Sumsaara
San Jose, California
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Jannat: Sumsaara
I am a designer by heart, by head and by my lifestyle:) Graduate of Industrial Design from San Jose State University. I live, breathe, dream design. My head is full of ideas, my heart wants me to handcraft it locally and my lifestyle urges me to make it environmentally responsible
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
Sumsaara means the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth... We try to echo this in our personal philosophy by combining functionality and aesthetics while using renewable, sustainable, and recycled products as far as possible. In short, it must be beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
I like to design everyday lifestyle products which push boundaries, transform into works of art, and which you are dying to show off. They should be conversation pieces. All my life I have looked at everyday objects and wondered how can I make it more aesthetically appealing, how can I make it more versatile and yet minimal, and how can I make it more eco conscious. I am happy that I am able to put all these in my creations
What makes your business unique to the industry?
My products invoke a sense of excitement, joy and wonder. All my products have a unique thinking outside-the -box dimension to them which is a first in the category they belong to. They are beautiful, locally made and use eco-friendly materials including packaging as far as possible.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
Capital was an initial roadblock which was greatly helped by crowdfunding through KIVA.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
Our products before the pandemic were designed to be carried to an event or when you are on the move. Since the pandemic restricted social events and focused more on home, family and of course, Zoom meetings, we came up with puzzle trays for the home and family and DIY earring kits for the kids and adults alike where you can design your own stunningly beautiful earrings and stand out in your Zoom meetings where everybody would say - where you get those and you get to say - I made them!!
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Definitely thinking up new ways to re-define a product. My head is full of ideas and I love to give them life
What is your *must do* local activity?
Yes, absolutely I love to eat out. I know all the local cupcake places including the cupcake food trucks!!
Where to find Sumsaara:
Website: www.sumsaara.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sumsaara
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumsaara.designs