Hi, I'm Ria Gupta, founder of After Five.
My dream of working in fashion started when I was very young. I still remember being in 2nd standard and being asked what I wanted to become when I grew up. While many of my classmates had different answers, mine was simple—I wanted to be a fashion designer.
I still have a diary from those days, and written inside it are the words "Fashion Designer." At the time, it was just a childhood dream. Looking back now, it feels like the first chapter of the journey that eventually led me here.
Life didn't take me there immediately. Growing up, I convinced myself that fashion design wasn't for me because my drawing skills weren't the best. So after finishing school, I chose a different path and pursued a BBA to learn about business.
After graduation, I worked as a digital marketer, gaining valuable experience and learning how brands are built. But deep down, fashion was always calling me back.
Then I discovered an MBA in Fashion Business. The moment I came across it, something just clicked. It felt like the perfect blend of everything I loved—fashion and business. Without overthinking it, I applied.
And something amazing happened.
I was awarded a scholarship for the program. To me, it felt like a sign that I was finally moving in the right direction.
I went on to complete my MBA in Fashion Business from Pearl Academy, and for the first time, I felt closer than ever to the dream I'd carried since childhood.
That dream became After Five.
I created After Five for women who love dressing up but don't want to choose between feeling comfortable and looking beautiful. Women who appreciate thoughtful details, flattering silhouettes, and pieces that feel modern, feminine, and effortlessly wearable.
The name After Five represents the moments that belong to you. The hours after work, after responsibilities, after the busy part of the day—when you're meeting friends, going on a date, travelling, celebrating, or simply enjoying life's little moments. I wanted to create clothing that's made for those moments and the women who live them.
Starting After Five is more than launching a fashion brand for me. It's the fulfilment of a dream I've carried for years, and I'm so grateful to have you be part of this journey.
Thank you for being here.
With love,
Ria Gupta
Founder, After Five