At POPxo we are always looking for more – more fun stories, more interesting insights and, of course, more style leaders. Our Style Council is brimming with women who are everything inspirational – thought leaders in their own right, style mavens people look up to and of course, strong women with stronger messages – they change the world we live in.
We are absolutely delighted this month to welcome our newest Style Council member, Payal Kadakia! Fabulous, vivacious and amazing, Payal is CEO & Co-Founder of ClassPass and Artistic Director of The Sa Dance Company.
Payal has been a “dancetrepreneur” since the age of three, when she started training in Indian classical and folk dance. It was her passion for dance, entrepreneurship and making the world a more active, happy place that led to the founding of Class Pass. ClassPass is a membership programme for fitness classes across multiple gyms and studios, making working out more engaging, accessible, and affordable. Having launched in 5 cities and with over 400,000 reservations, the company is transforming the way people work out.
With over 25 years of dance experience, Payal also founded The Sa Dance Company, a contemporary Indian dance company. She has led the company to achieve tremendous community support, sold-out performances, celebrity endorsements and positive reviews in The New York Times, MTV, and prominent South Asian publications. Payal has been described as “the dancer possessing not only the stand-out talent, but the undying passion, congenial disposition and sharp business savvy to be truly a force to be reckoned with”.
Prior to founding ClassPass, Payal worked as a consultant at Bain & Company and in the Warner Music Group’s Digital Strategy and Business Development Group. Payal also has a degree from MIT in Operations Research and Economics. And she’s one big fitness freak! But just in case this isn’t enough information, we asked this stylish lady some fun questions so you could get to know her better. Consider this our official welcome to the awesome POPxo Style Council. Over to Payal…
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1. How does it feel to be part of the Style Council at POPxo?
I feel honoured, as I’m a huge fan of POPxo! Every woman has her own style – and I’m excited to share mine.
2. What’s your personal style statement?
I’m a dancer, so I think that comes out in most of what I wear. I often go with simple black and white, but I might throw in a big or patterned accessory every once in a while.
3. A few designers that you love and wear often?
4. A fashion icon you look up to?
Eva Longoria – we’re both petite women with a little colour.
5. Your biggest guilty pleasure?
Strawberry-flavoured sour straws!
6. Your first fashion purchase? Why is it special?
7. Your first fashion memory?
Given that I grew up being enamoured with Bollywood actresses, I remember wearing a bindi to parties in high school and college, ’cause I thought it was so pretty!
8. A beauty product you swear by?
9. If you could live in one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Leggings and a flowy white top with a cheetah print scarf – that’s my style!
10. Your last purchase and why it’s worth it?
My
Bulgari Sunglasses – love them! They fit my face and protect my eyes, of course.
