Ritika Bhandari: I Manifested the Life I Wanted… and Then I Went Out and Created It (Fashion & Lifestyle Creator, 170k Followers)

Ritika Bhandari Interview

“When a single outfit I wore sold over a thousand pieces, I knew my audience wasn’t just watching me — they were building my dream with me.”

1. For those meeting you for the first time — how would you introduce yourself and your journey so far?

If you were meeting me for the first time, I’d describe myself as someone who has always lived in her own world — experiencing life through her own lens. I spent 11 years outside India, working as a flight attendant for an international airline, which allowed me to travel the world and immerse myself in different cultures.

Now that I’m back home, I cherish being rooted in my traditions and celebrating every festival with my family. I’d call myself self-made — everything I’ve achieved has come from belief, perseverance, and trusting that I can build the life I envision.

2. What inspired you to start creating content around fashion, travel, and lifestyle?

When I was a flight attendant, I had almost 100k followers simply because people enjoyed seeing my travels around the world. At the time, I never thought of content creation as a career because my job kept me so busy — but the passion was always there.

After moving back to India, brands started approaching me, which pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I realized I had the potential to do this, and I genuinely enjoyed it. It felt natural, aligned with my personality, and allowed me to share my journey in a way that felt authentic.

3. As the founder of @ritvifabrics, how do you balance entrepreneurship with digital content creation?

Building Ritvi Fabrics has been incredibly fulfilling because the brand grew organically from my personal style. When I started wearing traditional Indian outfits, people consistently asked for the exact same pieces — we even sold more than a thousand pieces of one particular color because it resonated so much with my audience. That’s when I decided to officially create the brand.

Balancing entrepreneurship with content creation has been possible because of my strong support system. My husband plays a huge role in managing the brand, and since my in-laws are in the textile business, I had guidance and resources from day one.

Of course, the challenge comes when people want the exact color and design of what I’m wearing, but I genuinely enjoy bridging that gap and bringing those creations to life.

4. What’s one collaboration or project that felt truly meaningful to you?

It’s hard to choose just one because I put my heart into every collaboration. I’ve been blessed to work with amazing brands like L’Oréal — where I was the only influencer selected from North Delhi for their hair color campaign — Hyundai, and renowned jewelry brands like CaratLane and House of Diamonds.

But the most meaningful moment wasn’t with a global brand. It was when a relative opened their jewelry store, Aparna Diamonds, in Karol Bagh and invited me as the chief guest for the inauguration. Being trusted to represent their brand on such a special day meant a lot to me. It reminded me that love and respect from people close to you are truly priceless. That day will always stay close to my heart.

5. With so much visibility online, how do you stay grounded and authentic?

I stay grounded because of the people around me — especially my husband and my family. They remind me of what truly matters. I don’t see my following as “fame”; to me, it’s a beautiful community of more than 161k people who feel like an extended family.

I make it a point to stay connected with them — listening to their feedback, understanding what they enjoy, and having genuine interactions. Authenticity, for me, comes from that connection and the love I receive both from my family and my audience.

6. Outside of work and social media, what’s something you love doing just for yourself?

My favorite thing in the world is spending quality time with my husband, Vishal. Whether we’re traveling, exploring new places, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those moments mean everything to me.

I also love celebrating traditions and embracing family values. As a Punjabi married into a Marwadi family, I get to experience the richness of both cultures. With many relatives living close by, family gatherings and festivals bring so much joy and grounding into my life.

7. Is there a cause, habit, or belief you deeply value and try to keep alive in your life?

Yes — the “never-give-up” attitude is something I live by, and it comes from my mother. I’ve seen both my parents work tirelessly throughout their lives, and even today they remain active and dedicated. From them, I learned that staying busy keeps you productive, clear-minded, and focused.

I also firmly believe in the power of manifestation. I constantly visualize the life I want and trust that we all have the ability to choose what’s best for ourselves. These two practices — perseverance and manifestation — guide me every single day.

8. If your personality had to be described as a travel destination — where would it be and why?

I would describe my personality as South Africa. I absolutely fell in love with the country — the food, the culture, the warmth of the people, the wildlife, the greenery, and the beautiful weather. It felt like stepping into another world.

My personality is very similar: lively, full of energy, connected to nature, and open to new experiences. Cape Town especially holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly blends beaches and mountains — and I’m very much both a beach and mountain person.

Just like South Africa, I’d like to think my personality is a mix of vibrance, diversity, and balance.

Bio:

Ritika Bhandari is a fashion and lifestyle creator, former international flight attendant, and the founder of the homegrown label Ritvi Fabrics. After spending 11 years travelling across continents with a global airline, she returned to India with a renewed love for culture, tradition, and storytelling. What began as sharing her travel moments online soon blossomed into a community of over 161k people, who admire her authenticity, style, and warm personality.

Her journey as an entrepreneur started organically when her audience’s overwhelming demand for the outfits she wore led to the creation of Ritvi Fabrics — a brand built on her personal aesthetic, rooted in Indian elegance. Supported by her family and driven by a never-give-up spirit, Ritika continues to blend creativity with culture, inspiring women to manifest the life they envision while staying true to their roots.

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Interviewed by: Niyati Gupta 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh