Free-flowing with energy and thoughts
Fashion has always been a big part of Hansika Chhabria’s life. It's less about following trends and more about creating something meaningful. That’s the reason why ‘One Less’ has deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. In an exclusive interview with Corporate Citizen, Hansika Chhabria, entrepreneur and founder of One Less, talks about her work philosophy and how she maintains work-life balance
Corporate Citizen: How do you set out your priorities to keep your work and personal life balanced?
Hansika Chhabria: Honestly, I don’t have a very distinct line between work and life because my work is such a big part of who I am. It’s all intertwined in the best way possible. A lot of who I am reflects in the work I do, and that’s what keeps it meaningful. Setting strict boundaries isn’t really possible or necessary for me. I don’t need much to clear my mind, I thrive in solidarity. So, spending some time with myself, binge watching some reality TV or hanging out with friends, helps with recharge and refocus. I believe it’s all about finding balance in the flow, rather than separating the two completely.
CC: What is your philosophy of life?
My main philosophy is not to take anything too seriously, including myself. I believe in free-flowing energy and thoughts, without rigid structures. Life isn’t meant to be spent stressed, it’s meant to be enjoyed. I think it’s important to do things that help others and the world around you. At the core of everything is kindness. At One Less our motto “Be Kind” is personal to me, and I strive to embody that in all I do. It’s not always perfect, but I’m always working towards making sure that every interaction leaves a positive impact.
CC: How do you define yourself?
I see myself as someone who’s always guided by purpose. Sustainability isn’t just something I do through my work, it’s how I live my life. I’m deeply committed to making a positive impact, whether it’s through the clothes we create at One Less or the choices I make day-to-day. For me, it’s about being intentional in everything I do, making sure that my actions, both big and small, align with the values I believe in.
CC: What is your strength?
I’ve never been someone who gets easily stressed, and even when things do get overwhelming, I don’t let it linger. I think my real strength lies in my ability to acknowledge stress, deal with it head-on, and then move forward without dwelling on it. I don’t waste time getting caught up in frustration—I just turn focus to what needs to be done and start working on solutions. I truly believe that being able to stay calm and composed, especially in challenging situations is a strength that has helped me grow the brand and personally.
CC: What is your passion in life?
My passion is creating meaningful change, both within and outside of the fashion industry. I want to prove that sustainability and style can coexist and that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. It’s not just about selling clothes, it’s about changing the way people think about what they wear and how they consume. This is what drives me every day.
CC: What is your management mantra?
Collaboration is everything. I believe in treating everyone on my team as a partner, not just an employee. We’re all working towards the same vision, and open communication is key. Mutual respect and the ability to listen to each other’s ideas are at the heart of my management style. We’re in this together, and that’s what makes us strong.
CC: Your source of inspiration?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration. It reminds me of why we do, what we do, to protect this beautiful planet we live on. Whenever I’m feeling stuck or overwhelmed, a walk outside or even just being around nature brings me back to what’s important.
CC: How has your journey been so far?
It’s been an incredible ride, full of challenges and triumphs. There have definitely been moments of doubt, but seeing the impact we’re making and the community we’ve built has kept me going. I’ve grown so much, both as a person and as a business owner. Every obstacle has taught me something new, and every success feels that much sweeter because of the hard work behind it.
CC: What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?
What I enjoy most in life are the simple things — spending time outdoors, travelling to new places, and soaking in different cultures. There’s something about being in nature that brings me peace and a sense of clarity. I love the feeling of getting away from it all, whether that’s hiking in the mountains or just walking by the sea. It helps me reset and reflect on what really matters. I also enjoy moments spent with family and friends, sharing a meal or having a good laugh. These are the times that remind me how important it is to stay connected to the people and places that ground me. For me, it’s not about extravagant experiences, but those quiet moments that help me feel present and grateful for all the things I’m lucky enough to have.
"At One Less our motto “Be Kind” is personal to me, and I strive to embody that in all I do. It’s not always perfect, but I’m always working towards making sure that every interaction leaves a positive impact"
—Hansika Chhabria
CC: How do you de-stress?
When things get overwhelming, I rely on small, simple rituals to help me unwind. My go-to is starting the day with a walk; it helps clear my mind and sets a calm tone for the day. I also enjoy a cup of Matcha tea, which has become a bit of a personal ritual for me. The process of making it and taking a few moments to just enjoy it, helps me pause and reset. If I need more of a break, I’ll take time to watch something lighthearted like reality TV, which is my guilty pleasure. It helps me switch off my brain and escape for a little while. I find that I don’t need much to clear my head — it’s really about giving myself permission to step away and recharge, even if just for a short time. That way, when I come back to work, I feel more focused and ready to tackle whatever’s ahead.
CC: What is your fitness regime?
I’m a big fan of pilates and strength training. Both help me stay energised and focused throughout the day. I try to make time for daily movement, even if it’s just a short walk, to keep my mind and body in sync. Staying active helps me maintain my energy levels and gives me the mental clarity I need to tackle my day-to-day tasks with focus and creativity.
CC: Your mantra for success?
My mantra for success is rooted in patience and persistence. I’ve learned that the most meaningful successes don’t happen overnight — they come from consistent effort and a lot of determination. It’s about putting in the work day-after-day, even when the results aren’t immediately visible. I also believe in staying true to your core values, especially when faced with difficult decisions or pressure to compromise. Success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about maintaining integrity and making sure that every step forward aligns with your greater purpose. Trusting the process and having faith that the right opportunities will come if you stay committed is key. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t happen as fast as you’d like, but I remind myself that good things take time, and that persistence is what transforms dreams into reality.