Meet Sushmitha Pidatala

Sushmitha, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Thank you. Optimism isn’t always innate. I think it’s a mindset nurtured over time. It comes from knowing that there’s only one me. What do I mean by that? I mean I am firm in my resolve and confident in my knowledge that Arjuna’s designs and patterns are each the unique brainchild of my visions, my concepts and my determination to promote the South Asian aesthetic in a trendy, stylized way. A way that resonates with sophisticated customers who appreciate home goods and accessories which pay homage to the old but which fit in seamlessly with the contemporary styles of a modern-minded creative consumer.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Arjuna is an online décor and lifestyle brand for the modern home. It’s a company whose mission is to provide the market with consumer goods that I — and people like me with similar tastes and design sensibilities — could not easily purchase through the mainstream.

All of our goods and accessories share a design aesthetic that is uniquely South Asian-inspired. But the beauty of our product lines is that they don’t smack of the camp or cliche that one typically finds in this space. Our goods are elegant, understated, functional and cater to the modern home design enthusiast.

These are consumers who are not just South Asians, mind you, but people who hail from different ethnic and even socio-economic backgrounds. Regarding affordability, we deliberately market our goods at accessible price points so they’re within reach for a broader customer tier than what you would typically find in relation to more elite luxury brands.

Another aspect of our mission is to provide a platform to identify and promote artists and artisans throughout the world — with a focus on South Asia — whose unique handicrafts, designs and works seek a more expansive audience. The idea here is that as we grow, so too do the creatives whose voices we aim to amplify.

Beyond an online bazaar, Arjuna remains a dynamic marketplace of ideas — a portal championing artists and creatives worldwide, where raw talent and authentic expression converge.

So what are we up to right now? The team and I are working in our new collection, titled “Surya”. It’s an exciting new product offering exploring the themes of love and light. Set to debut later this year, in November.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Resilience

2. Consistency

3. Focus

The above three qualities have each been common denominators for me in my entrepreneurial journey. They’ve kept me balanced, honed and free from the shackles of distraction, self-doubt and confusion — just a few of the myriad poisons that frequently sink first-time business owners.

For those just setting out on entrepreneurial journeys of their own, my advice is to be firm in your commitment to these qualities (or whatever others one opts to prioritize). Let them be more than just motivational concepts, but rather actualized sentiments. That is to say, make sure your qualities seep through into and inform every business decision you make, every pivot you take and every new idea that you either embrace or dismiss.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Giving me the gift of travel. By letting go and letting me explore the world, they provided fresh, new perspectives. They facilitated my understanding that the world is comprised of so much more than what I was familiar with. That there are multiple pathways to various end goals. That individuals from various walks of life each share divergent hopes, dreams and ambitions. But despite all that, there’s still a powerful, resonating unity underlying all the diversity. Common threads that binds us all together as members of a global community. This has had a profound impact on me, Not just as a productive member of society, but also as a designer, artist and business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arjunadesignstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arjunadesignstudio/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arjunadesignstudio/
• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arjunadesignstudio