Hema Bose, Founder of Maison Bose Communications
Hema Bose in Beverly Hills. All Images by Maxine Balchus
“ I've never felt intimidated by being in the presence of famous or influential personalities. It's a realm I feel I always belonged to.”
Something that happens to you when you’re a woman of a certain age who has achieved a certain level of life satisfaction is that you take a great interest in the bright young things coming right behind you. You find yourself watching these promising creatures with at times, great worry and other times great pride. You wonder if the woman will achieve all she is capable of or get derailed by a poor choice. Will she triumph over or become crippled by an obstacle? I have to confess something to you, reader: I have a cadre of women, from all over the world that I have met through the magic of social media who are living colorful lives and doing interesting things. Some I’ve met in person, others I haven’t, but we support and cheer each other on from afar.
Hema Bose is one of these young woman. Her journey from a London-based fashion career to founder of a global communications firm has taken my breath away and is the type of trajectory that I wish for every ambitious, young woman who has a lot to offer.
Hema was born in the vibrant city of Kolkata, India into an entrepreneurial family that nurtured her artistic talents and instilled open-mindedness and a strong work ethic deep within her. That combination grounded her with confidence and a certainty of her place in the world.
Upon completing her schooling, Hema made a pivotal decision at eighteen years old to relocate to London, the city she credits with shaping her into the woman she has become today. Her degrees at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion led her to a career that began working alongside Alexander McQueen, where she gained invaluable experience and insight into the creative process.
Following that, she embarked on a series of collaborative ventures with design teams across various fashion houses. A few years later, recognizing the importance of blending creativity with strategic acumen in the competitive fashion landscape, she obtained a Master's in International Business. Armed with this new knowledge, she took a role at Julien Macdonald, where she started as the executive assistant to the CEO and eventually became Global Head of VIP.
After years of watching and working closely with visionaries, CEO’s and MD’s and mastering red carpets, she followed her gut instincts that were pushing her to create her own firm. With money that she’d saved up over the years, Hema “bootstrapped” the founding of her very own luxury communications consultancy and Maison Bose Communications was born.
But hold on. Maison Bose is not another Public Relations firm founded by a hot, young, PR girl with a long contact list and too much confidence. They are brand builders who work on end-to end strategy, dedicated to bringing much deserved attention to lesser known but tremendously talented creatives all over the world. What does that mean? Well, if you’ve noticed Indian couturier, Gaurav Gupta’s creations showing up on Beyoncé, Megan thee Stallion, and Cardi B to name a few, Maison Bose had a hand in that.
Don’t be fooled by her baby-face and diminutive stature. Hema is confident, strategic, business savvy and remarkably grounded. Her long term plans are to expand into other categories and grow the business into a force in luxury communications, while elevating other Indian and South Asian creatives along with her.
How did the thirty-five year old founder do all this? How has she maintained her values in the often whirlwind world of ephemera and frivolity that is high fashion? Here’s Hema’s story.
Have your background and ethnicity influenced your career and life choices? If so, how?
Growing up in India, particularly in a city steeped in culture and art, instilled in me a deep appreciation for creativity. My family, especially my mother, played a significant role in nurturing my artistic talents and instilling a strong work ethic in me. I also think my family teaching me to respect and learn from all kinds of cultures influenced me. I studied in a Christian Missionary school, being Hindu myself, there I leaned discipline. We always kind of had the pressure to pursue a good education, to perform well in whatever we are doing. [I was taught that] one has to work hard if they desire to grow big and [must] do good.
How did you actually start your own company? What did it take for you to get it off the ground?
Maison Bose is completely bootstrapped, meaning I relied solely on personal resources and determination to bring my vision to life. Unlike meticulously planned ventures, mine emerged somewhat by chance, driven by a gut feeling and a sense of opportunity that felt right at the moment. Without the backing of investors or elaborate strategic planning, I embarked on this entrepreneurial endeavor solo. However, I quickly realized the importance of surrounding myself with a dedicated team. Over time, I've assembled a passionate group of individuals who share my vision and complement my strengths. While the path to entrepreneurship hasn't always been straightforward, I try to embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Every step forward has been fueled by relentless dedication and a commitment to nurturing Maison Bose into the flourishing entity it is today.
What exactly is Maison Bose Communications?
What I’m trying to build with Maison Bose is different and not PR which often people assume. We act as brand builders by strategizing across everything and creating lasting moments. I put the training that I have received from all the places I have worked and the learnings from the designers, brand’s MDs and CEOs to use.
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, is defined by a profound sense of fulfillment that transcends personal achievement. It's about seeing a genuine smile on my parents' faces, knowing that my endeavors have brought them pride and happiness. Whether through philanthropy, mentorship, or community initiatives, the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others is a cornerstone of true success.
“There have been numerous instances where I've faced skepticism or questioning of my abilities, both from those who don't know me well and even from close acquaintances.”
You work with very high-profile celebrities and have to push for recognition for the brands you rep. Particularly as a business owner, how do you deal with moments where you doubt yourself or experience a dip in self-confidence or experience self-consciousness?
Navigating moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey, especially in a role where you're constantly dealing in high-stakes environments. There have been numerous instances where I've faced skepticism or questioning of my abilities, both from those who don't know me well and even from close acquaintances.
It can be challenging to maintain confidence in the face of such doubt, especially when juggling the myriad responsibilities of running a business and nurturing relationships. However, I always remind myself of the vision I've set forth and the responsibility I have to fulfill it. This serves as both a source of motivation and a reminder that the show must go on, not just for myself but for my team.
Moreover, I find solace in my belief in karma, trusting that the universe has a way of balancing things out. While it's natural to feel hurt or self-conscious in moments of doubt, I choose to focus on staying true to my values and continuing to strive towards my goals with integrity and perseverance. Ultimately, it's about finding strength in adversity and using each experience as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
A job like yours puts you in front of a lot of famous or influential people with big personalities. Was this something that ever intimidated you? Now that you are a business owner do you feel you have had to make a mindset shit?
No, I've never felt intimidated by being in the presence of famous or influential personalities. It's a realm I feel I always belonged to. Since childhood, my grandfather would often take me along to prestigious events, galas, and gatherings where he was honored or surrounded by important and talented individuals. His influence instilled in me a sense of belonging in such environments, and as I've grown and transitioned into the role of a business owner, this [innate certainty of my place] has only reinforced my confidence in navigating such settings with ease and grace.
Apart from that, through my art, I got recognized and awarded by Governments and Art Organizations of Japan, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Norway and many more which led to me giving interviews across media.
Finally, in my career debuting with Alexander McQueen, I worked with legendary people.
A negative experience and how it shaped/impacted you?
I've come to understand the profound significance of surrendering. I've learned that sometimes, despite our best efforts, certain outcomes are beyond our control. Timing plays a pivotal role, and it's essential to recognize when things are not meant for you and to accept it and move on.
Name a time when not getting what you wanted worked in your favor
The universe has its own plan, and I've learned to trust in its wisdom. Each time I've faced disappointment or setbacks, I've taken the opportunity to analyze my failures and shortcomings. In hindsight, I can see how these experiences have led me down paths I may not have otherwise considered, ultimately shaping me into the person I am today.
If you had to go back in time is there anything you would do differently in your young life?
If I could go back in time, I would remind myself that there are no shortcuts in life. I would emphasize the importance of embracing challenges and facing adversity head-on, as it is through these experiences that we grow and develop resilience. I would encourage my younger self to embrace discipline and perseverance, understanding that enduring the pain is often the pathway to personal and professional growth.
What brings you joy?
Seeing a smile light up my parents' faces brings me endless happiness and fulfillment.
The word “luxury” has a different meaning for everyone. What does luxury mean to you?
To me, luxury is synonymous with time. In today's fast-paced world, having the freedom to savor moments, pursue passions, and connect with loved ones without the constraints of time pressure is the ultimate luxury.
You split your time between LA, Mumbai, Paris. Where should we go if we find ourselves there?
In Paris, my absolute favorite thing is exploring the vintage shops, art galleries, and museums scattered throughout the city. Some places I like in LA - Giorgio Baldi, E Baldi, Hilo Omakase, Nobu Malibu.
And in Mumbai?
Where to eat, there are so many places: Trishna, I’m a big fan of their seafood. Indian Accent, Taj Mahal Hotel, Olive bar, Gigi. Where to shop: Kala Ghoda.
Something about you that would surprise people?
One thing that might surprise people about me is how quickly I can get ready and out the door. I'm incredibly efficient in my morning routine and can go from waking up to being fully dressed and out the door in under 10 minutes.
Another thing that might surprise people is how I could choose to stay home and spend time with my parents rather than going out. I really value that time with my family and am happy to pass up social events or errands if it means I can have a quiet evening at home with them. They're very important to me and I make sure to prioritize that quality time.
Also, I cannot drive!
What character traits have contributed to your success?
Leadership guides me in inspiring others and navigating challenges with clarity and purpose. Generosity fosters a collaborative spirit, building strong connections and fostering goodwill. Warmth creates an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported. Kindness, both in small gestures and grand acts, uplifts others and cultivates a culture of empathy. Humility keeps me grounded, fostering openness to feedback and continual growth. A commitment to constant learning ensures adaptability and innovation in an ever-changing world. Trusting my instincts allows for decisive action and intuitive responses to opportunities. Together, these traits form the foundation of my approach rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to personal and collective success.
When she’s in Califronia, you can find Hema at Nobu Malibu
One of Hema’s recommends is the Taj Mahal Mumbai
What’s next for you?
I approach life with a sense of adventure, putting in relentless effort and hard work into everything I do. While I can't predict the future, I embrace each day with enthusiasm and determination, ready to seize opportunities and overcome challenges that come my way! Whether it's pursuing new ventures, nurturing existing projects, or simply embracing the beauty of the present moment, I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and eagerly anticipate the surprises and successes that await.
A quote that exemplifies your outlook on life?
"You came empty handed, you will leave empty handed.” from The Bhagavad Gita.
