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

Hi Sumita, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Our business started 38 years ago, when my mom lost her job. She had three kids and a Beauty license. We used to go to shop in Little india in Artesia and one of our friends Mrs. Jyoti Nagrani from then Sari Boutique encouraged us to open a salon on Pioneer Blvd. When mom lost her job, she decide to take a risk and we converted the 400 square foot storage of an Indian restaurant in the first Ziba Beauty.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in my diverse background and extensive experience. Growing up in a multicultural family, I’ve always valued storytelling, cultural exchange, and inclusivity. My work has revolved around promoting beauty traditions that weren’t widely recognized in the U.S. and bringing them to mainstream attention.

At Ziba Beauty, I saw an opportunity to elevate Eastern beauty techniques like threading and mehndi into fashionable, accessible experiences for everyone. As I became CEO, my vision expanded to include not just the artistic aspect but also the broader cultural impact of what I was doing. We launched chic studios across California and worked with major Hollywood celebrities, helping mehndi and body art find a place in global trends.

However, the journey was not without challenges. Building a brand while maintaining authenticity required dedication, and staying ahead in the beauty industry demanded constant innovation. I learned the importance of listening to my community, embracing challenges as opportunities for creativity, and adapting to changing trends.

Beyond beauty, my passion for storytelling led me into documentary filmmaking. In projects like Namas Kaar and Em Didi, I wanted to shine a light on untold stories and use my platform to drive social impact, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding.

What sets me apart is my commitment to both artistic and social change. My brand isn’t just about beauty products or services but about fostering understanding, empowering women, and inspiring others to challenge the status quo. I’ve dedicated my career to driving meaningful change, and my mission is to bridge cultural divides while empowering people globally through beauty and storytelling.

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?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d share a personal journey through the places that have shaped my life and work, starting with Pioneer Blvd in Artesia, the heart of my brand, Ziba Beauty. I’d also explore my favorite spots in Orange County and squeeze in a day at the spa.

Day 1: Pioneer Blvd – Little India
We’d kick off with breakfast at Udipi Palace, savoring authentic South Indian dosas. Afterward, we’d stroll along Pioneer Blvd to visit the Ziba Beauty headquarters, sharing how my brand grew from this vibrant community.

Day 2: Jewelry and Boutique Shopping
We’d start the day by visiting Bhindi Jewellers and Highglow Jewellers to explore their exquisite 22-karat collections. Lunch would be at Rajdhani, enjoying a delicious Gujarati thali made by a talented family. In the afternoon, we’d shop at local boutiques like Mansha, Frontier Heritage, Loveleen Sari Palace, Lubna’s, Karmik, and Yasmin Boutique.

Day 3: Arts and Culture
After breakfast at Zinc Café in Corona Del Mar, indulging in my favorite Huevos Rancheros, we’d explore the art galleries in Laguna Beach. A walk on the beach, followed by sunset watching, would be magical. The evening would include checking out the designer boutiques at South Coast Plaza, then dining at AnQi.

Day 4: Laughter and Leisure
A stroll around Balboa Island in Newport Beach would reveal charming boutiques, and lunch at Mozza would be a delightful treat. Back in Artesia, we’d join a class at NDM Bollywood Dance Studios if available. Dinner at The India Restaurant would cap off the day with Chicken Tikka Masala and samosas.

Day 5: Spa and Comedy
We’d unwind at the spa at Pelican Hill or The Montage, have lunch there, and then enjoy a comedy show at the Irvine Spectrum or Brea.

Day 6: Relax and Home Cooking
A day of relaxation at home would be perfect, catching up over my mom’s delicious homemade food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this Shout Out Series to my mother Kundan Kaur Sabarwal the founder of Ziba Beauty. She has been the pillar that helped us with our foundation. She deserves more than just a little credit in our story. There would be no Ziba Beauty without her hard work, perseverance and dedication to not only her business but to her family.

Website: www.zibabeauty.com
www.sumitabatra.com

Instagram: @thezibabeauty @sumitabatra

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumitabatra/

Facebook: ZibaBeauty

Youtube: Ziba Beauty

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