Himalayan Roots to Bold Modernity– Sherab’s Soulful Journey of Courage, Culture, and Creativity
Leaving the corporate grind behind, Sherab followed a childhood spark and launched TharbusDesigns in the heart of a pandemic. Drawing from the raw beauty of Lahaul and Spiti and her global design sensibilities, she built a brand that fuses heritage with contemporary flair, proving that passion, persistence, and purpose can truly design a life you love.
Sherab, can you share a bit about your journey—what first sparked your interest in interior design, and how did it lead to the creation of TharbusDesigns?
I was fairly young when we got a new desktop and my mamu installed a software on it where you could build interiors, more like a game and I remember as a child enjoying that game for hours at stretch.
Fast forward to when I was in college, I really put in a lot of effort to beautify my dorm room. So, there wasn’t a singular moment of spark but a slow fire was always burning within. At 27, I finally decided to drop my career in corporate and take a leap of faith into the field of Interior Design.
TharbusDesigns happened because of Covid, my plan was never to start my own firm so early on, but I could not find a job after returning from Florence and I was going crazy staying at home and so this child of mine was born from my heart.
Transitioning from an MBA and corporate career to studying design in Florence is quite a shift. What was the turning point that made you take the leap?
I was professionally not very satisfied with where I was going career wise. I’d often question myself if this is really what I want to do for the rest of my life and the answer from within would always be a resounding no.
So naturally I would crib a lot about work but I was too scared to leave because we come from a middle class background and each mouth needs to feed itself to survive.
I remember this phone call with my mother where I started complaining again about work and she said “Oh there it goes again!” and that sentence was a jolt or a wake up call because it made me realize that I crib a lot and that shouldn’t be how life should be. That’s when I decided I wanted to do something else, something that makes me happy and excited about my work.
Your philosophy, “A bit of old with a bit of new,” is intriguing. How do you balance heritage elements with contemporary design in your projects?
I have a deep appreciation for blending old with new, drawing from the intricate woodwork, earthy textures, and muted tones of Himalayan architecture while infusing modern comfort and practicality.
The simplicity of mountain living—where every piece of furniture has a purpose, and materials are sourced sustainably—has shaped my preference for functional, clean, and budget-friendly designs.
Coming from Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti, how has your cultural background influenced your approach to interior design?
Growing up in a small town, surrounded by the raw beauty of Lahaul and Spiti and old villages of Manali, deeply influenced my approach to interior design. The region’s traditional homes, built to withstand harsh winters, emphasize functionality, local materials, and an organic connection with nature—values that are now central to my design philosophy.
This background also gives me an instinct for creating warm, inviting spaces, balancing rugged natural elements with contemporary elegance. Whether it’s incorporating handcrafted details from local artisans or ensuring a space feels like an organic extension of its surroundings, my Lahauli roots remain at the heart of every project I take on.
Starting a business from scratch is never easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in establishing TharbusDesigns, and how did you overcome them?
Starting TharbusDesigns from scratch was both exhilarating and daunting. Some of the biggest challenges I faced were:
Building Credibility Without a Big Portfolio
When I started, I didn’t have a vast portfolio or big-name projects to showcase. Convincing clients to trust me was tough. I overcame this byTaking on small projects and delivering beyond expectations. Using social media strategically to showcase my design process, mood boards, and transformations.
Managing Finances and Scaling Smartly
With no financial cushion or investor backing, I had to be extremely mindful of expenses. I tackled this by Keeping my team lean and hiring freelancers initially.
Navigating Free Work Expectations
Friends, family, and acquaintances often assumed I would take on projects for free or at deep discounts. This led to burnout and frustration. I dealt with this by:
Setting clear boundaries and politely but firmly insisting on fair compensation. Offering a small discount to close friends but maintaining professionalism. Prioritizing paid work while learning to say “no” when needed.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
The interior design industry is highly competitive, with many well-established firms. To differentiate TharbusDesigns, I focused on a personalized approach—being deeply involved in every project rather than mass-producing designs. Built a strong brand identity around my philosophy: “A bit of old with a bit of new.” Leveraged my unique background from Keylong and international training in Florence to bring a fresh perspective to my work.
Balancing Creative Vision with Client Expectations
Many clients came with unrealistic Pinterest-inspired ideas that didn’t always align with their budget or space constraints. I tackled this by:
Educating clients on practical design choices while ensuring they felt heard. Finding creative ways to balance aesthetics with function and budget.
Gaining their trust through transparency and clear communication.Looking back, every challenge helped me refine my approach, and today, TharbusDesigns stands as a testament to perseverance, passion, and a deep love for meaningful design.
Your firm has received prestigious awards and media recognition within just a few years. What do you think sets TharbusDesigns apart in the industry?
What sets us apart is our ability to create exceptional designs in regions where resources are scarce and skilled workers are hard to find. Every project comes with ten times the challenges, yet we consistently deliver high-quality results.
Our work is deeply influenced by the unique landscape and design language of these areas, allowing us to craft spaces that are both resilient and seamlessly integrated with their surroundings.
Sustainability and local craftsmanship seem to be central to your work. How do you incorporate these elements while maintaining modern functionality?
We blend sustainability and local craftsmanship by using region-specific materials, traditional building techniques, and skilled local artisans while integrating modern design principles for comfort and efficiency.
This ensures our spaces are not only authentic and eco-friendly but also functional, durable, and suited to contemporary living.
TharbusDesigns specializes in residential spaces, boutique stays, and cafés. Do you have a favorite type of project to work on, and why?
We love designing boutique spaces because they strike the perfect balance between the cozy feel of a home and the creative freedom to experiment.
Unlike residential projects, where we sometimes have to hold back, boutique stays allow us to push boundaries and create bold, unconventional designs. This fusion of comfort and creativity makes them our absolute favorite to work on.
Interior design is both creative and highly technical. What is your creative process like, from concept to execution?
After extensive trial and error, we have refined our process into what we believe is the most effective approach for us. Each stage is designed to ensure clarity, creativity, and precision.
Client Brief & Requirements – Understanding the client’s vision in detail.
Concept Boards – Developing and refining mood boards to establish the design direction. Initial 3D Sketches & Rough Renders – Translating concepts into preliminary visuals.
Structural & Demolition Plans – Preparing technical drawings for modifications.
Services Drawings – Integrating electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
Detailed Floor Plans – Creating precise layouts with functional zoning.
Sections & Elevations – Providing in-depth design details for construction.
GFC (Good for Construction) Drawings – Final technical documentation for execution.
Schedules – Organizing materials, finishes, and project timelines
Final Renders – Producing high-quality visuals for client approval.
As an entrepreneur and designer, what lessons have you learned about balancing creativity with business strategy?
Balancing creativity with business strategy has taught me that structure is essential for sustainable creativity. Not every idea is profitable, so I’ve learned to align my designs with market demand while maintaining artistic integrity.
Clear communication, pricing creativity correctly, and choosing the right clients who have the same vision as mine have been key. Passion alone isn’t enough—strategic planning, adaptability, and financial awareness are crucial for long-term success.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to carve their own path in the industry, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds?
Trust your unique perspective—it’s your biggest strength. Focus on building a strong portfolio, even if it means starting with small or personal projects. Learn the business side of design, from pricing to client management. The good clients will motivate you to work harder, the bad ones will teach you life long lessons, embrace both. Network; connections open doors. Stay adaptable, keep refining your craft, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Your background isn’t a limitation—it’s what sets you apart.
Looking ahead, what’s next for TharbusDesigns? Are there any exciting projects or goals you’re working towards?
We’re excited to expand our work in Ladakh, aiming to carve a unique design language that reflects the Himalayan region’s essence while making spaces more functional and resilient.
We’re also growing our team to take on larger, more ambitious projects that push creative and technical boundaries. The goal is to blend sustainability, local craftsmanship, and modern design to redefine mountain architecture and present to the world.
