and it’s okay to carve your own path. My journey—from Accenture to collaborating with brands like Sally Beauty to Americold E-commerce—has been a testament to the power of merging strategy with creativity. Through my work, I aim to inspire, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the industry, proving that blending diverse experiences can lead to truly remarkable outcomes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend lives in India and has never been to the States. So, if she visits here, I would want her to see every corner of the country, but unfortunately that won’t be possible. So, for a week-long trip, below would be my itinerary to show her some important/fun places.

Day 1: Welcome to the Big Apple – The New York Dream
Morning: Land in NYC and kickstart the day with a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel—cream cheese piled so high it’s basically a skyscraper in itself. Then head straight to Times Square, where she’ll probably say, “It’s just like the movies!” at least ten times.
Afternoon: Hop on the ferry to see Lady Liberty. Onboard, we’ll pretend we’re in Titanic—minus the iceberg. A quick stop at Ellis Island to trace some history before heading back.
Evening: Dinner at The Edge, a rooftop restaurant where the views are almost as good as the food. Then, it’s Broadway time! We’ll catch a show—maybe The Lion King or Hamilton—and belt out the songs all the way back to the hotel.

Day 2: NYC Magic Continues
Morning: Start with a sugar rush at Dominique Ansel Bakery, home of the cronut (a croissant doughnut hybrid that’s pure genius). Then, a walk along the High Line, where we’ll admire street art and people-watch like pros.
Afternoon: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, stopping halfway for dramatic “wind in my hair” selfies. Lunch at Grimaldi’s, where the pizza is so good it might ruin all other pizzas forever.
Evening: End the day at Top of the Rock. As the city lights come alive, we’ll channel our inner Gossip Girl vibes (because, of course).

Day 3: From NYC to Washington, D.C.
Morning: A train to D.C., where I’ll teach her to pronounce “Smithsonian” like a local. First stop: the Lincoln Memorial, where we’ll reenact scenes from Night at the Museum.
Afternoon: Check out the National Museum of American History and debate which First Lady had the best fashion sense. Then, we’ll hit the Air and Space Museum—because space is cool.
Evening: Dinner at Founding Farmers, where I’ll introduce her to cornbread and sweet tea. We’ll probably over-order and love every second.

Day 4: Philly Cheesesteaks and Southern Vibes
Morning: Drive to Philadelphia for a cheesesteak showdown: Pat’s vs. Geno’s. We’ll let her pick the winner and document the moment like it’s a major life decision.
Afternoon: Take a cheesy photo pretending to ring the Liberty Bell (puns are mandatory). Then, hop on a flight to Atlanta.
Evening: Dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, where she’ll get her first taste of Southern comfort food. I’ll teach her to say “y’all” like a true Southerner.

Day 5: Atlanta – Southern Charm and City Fun
Morning: Brunch at Home Grown, where the biscuits are as fluffy as the Southern hospitality. Then, dive into the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. We’ll marvel at the whale sharks, giggle at the playful otters, and pretend to have deep-sea adventures while snapping fun photos.
Afternoon: Dive into the bubbly world at the World of Coca-Cola, where we’ll try weird soda flavors from around the globe and giggle at the gross ones.
Evening: Dinner at Ponce City Market—think tacos, ramen, and gelato, all under one roof. Then, we’ll hit the rooftop for mini-golf and carnival games.

Day 6: Scenic Escape to Chattanooga
Morning: A road trip to Chattanooga, complete with a playlist of Bollywood and Beyoncé bangers. First stop: Rock City, where the views are Instagram gold.
Afternoon: Visit Ruby Falls, where we’ll pretend to be explorers discovering the underground waterfall for the first time. Lunch with mountain views seals the deal.
Evening: Head back to Atlanta for dinner at The Optimist, where she’ll get a taste of the best seafood ever—cue lots of “wow” moments.

Day 7: Farewell Fun
Morning: A slow brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen, with fluffy pancakes and endless coffee. We’ll spend the afternoon shopping at Little Five Points, finding quirky souvenirs and cute gifts for her family back in India.
Evening: Wrap up the trip with dinner at Ecco and a nostalgic walk along the Atlanta BeltLine, reminiscing about all the adventures from the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to two incredible sources of inspiration and support in my life: the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and my parents. Each played a unique and transformative role in my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

I always say this, SCAD shaped me and made me who I am today. It was not just a school—it was a launchpad for my creativity and ambitions. When I came into SCAD, I saw everyone to be really ahead of things. My peers had extensive experience in the creative field. I thought it would be difficult for me to step up to them, but the professors made it so easy. They were very approachable and shaped my work from nothing to incredible. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was immersed in an environment that celebrated bold ideas and encouraged innovation. My professors didn’t just teach; they challenged me to think beyond the obvious, to take risks, and to approach every project with a perfect blend of strategy and artistry. The dynamic discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on learning experiences at SCAD helped me uncover my true potential. Even crafting my portfolio—a process that initially seemed daunting—became a rewarding adventure, thanks to the insights and encouragement I received from my SCAD community.

But behind all of this, the real heroes of my story are my parents. Growing up in India, where societal norms often dictate career paths, they supported me even when I took a leap into an unconventional field. They were my biggest cheerleaders, always reminding me to dream big and never settle. When I decided to pursue luxury and brand management—a field worlds away from my background in engineering—they stood by me, offering their encouragement every step of the way. Their belief in my potential gave me the courage to explore, experiment, and ultimately redefine my path.

Together, SCAD and my parents have been the backbone of my story—the ones who nurtured my creativity celebrated my wins, and lifted me up during challenges. They didn’t just help shape my career; they shaped the person I am today. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

Website: https://www.behance.net/ruchabendale

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukdichaa_modak/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchabendale/

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