When most of her classmates were preparing for MBBS admissions, Namita Mahajan took a leap of faith. A student of the medical stream at Apeejay School, Faridabad (Class of 1999), Namita had cleared the entrance for Banaras Hindu University but couldn’t enrol due to age eligibility. Meanwhile, she had also qualified for NIFT – and what started as a backup option became her calling. Today, she is the Head of Design at one of the world’s top fashion sourcing agencies, leading creative work for 200+ international brands.
You had a medical background. How did this transition to fashion happen?
I was always academically strong. I took medical with Maths and even cleared the MBBS entrance at BHU. But I was underage by their criteria. I didn’t want to waste a year, so I joined NIFT’s newly introduced FDIT course – a four-year program combining fashion design and IT. I had no idea what to expect, but once I joined, I felt like I had found my world. If I had pursued medicine, I’d probably be drawing anatomy diagrams – now I draw fashion sketches!
What role did Apeejay School, Faridabad play in this journey?
Apeejay was where my creative side first came alive. Until Class 10, I was in a convent school focused only on academics. But at Apeejay, I explored painting, debates, dance – so many things that shaped my personality. I realised creativity gave me joy, and that helped me later when I chose a creative career.
Did you face doubts or fears while switching fields?
Honestly, I didn’t even fully understand what fashion design meant back then! I applied to NIFT because my father casually said, “She’ll be a fashion designer one day.” It was spontaneous. But once I started, there was no turning back. It felt right. I was performing well in both the tech and creative parts of the course.
What’s your proudest career moment?
Designing for India’s national girls’ rugby team was special. And being awarded Best Employee across all 22 countries in our organisation was surreal. But more than awards, it’s the journey – from uncertain beginnings to leading large teams today – that makes me proud.