A Conversation with Eshita Kabra-Davies

The Interview

We also have an insightful and inspiring interview with Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of the circular fashion retailer and community, By Rotation, who shares what inspires her, the one piece of advice she always ignores, and the truth about Rhubarb’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Saffron…

Eshita Kabra Davies

Eshita is the founder and CEO of By Rotation. She took time out of her unbelievably busy schedule to chat to us about her business, her beloved dog, and what she values above all else.

Tell us about yourself and where you grew up?

I always refer to myself as a third culture kid. I was born in Rajasthan, India, and grew up in Singapore before moving to the UK for university. That mix of cultures has shaped the way I live my life, from how I think to whom I’ve married, how I dress and how I’ve built my business – a global, scalable community for people of all walks of life.

How did you begin your career?

I did many internships in marketing and advertising during my university days, only to realise as an international student I’d need to have my visa sponsored in order to stay on in the UK. So my first official job out of undergrad was in investing in corporate bonds, on behalf of Standard Life Investments. It was probably the most prestigious job a 22 year old could have had right out of university, and built a very strong work ethic and foundation for what I’m doing today.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received when you were building By Rotation?

Don’t be afraid to put myself at the forefront of the brand as the founder and keep my personality in there. I think I always feared being judged by my ex-colleagues (mostly old white males) and losing their respect for selling out to the media. The truth is, as a consumer founder you do need to be present – it’s free marketing!

And a piece of advice you’d share with aspiring entrepreneurs?

Product is everything. The customers will come if your product is truly something people need (which I hope is also to say don’t build yet another brand/product that will end up in landfill, please!).

What were you like as a child / at school? What did your school reports say about you?

As a child I was rather quiet, my nursery report card in Singapore stated I needed to come out of my shell and interact more. At school I was a prefect and Head Girl, which has made me reflect on how much of leadership is innate. While I was quite the teacher’s pet, I had enough personality to shake things up – be it to petition for ankle length socks, organise an entire school Halloween fair (my favourite holiday), or win university-level entrepreneurship competitions which came with prize money.

I was a graphic designer from the age of 11, obsessed with Neopets, ran a very successful forum online at the age of 14 (before Reddit days) and was paid for my website “layouts” via PayPal.

What do you value above all else?

Sincerity. You can really understand someone’s personality, values and motives when they are being sincere.

Morning person or night owl?

While I’m religious at Reformer Pilates, I do my solo work best at night. It’s when everyone is asleep and leaves me alone…

What is your favourite season and why?

As a Leo, I’m a summer baby: I’m from Rajasthan, the desert state of India, and I grew up in Singapore – hot weather and tropical foliage is what nurtures me. I especially love the idea of secluded island villages with few establishments and a lack of flash. If I could rewrite my life, I would have loved to be a water baby jumping off rocks, swimming with the stingrays and surfing with my ankle bracelets and a forever tan.

The secret to good style?

Wear silhouettes that flatter your body, avoid trends, choose one striking piece with every outfit (not multiple statement items all at once).

What is your business philosophy or motto?

With By Rotation and my work, community is our North Star. Put your stakeholders first, always.

What did you have for breakfast?

Green tea – not a big breakfast person!

Favourite piece of art – book, film, etc and why?

Book: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, that book changed my perspective on my career. Film: Gattaca – this is a very beautiful film with incredible style and interiors. I love science fiction and this is not too far away from our future reality. The take they have on one’s determination and merit vs what you are born with is my philosophy on life summarised.

What is the most sentimental item you own?

When I graduated with First Class honours and multiple job offers in the investments industry, my mother gifted me her Rolex watch, a beautiful 28mm Lady-Datejust Oystersteel in yellow gold. My mother always had good taste, both in style and in investments!

What was the last thing you bought?

Retro Illy espresso glass cup and silver saucers from a Sunday well-spent at their annual Sunbury Antiques fair – they look like Alien UFOs!

Worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

Raise investment and grow at all costs!

What inspires your work?

I am constantly inspired by the community we’ve built and the stories that have come out from rotating your wardrobes with each other. It reminds me of our mission and values – how By Rotation and my life’s work is so much more than just designer labels for less!

When do you feel most like yourself and why?

It may seem cliche but when I’m with my husband and my cavapoo (Rhubarb’s boyfriend in a parallel universe!), Saffron. Spending time with your family is so important especially with my crazy schedule spent amongst so many personalities and worlds. It’s essential for me to factor that time in to centre myself.

Phrase or motto you say most often?

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I’m a masochist…

How do you define success and leading a “good life”?

Success to me means building something that outlasts you, and leaving a mark on the planet by making it better than it was when you entered it. For me, I want people to change their outlook on material things and I want to bring back emotional connections and stories to these things via the sharing and circular economies. A good life is led when you find your true purpose and life’s calling. Hopefully it’s one that sparks internal joy and peace.

For more from Eshita, you can follow her at @arentyoueshita and By Rotation.

Visit By Rotation, and their townhouse at 31 Brook St, London W1K 4HF.

A Conversation with Eshita Kabra-Davies

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