Trishala Bhansali was born and raised in New Orleans but spent her summers strolling the marketplaces of India, where both her parents are from. As a teenager, she began designing her own clothes and shoes. Then as a young adult, she began her career in luxury retail buying -- which she did for a decade before deciding to begin her own fashion brand. She named her brand Lekha and built her line around her love for quality muslins. Lekha designs reflect her New Orleans upbringing and Indian heritage; the garments are designed here in New Orleans and the clothes are handmade in India. Inspired by her grandmother's work, Trish sought out fellow female creators and allies in both New Orleans and India to build and advocate for Lekha.