Meet Payal Mandewalkar, born in the small town of Maharashtra and raised in Mumbai where she worked as Research Engineer in telecom industry. She later moved to USA after marriage and is currently living there with her husband and two wonderful kids. This is where most of the story lists Happily Ever after; but for her, quest and journey into fashion Industry began. Here she established herself not only as an engineer but also a fashion blogger/influencer and won the Title of Mrs. Asia World Elitec 2021.
Since her days in undergrad, she was always fascinated by the glitz and glamour industry of Bollywood and dreamed to walk the ramp one day but unrealistic image of a tall, thin, and “perfect” model body kept her childhood dream at bay and she got fully involved with her job family and kids. During covid pandemic, She turned towards social media as an outlet for showcasing her styles and began to represent fashion as all-encompassing and inclusive and while breaking the stereotype definition of models.
According to her, women empowerment is challenging the status quo of the community, loving and respecting yourself as a whole and having the liberty to do what she desires. It’s about leading by example and inspiring others to do their best and being able to live and strive for greatness while being vulnerable and ambivalent. She utilizes her skill set to be a pageant coach, and received many awards like International Influencer of the year 2020-2021, Inspiring women award 2021, Mrs. charismatic 2020, Woman Empowerment Award 2021.
“Fashion is an individual’s statement of self-expression. What one wears should make them feel powerful, confident and beautiful in their own skin”- Payal Mandewalkar.
Today she is a well-known fashion blogger and a successful Instagram influencer promoting this sentiment to her thousands of followers. She is a Brand ambassador for famous brands like Express. While blogging, she has received many product endorsements, paid promotions and ad campaigns through which she supports small businesses.
In Feb 2023, Payal had the privilege to walk in “New York Fashion Week 2023” for three renowned designers, Times 40 under 40 award winner, Anjali phougat Coutures at Designer Dream collection where she walked as a Brand Ambassador supporting sustainable fashion. She was fortunate to walk as a showstopper for an International designer, Sherri Dvorkin carter at Prestige top Model, for her CEO suit collection. She also walked the ramp for Deepthi Reddy on one of the biggest platform Runway7 Fashion showcasing equisite couture gown for Drisha Closet at Sony Hall.
Other than Fashion, Payal is also a cricketer plays for Women’s cricket team. She has recently acted in few short films for which she won the best costume award at Texas Kannada Short Film Festival.
Her biggest strength is her husband followed by family and friends.
Payal Mandewalkar signs off by saying it’s never late to pursue your dream if you put your heart and soul into it.
Follow Payal Mandewalkar on Instagram: www.instagram.com/Payalsfashionpalette
