Noor by Neerja – A Journey Woven with Passion, Perseverance, and Heritage

My journey began in the corridors of Mayo College Girls’ School, with dreams bigger than the pink city skyline. When my plans to attend my dream college didn’t work out, it was a heartbreak — but not the end. Determined and persistent, I completed my graduation in Jaipur and earned my place at a B-school in Mumbai. The second year of my MBA took me to Japan, where I gained hands-on experience in some of its finest companies. That chapter was truly one-of-a-kind — an enriching, humbling, and grateful turning point in my life.

After returning to India, I worked for a Japanese company for six months before keeping my promise to my mother and coming home. Soon, I was engaged and married, with one clear condition — I would continue to work after marriage. As destiny would have it, my mother-in-law, Dr. Leela Bordia, is the visionary founder of Neerja Blue Pottery. From the early months of my marriage, I found myself immersed in a world of 100% hand-done ceramics — a sharp contrast to the mechanised precision I had seen in Japan, yet equally fascinating in its artistry.

Eighteen years in the craft industry have been nothing short of a lifelong classroom — every day teaching me something new. Yet, another passion was quietly taking shape. Three years ago, Jaipur’s western wear choices were limited — either splurge and risk wearing the same outfit as someone else at the party, or settle for something ordinary. To bridge this gap, I began creating clothes with my cousin in Mumbai, a designer, purely out of love for unique style.

For almost a year, it was just a creative escape — until my husband, Apurv, noticed how much joy it brought me. For six months, he encouraged me to take it seriously as a business. I thought he was joking — until one day he said, “Either you think I’m not serious, or you’re not serious about your passion.” That was the spark that turned my hobby into a brand.

And so, the clothing line of Noor by Neerja was born — an extension of Neerja’s legacy, infused with my personal touch. The name Noor is deeply personal — my grandfather lovingly called me Noor Mohammad during my school days, all because of the loose pants I adored wearing. Till his last breath, he called me that. Today, the name carries his blessing, lighting the path of this new chapter.

Noor by Neerja is more than fashion — it’s a blend of heritage and contemporary style, rooted in persistence, family, and the joy of creating something unique for every woman who loves to stand out.