Discover 16 South Asian Businesses Run by Incredible Desi Moms
With another Mother’s Day upon us, it’s a popular time to give thanks for all that our moms have done – from feeding us a never-ending feast of delicious food to being by our side during our most important milestones (like our wedding day!). Within the Brown Bride community, we’ve also found many of these amazing moms are also successful entrepreneurs – juggling home & mom life with the rigors of running a wedding business.
The Brown Bride team would like to feature mom entrepreneurs within the South Asian community who are inspiring us with all they do. Keep reading below to find your favorite mom-owned business!
GlambyMitz
Launched business: 2018
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
DressYourFace was my inspiration. I have been following her work since I was in college. I enjoyed watching her dress up brides via her online classes. Later on in life I decided I also want to follow her footpath and become a bridal makeup and hairstylist. Now I am a licensed cosmetologist and also DressYourFace certified.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The high is the feeling of doing what you love the most. The low is struggling to make time to showcase your work. It gets really hard for me to create styled shoots while caring for a baby. I wish I had more time in my hand and able to showcase my work more often than I usually do.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Never say you can’t do something. If you put your heart to it, everything is possible. It’s all about altering your schedule and learning to balance family time and professional life.
Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants
Launched business: 2003
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I wanted to be in charge and run a business the way I wanted to run it.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The mommy guilt we all feel. Trying to balance everything.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Make sure to have a serious conversation with your family about the commitment they need to make and not only you. It is going to be a juggling act for at least the first 3 years. Get a mentor who can give you advice, a shoulder to lean on and the encouraging talks.
Masala My Life
Launched business: 2019
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I wanted there to be a place where South Asian Americans could shop and feel seen as Americans with this rich South Asian background.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
I love the flexibility of running an online business while still handling the things I do as mom to two teenage boys.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
You don’t have to do everything at once! You can certainly wait until your life allows you some free time. Careers and businesses can go in phases of your life.
The Purpple Closet
Launched business: 2018
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Mental Abuse and not being able to support myself personally for my own needs was the inspiration behind the business.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
Lows: Time management
Highs: Family Time
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Never give up on your dreams. Always be grateful for what you have and be positive.
Filza Naim Photography
Launched business: 2009
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
My love of capturing moments; preserving the moments to look back to and reminisce on all the beautiful memories I was making with all my loved ones and FOR others and their loved ones! 🙂
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The time, dedication, and balance. It is so extremely difficult to be able to balance the two together; especially when you have younger kids who need your attention. Finding the right balance is key!
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Like I said earlier, find the balance; make sure you are taking time out to take care of yourself, your kids, your family and then taking care of your business–which is kind of also like your child lol!
Hasuna+Haseena
Launched business: 2019
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
My children and culture have been my inspiration to launch my children’s ethnic clothing brand. I wanted to bring an essence of our culture to our kids while still being playful and comfortable.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The biggest low has been finding a good balance between managing my business and home while spending enough time with my children. On the other hand the biggest high is being able to work from home and taking a break whenever my children need me.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Take it as slow or fast as you need to. Starting your own business is not a race or competition with anyone. Find your own balance and it will eventually work in your favor.
Custom Garlands BK
Launched business: 2019
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I started off making some garlands for my uncle who came back from Hajj. My whole family loved them so much, they told me to start a business. From there, Custom Garlands BK bloomed.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The highs: always having feedback from my daughters. Also: extra hands for the cleanup.
The lows: sometimes it’s hard to juggle it all. It can get overwhelming between cooking, cleaning, laundry.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Just do it! Don’t let your fears stop you from being great. You can be a great example to your kids!
Fariha Wajid Photography
Launched business: 2014
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
When I first picked up a camera in high school, I realized how fulfilling it was to freeze moments with a photo and put a smile on a person’s face as they remembered the moment I captured it. The thrill of combining the art and technical knowledge of photography to tell a story through imagery is something that started as a hobby and developed into a passion that led me to starting my business. While I officially established my business in 2014, I started charging for events back when I was in high school and continued throughout my time in architecture school. I never thought my hobby would become a successful full-time business and it’s the most incredible feeling that keeps me going everyday.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
I love seeing how excited my 4 year old gets when I show her my work and explain to her what I do as my profession. Hearing her tell her friends that “Ammi is a wedding photographer” makes my heart melt every time. I love coming home to my daughters after a long day of shooting or editing and it just feels great to have my passion alongside my love of motherhood. But the downside these days has been managing work with taking care of both a toddler and an infant. I usually stay up late every night to edit and respond to emails since it’s the only solo time I get sometimes and managing that with the responsibilities of motherhood definitely gets tiring at times.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Don’t ever feel guilty for trying to manage your two passions of being an entrepreneur and managing a family, because it’s definitely possible to do both with a lot of organization, planning, getting help when you can, and a lot of strong chai/coffee!
Samabysirisha
Launched business: 2019
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I always believed that luxury fashion items should have a longer life and hence wanted to produce from the best of my creativity and convert it into realityI have been a woman of unwavering faith and fashionable tastes, where I combined both passion for the fashion industry and my ministry work into creating my own fashion line ” SAMAbySirisha “.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
Devoting time for designing, working with my team back in India and mainly marketing was a little challenging as my daughter was a year old and my son was in pre school back then and needed my attention and time. I wanted them to feel I am still there for them no matter what I am working on. My husband has been a big support especially when I am marketing myself out there. Always there for me and helped taking care of kids. I could see them feeling proud of where I stand currently as compared to where I started. My family has been my major support and pillar.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Follow your heart and make time for your passion or business. Don’t be afraid of failure and stay strong, things will work out eventually as you learn from your mistakes and it makes you more confident in everything you do. Most importantly don’t forget to ask for help if you need. Keep rocking you all beautiful moms.
Are you a desi clothing vendor? Sign up for a free business listing on Brown Bride!
Julkee Fashion
Launched business: 2014
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
The inspiration behind Julkee was to create unique south Asian clothing by repurposing saris or other materials. I had so many stacks of saris sitting in my closet collecting dust. Also as a new mom it became difficult to wear traditional saris so I started making more modern comfortable clothing that allowed for more free movement while also taking the style up a notch.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
Creating and running a business was very rewarding but also extremely difficult. Time management was a big factor in its success. There were some days where I had to just be a mom and be there for my kids and other days were I had to work and spend less time with them.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Have a plan, stay structured, and make sure to allocate time for yourself.
Manasi’s Art
Launched business: 2010
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Despite having a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, I ended up doing odd jobs. Then I found Henna in 2010 and I found a new career. Henna has inspired me to work hard and strive for what I enjoy despite the circumstances.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
I am my own boss – that’s definitely the biggest plus. This way I can block off Sundays for family or several days for vacation. Having said that, I also work 24/7 – would be the low. I have to plan my days off way ahead of time.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Be the role model for your kids that you want them to grow into- they are always watching and learning from you.
ZM Gajra Re
Launched business: 2012
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
After leaving my corporate life- I decided to become a stay at home mom. Truly blessing indeed- I always loved art & started making floral arrangements for family & friend back in 2012. More and more brides started asking about my fresh flower jewelry and here I am today.
In simple words, I wanted to keep that tradition we grew up with here.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
Managing a business and a family is hard but I definitely have a very supporting husband.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
You are you’re own competitor!! Reach for the stars ✨
Stylhawk
Stylhawk – Brown Bride 
Stylhawk – Brown Bride
Launched business: 2021
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
Being Indian and attending multiple occasions throughout the year, the business concept of Stylhawk came natural. We wanted to make South Asian clothing more sustainable, practical and affordable. Coming from a large family and an even larger circle of friends, thrifting and upcycling was a way of life so it just made sense!
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The lows are when it seems there is only one of you and you are being pulled in different directions with tensions risings both personally and professionally. It’s mentally challenging when you’re wearing your mom hat one minute and having to transition to work mode the next.
The highs are when things are running smoothly, you’re optimistic and in a happy place. Being able to have that work-life balance and making sure we are physically, mentally, and readily available for our family and other social obligations in our society today. The biggest high is when you see something you have created being valuable to others and used to their advantage. That is success.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Don’t just dream about it, do it! But remember take care of yourself first! Take that break, and continue once refreshed. You can’t be 100% successful in what you want to achieve when you’re only half there.
Priti Sweet Weddings
Launched business: 2004
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
My inspiration for starting my own wedding and event planning business was the passion to help brides bring their vision of their dream wedding to life. One of my favorite things about wedding planning is the friendship I build with my clients during the planning process and afterwards. I treat each event as my own. It brings me joy to see that I impeccably executed the most important day in my client’s life and I am able to leave them with Priti sweet memories.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
One of the perks of having my own business is the opportunity to have a flexible schedule. Although, as weddings are on the weekends that precious time is spent away from family too. Only the passionate last in the event industry with the sacrifices event leaders make in their personal lives.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Continue to keep family as your top priority by building a strong support system and everything else will fall into place as you juggle family and your own business simultaneously. A mom is a force to be reckoned with!
1979Hawaii
Launched business: ???
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
I moved to Hawaii follow my local lover, understand that I can full-fill my dream in earlier then I though since my husband is so talented and create anything my client and I can envision!
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
The highs is definitely have my own schedule and by fulfill my dreams my family have a happy mama.
The lows is planning a wedding take a lot of your time!!! so many is not cocking as much but my kids anyway love to eat out and support the community 🙂
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
DO IT! Nobody will do it for you!
The New England Priest
Launched business: 2018
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
My desire to learn about the Hindu Vedic philosophy was reignited once more by the constant struggle and confusion I was confronted with when my children, nieces and nephews asked me “Why do we do this ceremony?”, “What does it mean?”, during religious events at the temple and at home. Inevitably, these questions were followed by statements such as “I don’t believe in that…” or “That sounds outdated…”, so I was determined to answer their questions in a scientific and logical manner. I decided to go to Haridwar, India (one of the religious epicenters of India) for a month to live in and study at ShantiKunj Ashram and immerse myself in the Hindu teachings. There, I focused on learning and understanding the meaning behind Vedic rituals and ceremonies to address these common questions with grounded knowledge and understanding. My nephew also asked me to officiate his wedding ceremony, so I was determined to devote the proper time and energy to understanding the Hindu philosophy.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
I am in my 60s, so my children have started their own families at this time, but I am starting this business as a grandmother of 3 and as a second career. Not only is it challenging and scary to put yourself out there in a field that has historically been reserved for men, it’s equally intimidating to embark on anything new at my age. Each wedding and ceremony that I complete provides me joy, growth and confidence, which makes the challenges worth it.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
Believe in yourself, don’t worry about what others think and take joy in your work.
Finishing Touch Decor
Launched business: 2005
What was the inspiration behind starting your business?
At my own wedding I noticed a need for event designers and decorators, I always had an interest in design. My mother encouraged me to start my business and she was my business partner and mentor until her retirement.
What are the highs and lows of starting a business while raising a family?
I love the flexibility of being home when my children come home from school and creating my own schedule. One draw back is missing their sports games or just hanging out on the weekends.
Any advice for aspiring mom-preneurs looking to start a business?
DO IT! It will be challenging in the beginning, but will give you flexibility as your children grow!
Do you run a mom-owned business? List it for free on Brown Bride!
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