AJ Majumdar (WSUC ’93), Founder of Fashion Lifestyle Brand Area Stars, Talks About His Experience with the NYU LGBTQ+ Alumni Network
“I recently celebrated my 25th anniversary with my husband and business partner, Scott. During my time in the [LGBTQ+ Alumni] Network, I have made strong connections, and some of the guests at our big celebration included young couples we met through the network,” says AJ Majumdar (WSUC ’93) [he/him], a board member of the NYU LGBTQ+ Alumni Network. “We had our party near NYU, so it truly felt like a full circle moment being surrounded by friends I have had since my days at NYU, along with new friends from the network.”
AJ is a dedicated LGBTQ+ Alumni Network volunteer, having served on the group’s board for four years. When asked what motivates him to stay involved with the University, he answers, “My initial motivation was to give back as someone who may be a bit older than most of the members. I have also received a lot in return, through new connections and expanding my own social network.”
Outside of AJ’s involvement with the NYU alumni club, he is the founder of Area Stars, a sustainable, ethical, and charitable women’s contemporary fashion lifestyle brand. The brand sells to luxury retailers around the world, like Rent the Runway and Nordstrom. “The key to our success is giving back. We donate excess inventory and samples to Housing Works, an NYC-based non profit known for their thrift stores around the city, whose proceeds go to benefit those living with HIV/AIDS,” says AJ. “We have just partnered with ENVSN, a NY-based charity that helps empower women of color through social and fashion events. We are now a key sponsor for their events by donating apparel and jewelry.”
Read on to learn more about AJ’s journey from his days at NYU to becoming a business owner, how the University has played a role in his success, and how alumni can get involved with the NYU LGBTQ+ Alumni Network.
Why did you start Area Stars and what are some overall challenges you’ve faced in doing so?
We wanted to find a way to build a fashion brand on the ethos of women being a ‘star’ in their own ‘area.’ We also wanted to be in control of how much is given back from our brand directly to charities.
We are primarily a wholesale brand, which means buyers from retailers come to our showroom to view our collections and then decide if they will buy our brand. We are constantly having to create new collections and new concepts in order to maintain their interest and this is the hardest part of our job.
As a charitable brand, we have to watch our profits, which can be tough since retailers these days are always pushing us to have lower prices. This eats away at profits and therefore how much we can donate.
What are you most looking forward to down the line as far as Area Star goes?
We recently launched men’s jewelry at all stores and online at Nordstrom Rack; as a man, it is exciting to finally wear my own designs! We are always looking to expand and just got the good news that a major national retailer is launching our first ever outerwear collection.
How did your education and experience at NYU bring you to where you are today?
I had to work while at NYU, sometimes many jobs at a time. One of those jobs was being a club promoter, which introduced me to club kids and rising fashion stars. That ignited a passion in me to find ways to be part of the business and I was recruited while at NYU to join the executive training program at Lord and Taylor.
What are some of the ways that you’ve seen the LBGTQ+ Alumni Network evolve since joining?
I joined during Covid, so it is so nice that we are back to in-person events! We’ve been ramping up for Pride month and just went through a major evolution by electing a new president, Amanda Lehrer (SPS ’16), and recruiting some new alumni as board members as well.
What has been your favorite LBGTQ+ Alumni Network event?
My favorite event was representing the alumni network at the NYU LGBTQ+ graduation ceremony. I was touched by the students' level of pride and enthusiasm. I was also honored to be able to cord each student. On June 8, I hosted a Christopher Street historical walking tour followed by a happy hour at Posh and was super excited about that!
How can alumni get involved with the LBGTQ+ Alumni Network?
The easiest way to get involved is to join our club, which you can do by joining the LBGTQ+ Alumni Network listserv (Communication Preferences > Affinity Clubs > LGBTQ+ Alumni Network).
Updating your communication preferences means you’ll get invitations to LGBTQ+ events where you can mingle and get to know others within the community.
What did you study at NYU and was your favorite memory or experience at NYU?
I studied politics and economics. My favorite memories are those with my friends at Rubin and Carlyle, most of whom are my closest friends today.
What advice would you give to NYU alumni who are just starting a business or still in the dream phase of starting their own business?
I would strongly recommend taking on internships with smaller companies. The students who want to be entrepreneurs will only learn what it takes to do many jobs by working at smaller companies first and foremost.