Sussanne Roshan

How did you get involved with www.thehomelabel.com?

This is a brainchild of my friend Preeta (Sukhtankar) and me. For a while now, we had wanted to enter the e-commerce market, but with a special product. I loved the idea of offering customers a website where they could have access to a designer shopping experience at great value. The products on the website reflect my design aesthetics. We also plan on giving design solutions to our customers.

So, you haven’t just lent your name to the venture?

Oh no! My biggest problem is that I get too involved. At times, people have to tell me to back off (laughs). Everything from the logo to the products and different looks that you see, has been put together with so much detail. There is no way I wouldn’t be completely involved. It’s very important for me that I give my whole to everything that I am involved in. Otherwise, what is the point?

You have a very high-end design store called The Charcoal Project in Mumbai. How is thehomelabel.com different?

Well, The Charcoal Project is my store that has designer products. It’s a brand that feeds the needs of a certain audience. The website focuses more on accessories and creating a look. There is no similarity between the store and the website because the buyer is different. thehomelabel.com is aspirational. It gives its customers a chance to live in their dream home without spending too much money. I think the USP of thehomelabel.com is our price point.

Tea Time (left) and Console Table — two looks designed by Sussanne

How would you describe your aesthetics?

The most important aspect of doing decor for me is to get a feeling of the space and what it requires. I don’t like to restrict my style. I believe I am a student in the world of design. I love all kinds of design elements and more than that, I love to mix them up. The one underlying philosophy that runs through my designs is attention to detail. Whether it is a bungalow, an apartment or even a table, it’s important to be precise and have clarity of thought.

What is an absolute no-no when it comes to home decor?

You can’t generalise design. What would work for one might not work for another. There are three basic elements that I work with. To begin with, how much natural light does the space get. Ceiling height can make or break a place. Also, it’s important that the house is architecturally seamless. You can’t have accessories that overpower the space.

How do you manage to juggle your career, being a star wife (to Hrithik) and a mother of two boys (Hrehaan and Hridhaan)?

(Laughs) When you enjoy doing what you do, you make it happen. I don’t waste any time during the day and follow a very strict timetable so that I don’t spend too much time away from my boys. Time management is very important for any working woman.

Most star wives are content being pillars of support to their husbands. How important is it for you to have your own identify?

Honestly, my biggest pillar of support is my husband. He has always given me the support that I needed. I am where I am because of him. I am so thankful, seeing how much he believes and supports me, he’s pushed me to work better. I want to prove that the faith he has in me is justified. For me, it’s not about being a star wife or not. To begin with I am an individual and I have my own identity. No matter how big or small your contribution is, every woman should be independent.

Karishma Upadhyay