Mystory@Khushboo Jain: How I chose my course and career

15 years back, drawing used to be my hobby. I began to draw expressions on a black slate. I just loved to draw with all those colored chalks. During secondary school, I filled the last page of every book with all those dolls dressed up in lovely falls, necklines, and sleeves. And, luckily I was supported by my teachers and principal. My friends and other classmates too loved looking at my designs and this gave me a lot of motivation, which further led my interest into it.

As I grew up, I started sampling on Barbie dolls, my mom, and myself. I did not even know about any course that resembled my kind of work before I met some expert counsellors during my school times. At that time I decided to become a fashion designer.

After passing HSC from Mithibai College (Mumbai), I was keen to find my way to fulfill my dreams. At that time I wanted to study abroad but due to circumstances back then I couldn't follow my dream. However, it felt worthwhile to study in Mumbai.

I visited many colleges with inquiries hoping to get into the right place where I could get personal attention for every subject. At last, I found International Institute of Fashion Design which provided a fashion design degree recognised by Annamalai University.

How I made my career

As soon as I joined this college, I started getting experience in fashion shows. I hunted for every fashion show. From illustrations to embroideries, drafting to stitching, practicals to theory, I enjoyed learning everything. I found teachers and friends too supportive.

I always scored distinctions in exams and won a lot of achievements, medals, and awards. I started my internship from second year of my graduation in brands like Max Internationals and Pantaloons. I was honored by actor Dalip Tahil for Vibrance show, “GLITTERATI”. Later, I was also awarded by director Vikram Bhatt and actor Eijaz Khan for Vibrance show, “LOVE”.

After my graduation, I joined Textiles course in the committee of Textiles. I studied Fashion and Textiles, which gave me ample knowledge. Today, I am a member of Nepal Textiles Campaign Designs and serve rich quality ground and vegetable fiber yarn fabrics to buyers.

Apart from that, I have been showcasing my pret & couture line for companies across all premiere fashion weeks and exhibitions in India since 2012. I come up with major collection for spring/summer and fall/winter twice a year. I have generated a massive swatch archive and my focus is on revival of traditional textile and design leading to the rise of "ethnic chic".

Today, I feel glad because my parents are proud of me, my hard work, and achievements. I never realised when my hobby became my passion and my passion turned into my career.

I am happy at this stage in terms of selecting my passion as my career. Had I done some other course, I am sure I could not have reached where I am today. My parents supported me to choose the right career and I'm glad their efforts have paid off and they are happy and satisfid to see me doing well in my career.

About the Author:

I have completed my Bachelor of Science in Design from International Institute of Fashion Design, Annamalai University. Currently, I am working as a Fashion and Textile Designer in the growing fashion industry.