I'm Raja—an ex-fast fashion product developer, a Yoga teacher, a mother, an advocate for our planet, a globe-trotter, and a sports enthusiast with a soft spot for good food. I'm also the driving force behind Luna & Soul.
My journey began in the fast fashion industry, where I honed my skills while developing products for renowned brands like Topshop, Forever21, Zara, Debenhams, Primark, Carrefour, and others. Initially, collaborating with these prominent names from the US, UK, France, and Germany seemed exciting. However, the reality was quite different. Fast fashion's relentless pursuit of short-term profits and soaring sales often disregarded the profound environmental and human toll it exacted.
In this realm, the industry dictated the latest "must-have" products, frequently changing its mind at the last minute, driven by fleeting trends or media influence. Speed and cost efficiency were paramount, with little concern for sourcing high-quality, toxin-free materials. Exhausting work hours, including weekends and holidays without compensation, became the norm, and price negotiations resembled a battlefield, where manufacturers often had to accept unsustainable and unfair rates.
The vision of creating an ethical fashion world without detrimental impacts on people or the environment seemed implausible within this relentless pace. It became increasingly apparent that I didn't want to be part of an industry so short-sighted and unsustainable. I believed there had to be a better way—a fashion that resonated with my values.
After over a decade in London's fast-paced fashion world, I decided it was time for change. I left my job, packed up my life (including my family), and embarked on a journey to pursue my Yoga teaching training.
In the serenity of my yoga teaching training, amid conversations about our fears and dreams, the seeds of Luna & Soul were sown. It was here that I found the courage to pursue my dream of creating an eco-friendly brand, deeply inspired by the profound philosophy of Yoga.
Our mantra is simple but powerful: "Be kind, always." It's a guiding principle that shapes everything we do at Luna & Soul, from our choice of sustainable materials to our ethical manufacturing practices. We're not just a brand; we're a movement—a movement towards mindful fashion that treads lightly on our planet and treats everyone involved with the respect they deserve.