In the lexicon of entrepreneurship, timing is often considered everything. Launch too early, and the market is not ready. Launch too late, and the opportunity has passed. But for Neeroo Khanna and her daughter Cherry Khanna, timing was never about market calculations or trend forecasting. It was about recognizing the precise moment when passion could no longer remain a private indulgence and had to become a public offering.
That moment arrived during COVID-19, when the world stood still and reflection became unavoidable. What emerged was World of NeCh, a luxury gifting and fashion brand whose very name tells the story of collaboration, legacy, and the beautiful fusion of two creative souls. NeCh: a portmanteau drawn from Neeroo and Cherry, representing not just shared initials but shared vision, values, and the unshakeable belief that handcrafted beauty can change lives.
At 62, Neeroo stepped away from four decades in the family export business to pursue formal training in chocolate-making, eventually earning an Advanced Diploma and building a portfolio of over 500 handcrafted products. Simultaneously, Cherry expanded the vision beyond confections into handcrafted couture, launching The Luxury Affair by Ryanna, named after her daughter, as a platform for preserving Indian textile heritage through occasion-wear that doubles as wearable art.
Together, they have built an enterprise rooted in a radical proposition: that luxury need not be mass-produced, that heritage deserves preservation, that women artisans deserve dignity, and that family and ambition are not opposing forces but complementary expressions of a life fully lived.
What follows is a rare dual conversation with both founders, exploring the philosophy, passion, and purpose driving World of NeCh and The Luxury Affair by Ryanna forward into a future where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.
Cherry Khanna: The Vision Keeper
Your friends encouraged you to formalize your designer wardrobe, chocolate, and gifting business during COVID. What was that turning point?
My mother Neeroo ji and I started the brand The World of NeCh during COVID to nurture our creative satisfaction. Initially, we were involved in our family’s export business, but during the pandemic when everything came to a standstill, we reflected on the requests from friends and acquaintances who encouraged us to formalize our passion for chocolates, cavewear, sweets, and innovative gifting.
That moment became a turning point in our lives, moving from the backseat to taking the steering wheel ourselves. Later, I expanded my vision to what I had always dreamed of: designing handcrafted couture celebrating the beauty of Indian heritage and handwork to the fashion ramp.
How do you maintain handcrafted, in-house production at scale?
We work with many skilled karigars from villages whom we have adopted as part of our extended family. They work exclusively for our brand, ensuring prime quality and authenticity. Our production remains largely in-house so that every design maintains its individuality and finesse. Even at scale, every single piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, preserving the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define our creations.
You reject the idea that women must choose between family and work. How did you arrive at that philosophy?
I have always enjoyed working since my college days, and I grew up seeing my mother and my mother-in-law balancing their homes and professional responsibilities beautifully. That experience shaped my belief that family and work are not opposing choices; they are two sides of the same coin. Both must be balanced thoughtfully to move forward in life with stability and fulfillment.
School drop-offs and business meetings—how does this work in practice?
Discipline taught by my father and the spirit of hard work instilled by my second father, my father-in-law, are the foundations that help me manage all aspects of life. When the foundation is strong and passion is deep, balance comes naturally. My husband, Rajat Khanna, plays a significant role in my journey. His selfless and encouraging nature gives me wings to fly, knowing that he always supports me. So in reality, I am not balancing family and work; they are both balancing my passion and my time. I love caring for my family as much as I love fulfilling my dreams, and I equally cherish being a hands-on mother to my angel daughter Ryanna, after whom my business is named.
Neeroo Khanna: The Artisan Entrepreneur
What made you start World of NeCh in your golden years, when most people think about retiring?
I started World of NeCh in my golden years along with my daughter during the COVID period in 2020. After working with my husband in the export business for 41 years, I finally decided to follow my long-standing passion for creativity, fashion, and empowering women. What truly sparked this venture was my desire to prove that age is not a limitation and that dreams can be pursued at any stage of life. My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 62.
You completed an advanced diploma in chocolate-making to create products yourself. What drove that commitment to hands-on craftsmanship?
I chose to pursue formal training because I wanted to create my products with complete confidence and mastery over the technical aspects of chocolate crafting. For me, learning the craft deeply meant being able to turn my vision into reality with precision, originality, and authenticity.
Over 500 products, all handcrafted. How do you maintain quality and scale without mechanization?
We maintain quality across more than 500 handcrafted products by following standardized recipes, producing in small batches, and working with a skilled and dedicated team. This approach allows us to ensure consistency, attention to detail, and the high standards that handcrafted luxury products require.
Tell us about the women in your network and what that employment means to them.
Many women artisans are part of our extended creative network. Working with us gives them an opportunity to use their skills, earn independently, and gain confidence in their craft. For many of them, it is more than just employment; it is a way to feel valued, empowered, and proud of what they create.
You source artisans’ work but provide your own formulations. What is the difference?
While we collaborate with talented artisans for handcrafted elements, we also develop and provide our own unique formulations, recipes, and product concepts. This approach allows us to maintain the distinct identity, quality standards, and originality of our brand while still celebrating the craftsmanship of artisans.
How does sustainability fit into your luxury gifting philosophy?
Sustainability is not separate from luxury; it elevates it. Our gifting philosophy blends elegance with responsibility by prioritizing mindful sourcing, handcrafted production, minimal waste, and thoughtful packaging that can be reused or repurposed. True luxury is not only about how beautiful a gift looks, but also how ethically and responsibly it is made.
What is the emotion or message behind what you create?
The main emotion behind everything we create is love and care. Our message is that gifting is not just about giving a product; it is about sharing feelings. Every handcrafted piece reflects thoughtfulness, warmth, and a personal touch. We want people to feel special, valued, and connected when they receive our creations.
Brand Vision & Philosophy
What does The Luxury Affair by Ryanna represent to you?
The Luxury Affair by Ryanna is my dream—a platform where creativity meets purpose. Through this brand, I aim to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage, which often risks being overshadowed in the pace of modern culture. It represents the art, finesse, and beauty of handcrafted work from across India.
The vision is to highlight traditional craftsmanship—whether it is Chikankari from Lucknow, Sozni embroidery from Kashmir, or Phulkari from Punjab—and present it on international platforms while preserving its grace for generations to come.
Can you give a specific example of how these values informed a major decision?
Luxury is not loud; it is intentional. Instead of following market waves or fleeting trends, we focus on handcrafted, delicately embroidered ensembles inspired by vintage artistry. Every creation is designed with subtle handwork and personalized detailing. Each motif carries a memory, and every thread tells a story.
We choose elegance over excess and guide our clients to appreciate timeless craftsmanship so that what they wear is not just beautiful but also meaningful and unforgettable.
Is it profit, impact, preservation of heritage, or something else?
The core vision of The Luxury Affair by Ryanna is the preservation of our cultural heritage in a way that meaningfully impacts society. The brand inspires women artisans to express their creativity through thread and fabric, turning their craft into masterpieces. At the same time, it encourages the youth to not only acknowledge but also appreciate and proudly adorn our rich heritage.
What’s the promise behind your enterprises?
The promise is to celebrate occasions with artistry, authenticity, and heart. Each piece reflects skilled Indian craftsmanship, patience, and passion, ensuring that when a woman wears it, she feels confident, graceful, and unforgettable. Inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi and the spirit of “Made in India,” the brand uplifts local artisans and traditional techniques while carrying India’s cultural legacy into contemporary fashion.
As a visionary entrepreneur, how do you see your business five years from now?
Five years from now, I envision The Luxury Affair by Ryanna as a celebrated global occasion-wear house, synonymous with refined Indian craftsmanship and modern elegance. The brand will expand from a beloved homegrown label into an international platform showcasing handcrafted heritage while empowering artisans across India. Rooted in “Made in India,” it will carry India’s creative soul onto the global stage with pride, grace, and purpose.
What do you say to women who see you as a role model?
Never shrink your dreams to fit the world; let your courage expand the world to fit your dreams. I am not just building a clothing label; I am building a legacy of dignity, hard work, and pride in our roots. Believe in your craft, stand tall in your values, uplift others as you rise, and wear your ambition as gracefully as you would wear your finest attire. A woman of true substance does not compete for crowns; she straightens another woman’s crown while rising.
Future Outlook
Where do you see this heading in the next few years?
We envision World of NeCh growing into a strong luxury gifting brand known for its quality and heartfelt craftsmanship. We aim to reach more cities and expand internationally while keeping everything handcrafted and personal. Our goal is to expand our network, empower more women artisans, and make World of NeCh a trusted name for meaningful, premium gifts.
Many women see your work as a form of women empowerment. What is your perspective?
Women empowerment is not just a slogan; it is about creating real opportunities. When women are able to earn with dignity, use their skills, and grow with confidence, true empowerment happens. Through my work, I hope to see women artisans feel independent, valued, and proud of what they create.
Handcrafted luxuries: are you confined to domestic distribution, or do you plan to export to other countries?
We do not want to remain limited to India. While our current focus is strong within the domestic market, our vision is also to take handcrafted luxury gifts to international markets. Our goal is to showcase Indian craftsmanship to the world while maintaining the same quality, attention to detail, and personal touch that defines World of NeCh.
