Mansi Dasadia’s career has been a seamless blend of creativity, problem-solving, and impactful work. From designing luxury furniture to creating social documentaries that highlight crucial societal issues, Mansi’s diverse experiences have shaped her unique perspective and approach. With her deep-rooted passion for storytelling, business, and design, Mansi has continually sought to innovate and create solutions that resonate on both an emotional and functional level. This story dives into her journey of balancing creative passions with a strong sense of purpose, ultimately making an impact in various fields.
The Genesis of Da Furniture Studio: A Collaborative Vision
One of Mansi’s most significant professional endeavors is Da Furniture Studio, a design venture she co-founded with her husband, Dhaval Dasadia. Together, they curated and built designer furniture and interior solutions that blend high-end luxury with affordability. The vision behind Da Furniture Studio was to challenge the traditional notion that luxury design is unattainable for the average person. By focusing on quality craftsmanship, stylish designs, and value for money, Mansi and Dhaval have been able to bridge the gap between opulence and accessibility in the world of furniture.
Their work quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to design, especially with the fusion of contemporary aesthetics and practicality. Da Furniture Studio became known for offering architectural-curated pieces that seamlessly integrate into various home and office environments. They worked tirelessly to create timeless designs, and their efforts have earned them recognition in prestigious design publications like Architectural Digest and Architect’s Diaries. Mansi’s deep passion for creating functional, yet beautiful pieces that transform spaces speaks volumes about her dedication to delivering quality while making luxury furniture more accessible.
A Passion for Storytelling: Social Documentaries with a Purpose
While furniture design has been a significant part of Mansi’s life, her love for storytelling and social impact has always driven her to explore pressing societal issues through the medium of documentary filmmaking. Her films explore topics that are not just informative but evoke thought and encourage change.
One of her earliest documentaries highlighted the struggles and pride of Indian soldiers, shedding light on their selfless contributions to the nation. The project was widely appreciated and garnered attention from national media channels like Sahara and Dainik Bhaskar. The documentary not only captured the emotional toll of being in the army but also celebrated the courage and commitment of the soldiers who serve the country. It was a project close to Mansi’s heart as it captured an aspect of Indian life that often remains underappreciated.
Another project that Mansi took on was focused on India’s entrepreneurial spirit. She interviewed top business leaders in Indore to explore the challenges and triumphs of building successful businesses in India, aligning with the “Make in India” movement. The documentary served as a source of inspiration, shining a spotlight on India’s evolving business ecosystem and its potential for growth. By capturing the stories of successful entrepreneurs, Mansi’s work aimed to inspire young, budding entrepreneurs to pursue their business ambitions and contribute to India’s ever-growing economy.
Perhaps one of her most courageous works was a bold documentary she created on banned businesses, especially focusing on alcohol consumption. Mansi interviewed national leaders to understand their perspectives on the social, ethical, and cultural implications of such practices. This topic, often avoided in public discourse, is one that Mansi took on with tremendous sensitivity and courage. She used the documentary to spark critical conversations on taboo subjects, forcing people to reconsider their approach to controversial issues and challenge the status quo.
A Deep Commitment to Education and Innovation with Gearon
In addition to her contributions in design and filmmaking, Mansi is also deeply committed to the field of education and innovation. She founded Gearon, a design-thinking community aimed at helping businesses innovate through structured frameworks. Gearon provides companies with the tools, frameworks, and strategies necessary to embrace creative problem-solving, enabling them to tackle complex challenges and seize new opportunities.
Through Gearon, Mansi has been able to merge her passion for design with her interest in business development. By using design thinking as a strategic tool, she helps organizations from various sectors think differently, innovate, and create impactful solutions. This initiative is one of Mansi’s most significant contributions to both education and the business world. Gearon is more than just a platform—it’s a community where businesses can learn, grow, and evolve through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Mansi’s goal is to create a ripple effect that encourages organizations to think outside the box and adopt forward-thinking approaches to problem-solving.
Research at IIT: A Foundation for Transformation Learning Systems
Before delving into the world of design, filmmaking, and business, Mansi’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her career. During her time at IIT, she worked as a research assistant under the Humanities Department. Her research focused on building transformation learning systems, exploring new ways to improve education and learning experiences. This work instilled in her a strong sense of the importance of structure and methodology when it comes to creating positive changes in any field, be it design, business, or education.
This early exposure to research and academic rigor helped Mansi understand the value of a systematic approach to problem-solving. It also provided her with the tools necessary to analyze and develop creative solutions in a structured manner—skills that would later serve her well as she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with Dhaval at Da Furniture Studio and later with Gearon.
Working at IIM: A Step Towards Operations and Leadership
After her stint at IIT, Mansi joined the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) as an associate in operations. There, she supported the Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) participants, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys. This role honed her leadership skills and gave her the ability to understand the broader operational needs of large institutions. Working in such a dynamic environment allowed her to develop a holistic view of business operations, which she would later apply to her own ventures.
Mansi’s experience at IIM not only gave her valuable insights into business operations but also strengthened her desire to help others learn, innovate, and grow. It was here that she realized the importance of mentorship and guidance, which she would later incorporate into her work with Gearon, helping businesses innovate through design thinking.
Da Furniture Studio’s Impact on the Industry
Da Furniture Studio continues to be one of Mansi’s most fulfilling professional projects. Beyond offering affordable luxury, the studio has set a new benchmark for the furniture industry by introducing design-led, architect-curated pieces that elevate interior spaces. The company’s ethos revolves around merging functionality with beauty, and its success is a testament to the power of thoughtful, accessible design.
In addition to their work in furniture design, Mansi and Dhaval have also contributed to Ashok Furniture and Dee Furnishings, a legacy business established by Mansi’s father, Ashok Dasadia. With guidance from renowned architect B.V. Doshi, these businesses have continued to thrive, further solidifying Mansi’s dedication to preserving family traditions while pushing the boundaries of innovation in design.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Education, and Impact
As Mansi looks to the future, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries in the fields of design, education, and business. Through Gearon, she aims to continue expanding the reach of design thinking, helping more businesses tackle challenges creatively and drive innovation. In furniture design, she remains focused on offering high-quality, architect-curated pieces that redefine luxury and affordability.
At her core, Mansi believes in creating meaningful change—whether through her work in design, education, or storytelling. Her career is a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose, and her efforts to make a lasting impact continue to inspire others to think creatively, challenge norms, and innovate for a better tomorrow.
Conclusion
Mansi Dasadia’s journey is a shining example of how diverse passions—design, education, and storytelling—can intersect to create meaningful and impactful work. From co-founding Da Furniture Studio to creating social documentaries and launching Gearon, Mansi’s dedication to innovation, creativity, and social impact is evident in everything she does. As she continues to grow and evolve in her career, Mansi remains committed to leaving a positive imprint on the world—one design, one idea, and one conversation at a time.
