Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilia Sandhu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our journey with ilia.S began as a shared vision between me and my husband, Uzair. The concept developed gradually and officially came to life in 2024. My passion for fashion was truly awakened during my own wedding preparations, where I wore traditional Pakistani bridal wear. That experience immersed me in the richness of Pakistani craftsmanship, intricate details, and cultural heritage — and it left a lasting impact.
Inspired by that journey, I felt a strong desire to bring the elegance and beauty of Pakistani fashion to Mauritius, UK & USA . That’s how ilia.S was born — as a brand that blends heritage with contemporary sophistication.
Established in 2024, ilia.S crafts enduring masterpieces that transcend fleeting trends. We focus on creating pieces that reflect ultimate elegance and refined beauty, enriching the lives of our discerning clientele. Every stitch and finish embodies our commitment to quality and excellence.
We offer a diverse catalogue — from ready-to-wear outfits to luxurious unstitched collections — allowing our customers to feel confident, graceful, and like the best version of themselves in every season.
With a deep appreciation for culture, craftsmanship, and creativity, ilia.S continues to grow as a brand rooted in authenticity and passion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape ilia.S into what it is today. Like any new business, the beginning was filled with uncertainties. One of the biggest challenges was starting a fashion brand in Mauritius, UK & USA that focused on Pakistani clothing — it’s a niche market, and educating customers about the style, quality, and value took time and consistent effort.
We also faced operational challenges, especially with logistics. Since most of our production and sourcing happens in Pakistan, coordinating everything remotely — from fabric selection to stitching and final dispatch — required building strong trust with vendors and constantly following up. Delays, miscommunication, and quality control issues were all part of the process in the beginning.
Another struggle was balancing the creative side of the brand with the business side. It’s easy to get caught up in the design process, but managing inventory, handling orders, and building a digital presence required a whole different mindset — and a lot of learning.
On top of that, since ilia.S was launched in 2024, we were still navigating post-pandemic realities like rising costs, delays in deliveries, and shifting customer behaviors.
But all of this pushed us to become more resilient, resourceful, and customer-focused. Every hurdle became a lesson, and today, we’re proud to say that ilia.S is not just a brand — it’s a reflection of hard work, passion, and continuous growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
ilia.s is an online clothing brand offering beautiful, high-quality collections. We specialize in intricate, handcrafted designs made from luxurious fabrics like chiffon and velvet, often incorporating unique embroidery and sequin work.
We stands out for our deep commitment to customization in every aspect of its offerings. We specialize in providing personalized experiences for our customers, whether it’s through our intricate clothing collections, handmade potli bags, clutch, bridal wear.
What sets ilia.s apart is the level of customization we offer. Every piece of clothing, from our collection is tailored to suit the customer’s unique style. We work with our clients to adjust sizes, choose colors, and incorporate specific design elements, ensuring each product feels uniquely theirs.
What I’m most proud of is how ilia.s creates a deep connection with each customer through these personalized experiences. We don’t just sell products; we provide something meaningful, whether it’s a unique outfit, a custom accessory, or a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. It’s this commitment to personalization that makes ilia.s stand out in a market full of mass-produced items.What makes us truly special is our attention to detail, dedication to customer satisfaction, and the fact that we see each customer as an individual, deserving of something tailor-made just for them.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
When it comes to risk-taking, I believe it’s a natural part of entrepreneurship—it’s almost impossible to grow without stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. Personally, I see risk as an opportunity for growth, learning, and eventual success. Calculated risks, where you weigh potential rewards against the possible downsides, are the kind of risks I gravitate toward.
One major risk I’ve taken is starting ilia.s itself. The fashion industry is incredibly competitive, and breaking into it with a personalized brand was no small feat. I knew that to truly stand out, I had to offer something unique—customized clothing and accessories, tailored shopping experiences, and the level of service that makes customers feel valued. It was risky to pour time, effort, and resources into such a specialized niche, especially when it meant going against the grain of mass production and quick turnover. But looking back, I’m proud of how far ilia.s has come, and I’m excited about the continued growth.
One of the biggest risks I took while building ilia.s was trusting suppliers because I was so focused on quality. I knew that offering unique, high-quality clothing would set my brand apart, so I made a significant upfront investment in suppliers to secure the best fabrics and craftsmanship. However, things didn’t go as planned.
Instead of receiving the customized, high-quality pieces I had ordered, I ended up with clothes I didn’t even request. The quality was subpar, and it was clear that the product didn’t align with the standards I had set for ilia.s. It was a huge loss for me—both financially and emotionally—but rather than giving up, I decided to face the situation head-on.
Even though the experience was incredibly disappointing, it taught me valuable lessons about the importance of vetting suppliers thoroughly and ensuring that communication is clear and transparent. It also strengthened my resolve to always focus on delivering quality no matter the setbacks.
Instead of seeing this as a reason to give up, I viewed it as an opportunity to learn and grow. I worked hard to rebuild my supplier relationships, redefined my approach to sourcing, and became even more committed to ensuring every product that goes out under ilia.s meets the high standards my customers expect.
The experience showed me that even when things go wrong, it’s the perseverance and ability to bounce back that truly defines a business. It was a major setback, but I’m proud that I didn’t let it deter me from my vision and the future of ilia.s.
I would definitely consider myself a risk-taker. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to embrace risk as part of the journey, especially when building ilia.s. I don’t shy away from making bold decisions, even when the outcome is uncertain. I understand that without taking risks, there’s little chance for growth or innovation.
For me, risk isn’t just about making bold moves—it’s about having the confidence to face the uncertainty and persevere even when things don’t go as planned. It’s about taking those leaps of faith because, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iliasofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__ilia.s__jewellery_/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/_ilias_s_/
