I’m Aparna Patel, co-founder of Banjara. Banjara was started by my mother, Kamla Balani, who was fifty years old when she decided to realize this business as her dream. She aspired to do something creative after she spent her life raising her children.
My mother started this designer boutique with custom Indian garments for casual wear, wedding attire, etc. She also designed handcrafted jewelry using different materials from various parts of India to be constructed by local artisans.
I helped her market her products in retail and wholesale and decided to carry her passion forward by continuing this business in the U.S. for the last fifteen years. Although it began as a hobby, as demand grew, I started hosting jewelry parties and displaying my products at exhibitions around the DMV area.
Our goal at Banjara is to empower women of all colors and classes. My mother employed many struggling women in India to assist in the creation of these products and guide them to be self-sufficient. I strive to continue this mission by selling affordable, quality products with diverse designs to encourage women to find confidence through their individual style.
Aparna Patel (left) and her mother Kamla Balani (right).
