Rina Shah, an Indian entrepreneur, has made her mark in the male-dominated world of polo, becoming India’s first woman polo player. Her success, however, extends beyond the field. She is also a renowned footwear designer and a DJ. This article explores Shah’s path to success, the challenges she faced, and her aspirations for the future.
Early Life and Background
Rina Shah developed an early fascination for design, leading her to pursue studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. After graduation, she returned to India and launched her brand, RINALDI Designs, which has grown into a successful enterprise.
Discovering Polo
Rina Shah’s journey into the world of polo began unexpectedly in 2010 when she attended a game with a friend. She became enamored with the sport and the majestic horses, inspiring her to learn to ride. She traveled to the USA, Argentina, and UK to master polo.
Making Her Mark in a Male-Dominated Sport
Despite polo being a male-dominated sport, Shah was undeterred. She faced considerable challenges, including lack of support from the polo community in India and skepticism about her ability to succeed in the sport, especially as a woman. However, Shah’s passion and determination prevailed. She formed her own polo team, RINALDI POLO, which features seasoned players like Chirag Parekh, Samir Suhag, HH Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, and Gaurav Seghal.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Shah’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from her early days. From establishing her successful shoe design brand to venturing into polo, Shah has always sought to innovate and make a difference. Her business acumen and creativity have fueled her success in both the sports and fashion worlds.
Impact on Women in Polo
As the first woman polo player in India, Shah hopes to inspire more women to take up the sport. She has sponsored women’s polo matches to promote participation and today, there are more women involved in polo in India than ever before.
Transition to Footwear Design
Interestingly, Shah’s foray into footwear design predates her involvement in polo. Her love for design and creativity led to the establishment of her brand, RINALDI designs. The brand has gained recognition for its innovative and trendsetting designs.
Rina Shah: Inspiration for Design
Shah draws her design inspiration from various sources, including nature, animals, and exotic locations. This creativity extends to both her shoe designs and her strategies in polo.
Setting Apart in the Fashion Industry
Shah’s footwear designs stand out in the fashion industry for their uniqueness and forward-thinking approach. She has always strived to create designs that are a step ahead of the trend, embodying her own unique expression and style.
Advice to Aspiring Women
For young women looking to follow in her footsteps, Shah emphasizes the importance of passion, hard work, and following one’s heart. She encourages them to think outside the box and create their own paths to success.
Future Plans
In the future, Shah plans to inspire more young people to play polo. She intends to form another team, RINALDI under 30, to provide a platform for young players to gain exposure and be inspired.
Balancing Polo and Footwear Design
Despite her busy schedule, Shah successfully juggles her time between polo and her footwear design business. Currently, she is focusing on healing from a polo injury and plans to return to the field in September.
Success Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Shah’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to follow their hearts and passions. She believes in thinking outside the box, making a difference, and helping others on the path to success.
Conclusion
Rina Shah’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, determination, and hard work. She has broken barriers in polo, created a successful fashion brand, and continues to inspire others with her story. As she forges ahead, she remains committed to expanding opportunities for young players in polo and continuing to innovate in the world of fashion.
