We had the good fortune of connecting with Salma Korayem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Salma, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“the sun shines for everyone” meaning that blessings abound in this life and we don’t have to move through the world fearing for scarcity. Instead, we can see ourselves as part of a vibrant ecosystem that works in symbiosis with the environment to create generative, empathetic and expressive communities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Be Bindaas is a Beautiful Bohemian Block print clothing and textiles line, made in 100% sustainable cotton. Ethically Handcrafted, and made in small batches. We are Eco conscious💙 LA Based

Be Bindaas, means “carefree” & “Daring” in Hindi, it is a tribute to the Mughal Floral Motifs art, showcasing ethically hand block printed & crafted clothing sewn in 100% sustainable cotton. Our relaxed, breathable & soft clothing is easy to wear and easy to care for.

Based in Los Angeles, we are more than just a brand, we are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and ethical values, and celebrate the beauty of our planet while being responsible stewards of Mother Earth’s precious resources.

I’m a nomadic artist at heart, seeking inspiration from my adventures around the globe. I started Be Bindaas in 2017, curating timeless handcrafted treasures i would pick up in my global travel, from Turkiye, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Philippines, and India. I love traveling through villages and bustling markets, connecting with a supportive community of artists and artisans where art, culture, and beauty intertwine.
At the end of 2017, i started vending at the Silverlake Farmers Market on Tuesdays & Saturdays while keeping my job as a preschool teacher.
In 2021, i joined the Hollywood farmers market on Sundays to vend. We currently do pop ups around LA, South bay, and beloved Santa Barbara. We are hopeful to start a website soon..

In May 2022, we started to produce our own textiles & clothing line, using the enchanting tradition of block printing using Mughal floral motifs to create our beautiful, timeless made to last pieces.

Be Bindaas is passionate about being eco friendly, we use natural, handmade and nature-inspired fabrics for our textiles. We use sustainable 100% cotton, machine-free hand block printing methods and an aesthetic that celebrates nature’s abundance and symmetry.

Be Bindaas. Be Carefree & Daring.
Be kind to the Earth, one stitch at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love LA💙 i love taking visitors to the beaches usually.

I would take them to Abbot Kinney for blue star donuts & coffee, then walk down to Venice beach where we would rent a bike, and ride it on the beach path towards Santa Monica.
For lunch, i would take them to Persian food in West wood or Lebanese food (Sunin). In the evening i would take my guests to see a movie at the Hollywood forever cemetery.
The next day we would go for a hike at elysian park or a walk around the Silverlake reservoir, followed by courage bagels & philz coffee. For dinner, i would take my guests to little Arabia in Anaheim, we can get shawarma from zait & zaatar or shawarma loca, then pick up dessert from knafe cafe and end it with milk tea from Nubia Cafe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Afroz and aunty shafika Nasser, my best friend in Mumbai, who took me to the local market places, introduced me & connected me with tailors, and local artisans. There is so much beauty and hand made craft in India that inspired me to Dream & start Be Bindaas,

My Husband for supporting my dream, and making me believe in growing Be Bindaas. He has dedicated his time & energy for supporting this dream.

Aisha Sesay Taylor, for her passion about our brand, her belief, giving us her love, energy, and time.

My dad for making me think out of the box, about starting my own business and taking risks. He took me to my first India trip in 2009, where i fell inlove with india & met my best friend Afroz & her mom Aunty shafika.

My Brother Chiropractor & comedian Ahmed korayem.

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Bindaas.arts

Other: Email: bindaas.arts@gmail.com

Image Credits
Jenika Jensen Ana Nguyen Aisha Sesay Taylor

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.