Meet Aaina Jain, Founder of Blu & Blue

In efforts to bring a sustainable, eco-friendly, premium denim clothing brand for kids, Aaina Jain-Malik founded Blu & Blue New York in 2015. A marketing executive-turned-entrepreneur, Jain combines her corporate branding experience from Estée Lauder, Jo Malone, La Mer, GAP and Banana Republic with her family’s 35-year heritage in manufacturing premium denim clothing for private labels. Born and raised in a world of textiles and supreme craftsmanship, Aaina has successfully achieved a well-designed contemporary clothing line for kids that is expertly made for children with quality you can feel. Headquartered in New York City, Blu & Blue has a global distribution network in more than 300 stores, including recent launch on Amazon fashion and partnered stores throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

My first job ever was… As a ​digital media planner ​in New York City. It was exciting and came with intense work hours!

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… I have always been working since a very young age, whether it was internships all throughout my college or after graduating from Emerson College, Boston, at power brands like Gap, Inc. and Estee Lauder, North America. It’s always been my dream to have my own brand. ​I believe in working towards your goals and wanted to get real work experience before I launched. ​It was just a matter of time.  

My proudest accomplishment is… Launching a brand and it expanding so rapidly in just two years, ​it’s a great feeling​!

My boldest move to date was… Starting the business in 2015 in the most competitive city in the world, New York City, and making it happen!

I surprise people when I tell them… ​I am just 35 years old! They are surprised how I have achieved and managed the business by myself. It’s a huge compliment and I am very appreciative of it.

My best advice to people starting a business is… Stay focused and work hard. ​

My best advice from a mentor was… Never rush into any decision. Sleep on it. Be calm and take your time.

“Never rush into any decision. Sleep on it. Be calm and take your time.”

I would tell my 20-year old self… You’re going to get there!

My biggest setback was… As a young girl coming to the United States from India for college was a big sacrifice for me and my family.

I overcame it by… ​Doing well in college and making my own path. ​It made me stronger and ​gave me a sense of purpose.

Work/life balance is… Work​/​life balance is in constant flux and unique to each situation, life stage and individual. ​​Putting my family first ​and getting my own “Me” time ​frees me to to bring my best self to work.

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… ​I am scared of heights.

I stay inspired by… Taking that time for yourself in the morning is not something many people do, but I highly recommend it. I try to stay away from my phone, emails etc. and just be in ​silence. Meditation every morning helps me clear my ​mind ​and ​center myself.

“Sustainability is an important part of our business and it’s very exciting to be recognized in that area.”

The future excites me because… Blu & Blue is growing and there is a lot to be done. Sustainability is an important part of our business and it’s very exciting to be recognized in that area. I am enthusiastic about bringing a sustainable, safe product to children that they’re going to love wearing every single day!

My next step is… Continuing to ​achieve my ​vision in expanding Blu & Blue. We opened new doors in Europe this year and we’re excited to only grow further from here.