About Me — Nishant K.
Martial Artist / Illustrator / Traveller / Fashion Buyer / Love meeting new people
Hey buddy,
I’m Nishant Kumar, and my story begins in the quiet villages of Vaishali, Bihar. Growing up in a family where the simplest things, like a full meal, weren’t always certain, taught me the true meaning of resilience and gratitude. I come from humble beginnings, and those early years shaped the foundation of who I am today. The struggles of my childhood weren’t just hardships; they were lessons in perseverance, in finding hope even when the road ahead seemed uncertain.
After finishing my schooling in Patna, I dared to dream bigger and moved to New Delhi, where I joined NIFT to pursue my passion for fashion. Graduating in 2014 was a proud moment for me, but my real test began when I tried to step into the working world. For two long months after campus placements, I knocked on countless doors — every rejection felt personal, like a blow to the dream I had nurtured for so long. It was tough. I was ready to accept any job, no matter how low the pay, but it seemed like the world wasn’t ready to accept me.
In those moments, I returned home to work at our family shop, my dream feeling a bit further away. But sometimes, life throws you a lifeline when you need it most. I reached out to my college director, and she connected me with the renowned design studio Abraham & Thakore. When they offered me a job, even with the modest salary, I took it with an open heart. I was given the chance to learn from legends like David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore, and Kevin Nigli, and what they gave me was more valuable than any paycheck.
For 2.5 years, I grew under their guidance, learning the craft of design, the art of fashion shows, and the soul of creativity. I had the incredible opportunity to work on fashion shows across India — in New Delhi, Rajasthan, Bangalore — and even in Sri Lanka. I wasn’t just building a career; I was finding my place in the world of fashion, and I was becoming the person I had always dreamed of being.
But as much as I loved that chapter of my life, I knew there was more I wanted to explore. I took a leap and joined a buying house in New Delhi, where I immersed myself in the fast-paced world of fast fashion. I spent years traveling to factories, developing designs for buyers in the USA and Europe, and understanding the heartbeat of this massive industry. It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge made me more determined, more hungry to push my boundaries.
In 2019, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and moved to China as a Fashion Merchant & Designer. This was an entirely new world — new culture, new language — but I embraced it all. I led a team of designers, learned Chinese at a conversational level, and even trained in martial arts from an Italian instructor. Living in China during the pandemic was surreal, but it also gave me the chance to reflect and grow. I used the time to enroll in Harvard University’s Online Entrepreneurship Development course, turning a time of global uncertainty into a period of personal growth.
My journey didn’t stop there. After China, I spent several months in Vietnam, where I worked on formal menswear collections for institutional clients. This time taught me so much about how fashion can bridge cultures and how design can speak a universal language.
Today, I’m based in Dubai, working as a Fashion Buyer and Illustrator for a well-known brand. My role allows me to collaborate with people from all over the world, and every day feels like another step forward in a journey that’s still unfolding. I’ve come a long way from those early days in Bihar, but I carry those roots with me — every lesson, every hardship, every ounce of strength I gained from my upbringing is woven into the fabric of who I am today.
I don’t have a dog yet — still waiting on my wife’s approval — but I look forward to the day when we can welcome one into our home. For now, I’m continuing my martial arts training and working on freelance illustration projects in my spare time.
I have joined Medium recently to share my life journey and learning, and everyday new learning that am gaining.
Life has taken me across countries and cultures, from India to China, Vietnam to Dubai, but through it all, one thing remains constant — my belief that compassion, perseverance, and the willingness to learn can take you anywhere. I’m always open to connecting with people who share that same spirit, so if my story resonates with you, let’s get in touch. I’d love to hear your journey, too.
Images used in above biography is owned by author
