We were lucky to catch up with Lekhitha Ammaresh, Bharathi Caldwell, Isha Kondapalli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lekhitha, Bharathi, and Isha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

Participating in New York Fashion Week (NYFW) was definitely one of the craziest experiences we’ve had. It all began in March when we received the acceptance notice. We were ecstatic, but also immediately felt the pressure of what it meant to showcase our brand on such a prestigious stage.

As we dove into preparations, we quickly realized the enormity of the task ahead. We had to design a stunning collection that not only represented our vision but also highlighted our cultural roots. The whirlwind of coordinating everything—from sourcing materials to organizing models—was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The immediate feedback from attendees and the positive buzz on social media reaffirmed that our vision resonated with many.

Ultimately, this experience taught us invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability. Entrepreneurship is full of surprises, and staying focused during chaotic moments is key. Participating in NYFW was not just a highlight for our brand; it reinforced our commitment to our craft and the community behind us. It was a blend of chaos, creativity, and connection that we’ll carry with us moving forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Absolutely! We are the co-founders of Samsara by LBI, a Dallas-based brand specializing in lightweight, stylish South Asian wear with a modern twist. Our journey began when the three of us found ourselves at a point in our lives where we wanted to merge our passion for fashion with our cultural heritage. We saw a gap in the market for clothing that reflects both tradition and contemporary style, and that’s how Samsara was born.

Our collection includes a variety of clothing items that cater to diverse occasions. We focus on creating pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and practical. Many of our customers express the struggle of finding clothing that honors their cultural roots while fitting into their modern lifestyles. By blending traditional South Asian aesthetics with contemporary design, we aim to provide versatile options that resonate with our clients’ identities.

What truly sets us apart is our deep commitment to community and collaboration. We believe in fostering strong relationships with our customers, understanding their needs, and incorporating their feedback into our designs. Additionally, our approach to blending cultural heritage with modern sensibilities allows us to create unique pieces that you won’t find elsewhere.

We want people to know that Samsara is more than just a clothing line; it’s a celebration of cultural expression and creativity. We are dedicated to crafting pieces that tell a story and evoke a sense of belonging. Our goal is to continue innovating while staying true to our roots, and we’re excited about the future as we plan new product launches and collaborative events. We invite everyone to join us on this journey as we create meaningful connections through fashion.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One crucial lesson we had to unlearn is the belief that success is only defined by big milestones. Initially, we thought we needed to aim high and achieve grand goals to feel accomplished. However, through our journey, we realized that celebrating small wins is just as important—if not more so. Each small victory, whether it’s launching a new collection or receiving positive feedback from customers, contributes to our growth and motivates us to keep pushing forward. By breaking our larger goals into manageable tasks, we not only made the process less overwhelming but also cultivated a sense of gratitude for each step we took. This shift in mindset has been transformative, allowing us to enjoy the journey rather than just focus on the destination. It reminds us that every little accomplishment is part of a larger story, and that’s something we now cherish deeply.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

We were fortunate to start Samsara at a time when all three of us had stable incomes and the ability to invest in our dream. This financial stability allowed us to take calculated risks and invest in our brand without overwhelming pressure. It’s been a collaborative effort, pooling our resources to bring our vision to life while supporting each other throughout the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Samsarabylbi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsarabylbi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samsara-by-lbi/
• Twitter: https://x.com/samsarabylbi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SamsarabyLBI?app=desktop

Image Credits

Joseph Leal
Abin Thomas
Varun Narayanan
Ilavarasan Anbudurai