Anjali Mody, the granddaughter of the esteemed lawyer and former Attorney General of India, Soli Sorabjee, has made a significant mark in the world of furniture design. After spending nearly eight years in Goa, she has returned to Mumbai, the city that sparked her love for design, and is now determined to take her furniture brand, Josmo, to greater heights.
Josmo, which Mody founded in 2010, is not just a furniture brand but a journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Anjali’s connection with Mumbai goes beyond business; it was in this vibrant city where she first ventured into the world of design. The idea of creating Josmo stemmed from her desire to bring beautiful, high-quality, and functional furniture into people’s lives. However, the beginnings were far from glamorous.
Anjali fondly recalls the early days of Josmo. She started with a modest 1,200-square-foot gallery, with just four people on her team. The space, often filled with sawdust from furniture making, was hardly what you would call luxurious, but it was here that the foundations of Josmo were laid. Despite the humble beginnings, the brand started attracting attention. Clients, dressed in their finest outfits, would walk into the sawdust-filled gallery, sit down with Anjali, and discuss every detail of the pieces she was creating. The initial days of Josmo were a mix of determination and creativity, as Anjali worked tirelessly to perfect each piece.
Over the years, Josmo has evolved, with Anjali’s artistic vision and business acumen playing pivotal roles in its growth. The company now boasts a team of 200 skilled professionals, an expansive 50,000-square-foot factory in Goa, and a 6,000-square-foot retail space. The shift to Goa provided Anjali with a unique opportunity to reflect on the direction of her brand, enabling her to focus on its roots while expanding its reach.
However, the return to Mumbai marks a significant turning point in Anjali’s journey. The city of her dreams has always held a special place in her heart. It was here that she honed her craft and began making connections that would eventually help her take Josmo to new heights. This week, she opened a new 3,400-square-foot studio in Worli, just steps away from the Nehru Planetarium. The studio serves as both a design hub and a showroom where customers can interact with the pieces, see them being created, and get a feel for the quality and attention to detail that goes into each item.
In her return to Mumbai, Anjali is determined to make Josmo a household name. Her brand’s design philosophy is centered around the idea that furniture should be more than just functional. It should tell a story, reflect the personality of the person it’s designed for, and add beauty to a home. Anjali believes that each piece of furniture should serve as a reflection of the values and preferences of the individual it is created for, which is why every Josmo creation is bespoke and customized to the client’s needs.
Despite her success, Anjali is the first to admit that her journey has not been without its challenges. She openly discusses how it took her almost 10 years to find her authentic voice in the industry. In a competitive market where design trends change constantly, finding a unique identity for her brand took time. But with patience, perseverance, and a keen eye for design, she has finally found the direction that feels true to her.
Today, Josmo stands as a testament to Anjali’s dedication and passion for furniture design. Her brand continues to grow, with new and exciting projects on the horizon. Through her return to Mumbai and her ambition to make Josmo a household name, Anjali Mody has proven that with hard work, creativity, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision, success is always within reach.
Anjali’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of her work, from the selection of materials to the meticulous design process. At Josmo, the focus is not just on aesthetics but on creating pieces that stand the test of time, both in quality and design. Anjali emphasizes the importance of sustainability, a principle that has become central to her work. She carefully sources materials that are not only durable but also environmentally friendly, ensuring that her creations align with contemporary demands for responsible design.
Her journey has also been marked by a shift towards a more modern design language while still maintaining the timeless quality that Josmo is known for. Anjali’s designs seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, creating furniture that fits into a variety of spaces, from the minimalist to the extravagant. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge design techniques has allowed Josmo to carve a niche in the competitive world of bespoke furniture.
The growth of Josmo over the years has not only been a reflection of Anjali’s ability to adapt and innovate but also a testament to her strong relationships with clients and collaborators. Many of Josmo’s creations are made in close collaboration with clients, who share their visions for their homes and spaces. Anjali’s ability to listen to her clients’ needs and translate them into tangible, functional art is one of the key reasons Josmo has gained a loyal customer base.
Anjali also credits much of her success to the team she has built around her. Her decision to expand her team from a handful of people to hundreds was driven by the belief that quality should never be compromised. The craftsmen, designers, and artisans at Josmo share her vision, and their dedication to their craft is what allows the brand to consistently deliver exceptional products. Anjali is proud of the fact that many of the people who have been with her since the beginning are still part of the Josmo family, contributing to the growth and success of the brand.
Now, with her new studio in Worli, Anjali is looking forward to taking Josmo to even greater heights. She envisions the space as a hub of creativity, where customers can immerse themselves in the world of bespoke furniture design. The studio is designed to be a place where visitors can not only purchase furniture but also gain an understanding of the design process and the artistry behind each piece. The space reflects Anjali’s philosophy that furniture should not just serve a practical purpose but should enhance the way we live, interact, and experience the spaces we inhabit.
For Anjali, returning to Mumbai isn’t just about business. It’s a personal journey of growth and rediscovery. Mumbai, with its energy and vibrancy, is where she first learned the value of creativity and design, and now, it’s where she hopes to inspire the next generation of designers. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight, and that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
As Josmo continues to grow and evolve, Anjali remains dedicated to her craft, always striving to push the boundaries of design while staying true to the values that have made her brand a success. Through her hard work, passion, and vision, she is making a lasting impact on the world of furniture design, proving that with determination, authenticity, and a clear sense of purpose, it’s possible to create something truly remarkable.