Meet Lekhitha Ammaresh, Bharathi Caldwell, Isha Kondapalli | Samsara Co-founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lekhitha Ammaresh, Bharathi Caldwell, Isha Kondapalli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lekhitha, Bharathi, and Isha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Our story starts not just with a dream, but with a lot of heart—and a dash of chaos! We knew we wanted to create something special—lightweight, stylish South Asian wear that feels as good as it looks. So, we took a leap of faith and launched Samsara, driven by the desire to merge tradition with a modern twist. What really got the ball rolling? It was the realization that our community had our backs every step of the way. From our parents cheering us on (and helping with last-minute photoshoots!) to friends jumping in during the New York Fashion Week frenzy, we quickly learned that our journey is a collective effort. And here we are, proudly showcasing our culture and creativity, all thanks to the amazing people who inspire us daily.

What should our readers know about your business?
Samsara is a Dallas-based brand specializing in creating lightweight, stylish South Asian wear with a modern twist. What sets us apart is our commitment to merging traditional aesthetics with contemporary functionality, making our pieces not only visually appealing but also practical for everyday wear. We aim to offer clothing that resonates with our heritage while meeting the demands of modern lifestyles.

What we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built around our brand. From the very beginning, we’ve focused on fostering relationships with our customers and supporters, understanding their needs and desires. This connection inspires our designs and keeps us grounded as we navigate the fashion industry.

Getting to where we are today hasn’t been without challenges. Launching a brand requires significant effort, from sourcing materials to managing logistics. We faced hurdles like tight deadlines and the pressure of maintaining quality. However, our strong teamwork and open communication allowed us to tackle these issues head-on. We learned the importance of dividing tasks according to our strengths, which has been vital in managing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Throughout this journey, one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is to celebrate small wins. Initially, we were fixated on major milestones, but we discovered that recognizing and appreciating every step—whether it’s a successful launch or positive feedback from customers—fuels our motivation and growth.

We want the world to know that Samsara is not just about clothing; it’s about cultural expression and community. We’re dedicated to creating pieces that tell a story and evoke a sense of belonging. As we look to the future, we’re excited about upcoming product launches and collaborations that will further strengthen our ties to our roots and our community.

In summary, Samsara is a reflection of who we are and the values we cherish. We’re here to create, inspire, and celebrate the beauty of South Asian culture through fashion.

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?
We’d kick things off with brunch at a trendy spot in the Bishop Arts District, known for its delicious local flavors. After that, we’d explore the Dallas Museum of Art and catch a few exhibits. For lunch, we’d head to a popular food truck park to sample a variety of cuisines. In the afternoons, we’d take a leisurely stroll through Klyde Warren Park, maybe catch some live music or a yoga class. For dinner, I’d treat them to a fantastic meal at a renowned restaurant in Deep Ellum, followed by checking out some local live music. We’d definitely spend a night in the Design District, soaking in the vibrant art scene. And to wrap it all up, we’d visit a cultural festival or event happening in the city, celebrating the diversity and creativity that makes Dallas so special!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
At Samsara, we believe our success is a journey shaped by community and support. We launched this brand to blend traditional South Asian aesthetics with modern sensibilities, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in our lives. Our parents have been our rocks, always encouraging us, whether it’s offering advice or helping out with photoshoots. Our close friends have been lifesavers, especially during busy times like New York Fashion Week, where they coordinated everything from styling to logistics. Plus, the brown community has truly rallied behind us, showing up in ways we never expected. We owe so much to everyone who has supported our dream!

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
Abin Thomas