For designer Nandita Narayan this has been an insightful journey.  With 12 years of success in the world of finance and career aspirations in the corporate world, the FINR Elegance Line was not even a glimmer in her eye.  With her hectic life, she successfully juggled being a full time mom, banker, social butterfly, and fitness junky. Her world changed drastically after a vacation to Disney World with her family.

Diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disorder called Wegeners Granulumatosis, overnight things fell apart. She went from living a full life to becoming dependant on others for everything.  This would be challenging for any active, independent woman used to doing things for others. The systemic nature of Wegeners affected her entire body. 

Nandita, (“Queen of all Divas” - with a heart), felt angry and defeated from not only the disease, but also the side effects of the medications.   From the weight gain of steroid use, to the complications of chemo therapy; where she once prided herself in being physically fit she now dealt with this along with mood swings, hair loss, uncontrollable cough attacks, a partially collapsed lung and loss of almost all hearing in one ear. 

However, this did not last long.  With the love and support of her amazing husband Francis, son Ishaan, and a host of loved ones, Nandita turned her DIS-ABILITIES into ABILITIES.   She began exploring the artist within her. New passions awaited her, regardless of circumstance.  She began to influence other with her renewed sense of purpose and passion. She drew them to her love of life.  Seeing beauty in everything, she delights in the simplest things.  Like the colors of autumn, or a summer sunset, or her son’s interpretation of the world around him.  

Dedicated to all she does, there are no excuses for her performance, nor does she allow them from those around her.  If you take the leap into the unknown, she will support you achieving your goals.  Refreshingly, yet often painfully straight forward, she is also forgiving. You are likely to be victim to her sense of humour and love of intelligent banter.  She gives you her attention fully and freely. She has a gift of making each person in her life feel as if they are the most important, despite what she may have going on in her own life. 

Nandita and her husband have created several new companies since her diagnosis.  The most important to Nandita is the FINR Elegance Collection and The Acamai Investment Group (a real estate investment firm).  

In less than one year from inception, the FINR Elegance line went through the roof.  Her collection has created a buzz in the fashion industry. Her shows, sales, and events waited upon with great anticipation, not only because of the line’s unique fusion approach to glamour, but also because the company is adamant about giving back. The FINR Elegance Collection and True Measure Enterprises generously support many charitable causes across the lower mainland. Such as Children’s Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital, Covenant House Vancouver, Burnaby Elementary and Secondary School Fundraiser, Multi-Cultural Events, the Red Cross, Union Gospel Mission and the Wegeners Granulumatosis Foundation to name a few.

Nandita likes to donate part proceeds from all her events to Wegener’s Research in the hopes of finding a cure soon.   

Designing the line has brought a sense of purpose that goes beyond just making a living for Nandita, she sees it as an outlet through which she is able to express her life, her culture, her experiences, and her outlook.

“The line is who I am, a fusion of east and west, old world and new, a mosaic of color, and culture.  Each piece is an original work of art, never duplicated, adding to the joy of owning and wearing that piece.  As a result, the largest part of my business is custom work where I design pieces only after getting to know my client a little so that I create something that truly represents who they are.  I love this part of my business the best because I have made some amazing friends this way. I have a lot of clients that come over with outfits and have me create the jewellery around their wardrobe.” 

Through the FINR Elegance Line, Nandita has not only created stunning one of a kind pieces but has ventured into new programs such as the “Jewellery Re-Invention Program” and “DIVA Parties”

The Jewellery Re-Invention Program allows women to take jewellery collecting dust because of ever changing styles and have Nandita re-create something completely New, Fresh and Funky.  Some clients do this several times a year.

“DIVA PARTIES” range from the formal to a casual afternoon event with 15 to 20 + friends gathering at a client’s home or an outside venue.  Working with the host, Nandita brings the designs to the venue.  Along with the assistance of planning the event, comes a complimentary set for the host.  Always a hit, this event can also be used for charitable fund raising, turning glamour meaningful.

FINR Elegance and the True Measure Group are continuously looking for opportunities to give back and proposals for future fundraising events especially those (but not limited to) promoting dance, music, and art with international flavour.  The FINR Elegance Collection is a home based business and can be viewed either in person at a private viewing or online.  Custom pieces are designed in collaboration with the client.  

 Please direct any inquiries for donations and events to their website at www.truemeasure.ca.