Paaie, a South Asian-American fashion brand, marked its first anniversary, on August 9, 2025, with a vibrant celebration at its Dulles Town Center store in Sterling, Virginia.

Co-Founded by the Gupta family: Mayank, Anjali, Yashvi, and Riya, the store’s first anniversary is a testament to Paaie’s strong connections, unwavering commitment, and the belief that when dreamers become doers and achievers, they lift their entire community with them.

The event brought together community members, business leaders, and local officials, creating an atmosphere of “warmth, gratitude, and shared success.” It reflected Paaie’s role not just as a business, but as a hub for cultural connection and community spirit.

Loudoun County Treasurer and Commonwealth of Virginia Treasury Board Member, Henry C. Eickelberg, presented the Gupta family with the Service Excellence Award on behalf of the Treasurer’s Office. He praised Paaie’s resilience and determination, acknowledging the significant effort required to thrive as a small business.

In her opening remarks, Board of Directors member for the Virginia Foundation for Humanities & Public Policy and Co-Founder of the South Asian Business Council, Aparna Madireddi, thanked everyone for joining and supporting Paaie’s journey. She reflected on the idea that there are three types of people “dreamers, doers, and achievers” noting that Paaie embodies all three.

Madireddi reminisced about the store’s opening, recalling that many of the guests present for the anniversary were also there on day one. She credited the Gupta family’s dedication and expressed her joy in seeing Paaie become not just a retail space but a gathering place for the community.

State Delegate Geary Higgins, representing Virginia’s 30th District, spoke about the vital role of small businesses in the economy, calling them the true backbone of the country. He congratulated Paaie on its anniversary and offered his support for their continued success, noting that the government is always ready to assist small businesses that strengthen the state’s economic fabric.

President and CEO of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Tony Howard, joked about working on a Saturday to celebrate Paaie’s milestone. Howard congratulated the family and recognized their hard work and hope as keys to success. He also applauded the launch of the Paaie Academy, an initiative to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing parallels to the county’s own Young Entrepreneur Academy.

Speaking on behalf of Dulles Town Center, Kristi Osinga commended Paaie as one of the mall’s best tenants. She highlighted the energy, passion, and commitment the store has brought to the shopping center and expressed pride in the mutually beneficial partnership between Paaie and the mall.

Mayank Gupta, co-founder of Paaie, expressed heartfelt thanks to all attendees and speakers. He recognized special guests including Srinivas Chavali, Owner of Dulles Town Center Mall; State Delegate Higgins; Eickelberg; Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce & Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia; Scott Pio, Loudoun GOP Chairman; and Madireddi.

After the speeches, the celebration continued with a cake cutting, marking both the store’s anniversary and Anjali’s birthday. Secretary Segura also joined the gathering and met with the Gupta family to learn about Paaie’s journey and express his support.

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