Our Team

Anchal is based on the philosophy that we can create positive change in the world through collaboration in design. We are a team of designers, storytellers, activists, and dreamers.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Colleen Clines

Co-Founder + CEO

Colleen values how design can become the tool for sustainable solutions to gender inequality, social injustice, and environmental degradation. She combines this passion as a social entrepreneur and impact designer through her work at Anchal. Colleen leads the overall strategic and operational planning for Anchal’s programs, partnerships, expansion, and execution of its mission.

A Louisville native with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky, Colleen earned her Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In 2013, she was named one of Public Interest Design’s Top Global 100 designers, Louisville Business First’s 2016 Forty under 40 List, and awarded the 2017 NAWBO Humanitarian Award. Colleen has shared Anchal's mission and design thinking model as a keynote speaker at gatherings including the Fair Trade Federation National Conference, NY NOW, the Ali Center's Daughters of Greatness Series, Creative Mornings Louisville and Alt Summit.

Maggie Clines

COO + Creative Director

As Creative Director, Maggie spearheads Anchal's design aesthetic and product development. Responsible for visually communicating Anchal's story through creative content, Maggie has successfully developed, designed, and grown Anchal’s brand into an internationally recognized organization. Maggie passionately manages Anchal's production & product design oversight, allowing for the success of multiple custom collaborations & innovative design solutions.

Maggie holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Kentucky & shares Anchal's belief that design can be the catalyst for social innovation, and education is the first step to creating positive change. Her drive for social impact started at young age & guided her through design school. Maggie has shared Anchal's unique business model as a keynote speaker at gatherings including the Fair Trade Federation National Conference and NY NOW but finds the most joy inspiring youth to make a difference by speaking at local high schools and KY Governors School for the Arts.

Ashleigh Bakken

E-Commerce Manager

Ashleigh oversees all of Anchal’s inventory, e-commerce management and customer relations. She’s a cruelty free skincare junkie, loves Bruce Spingsteen and her entire wardrobe is a capsule collection of vintage clothing.

Ashleigh graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, earning an Associates of Arts degree in Merchandise Marketing with a concentration in fashion buying. After spending the majority of her career in fast fashion, she now spreads awareness about the importance of sustainability and transparency in the textile industry.

Elizabeth Dumesnil

Account Manager

Elizabeth maintains and cultivates relationships with Anchal’s growing number of wholesale customers. She loves when new products arrive and seeing social media posts from happy customers. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys watching Netflix while drinking Earl Grey tea and shopping vintage.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Jefferson and Philadelphia University and strives to lessen her negative impact on the environment through her eating and conservation habits.

Shefali Modi

Stitch x Stitch Program Director

In her role, Shefali combines her talent for planning, merchandising, sourcing, love of fashion, and passion for empowering women. She focuses on production planning, training artisans, and executing the creation of the beautiful designs with our growing roster of Anchal artisans. Shefali loves traveling and running which teaches her different perspectives of life journey.

Before Anchal, Shefali spent 20 years working in small & large multinationals, the jobs which gave her in-depth knowledge of the retail textile industry. Today, Shefali has harnessed her inherited spirit of social service and has shifted from sourcing and designing for large companies to working with niche NGO organizations. Shefali is proud to have found her calling at Anchal and is thrilled to be able to use her experiences for a greater good.

Mel Simon

Operations Manager

Mel leads Anchal’s inventory management, product distribution and quality control while maintaining strong relationships with customers. She loves connecting with the team in India and seeing their designs sold all over the world. When she is not at Anchal, Mel loves to be outside and is also a barre and yoga instructor.

Mel graduated from the University of Kentucky and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art Administration and Art History. She has a passion for modern art, all things Kentucky, and her golden doodle, Pappy.

Anna Zimlich

Operations Assistant

Anna manages Anchal's order fulfillment as well as supporting with product photography, inventory, and quality control. She is passionate about women's issues and loves seeing the positive impact Anchal has on the community in India.

Anna graduated from Bellarmine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in both Sociology and Women's and Gender Studies. In her free time she loves to bake or spend time with her many pets.