Entrepreneur | Fashion Designer | Philanthropist

Rachna Chandra is a dynamic entrepreneur, accomplished fashion designer, and passionate philanthropist. She is the owner of Taj Cottage, a renowned Indian bridal boutique in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Since 2005, Taj Cottage has served clients of all ethnicities, offering exquisite, handcrafted designs. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as Detroit Public Television and showcased at global events like New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week.

Rachna is also the visionary behind TI-STAF (Training in Sewing, Textiles, and Fashion), a one-of-a-kind facility offering comprehensive training programs and services to empower individuals in the fashion and textile industries. Through TI-STAF, she provides home and industrial sewing classes, mentorship programs, and incubator services to support emerging designers and entrepreneurs. The center also offers cut-and-sew manufacturing services, fostering skill development and sustainable business growth.

Beyond her achievements in fashion, Rachna has a diverse professional background. She spearheaded the Industrial Sewing Program at Henry Ford College, equipping students with essential skills for careers in industrial sewing. As the Lead Industrial Sewing Instructor at Zaman International, a 501(c)(3) organization, she developed a federally approved training program empowering underprivileged women with industrial sewing skills, helping them achieve financial independence. Her expertise extends to designing soft trims for the automotive industry.

Rachna’s advocacy for women’s empowerment goes hand-in-hand with her leadership roles. She is the Co-Founder of the Detroit Indian Women Association (DIWA), a 501(c)(3) organization with the mantra: “Empowered women empower women.” She also serves as the Vice President of the Glamorous Mom's Foundation, dedicated to supporting underprivileged women and children. Additionally, she has served on the board of the Detroit Garment Group, fostering mentorship, education, job placement, and networking opportunities in the fashion industry.

A Novi, Michigan resident, Rachna enjoys traveling and cooking with her husband and two children.

During the pandemic in 2020, Rachna led a successful mask mission, mobilizing 45 volunteers to sew and distribute over 11,000 handmade masks across the nation. These masks were donated to critical locations, including the USNS Comfort Navy Ship and troops in Afghanistan, earning her the Officer’s Coin of Honor and recognition from the Governor of Michigan.

Through her work with Taj Cottage, TI-STAF, and various nonprofit organizations, Rachna continues to inspire others with her creativity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.