Story & Lesson Highlights with Saadia Khan of Bay Area

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Saadia Khan. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Saadia , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me starts with reviewing our numbers — orders, traffic, and ad performance — to understand what’s resonating with our customers. Then it quickly shifts into creative and operational mode. Some days I’m on calls with artisans across the world – finalizing new pieces; other days, I’m curating photoshoots, writing brand stories, or connecting with boutiques interested in carrying Indus Threads.
Evenings are when I get my best creative energy — planning future collections & collaborations, designing packaging, or brainstorming campaigns that celebrate women’s strength and culture. It’s busy, but deeply fulfilling knowing every piece we sell empowers artisans and gives back to women-led causes.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After beginning my career in the heart of Silicon Valley’s technology industry, I realized that innovation didn’t just belong in boardrooms or code — it could also be a force for cultural connection and empowerment. With that vision, I founded Indus Threads, a brand born from purpose: to celebrate craftsmanship, elevate women, and connect global communities through fashion.

Indus Threads brings together my three lifelong passions — travel and discovering diverse cultures, a love for accessories, and a deep commitment to empowering women artisans. The journey began in a remote village in Pakistan, where I met women whose intricate embroidery sustained their families and preserved generations of tradition. That moment became my inspiration.

Today, Indus Threads is more than a fashion label — it’s a movement. It’s where affordable luxury meets conscious design and philanthropy, proving that style can be both beautiful and meaningful. Each piece tells a story of heritage, hope, and empowerment — crafted by artisans, for women around the world.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, my father. He was my pillar of strength — the person who instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and belief in myself. My passion for philanthropy and creating impact comes from watching him help others selflessly, no matter how busy life got. He was my biggest cheerleader, motivating me before every milestone — from school exams to job interviews — and reminding me that sky is the limit.

He taught me that there’s nothing I cannot achieve if I lead with conviction and compassion. Even though he passed away fifteen years ago, I still feel his presence — cheering me on, believing in me, and reminding me to keep writing my story on the canvas he helped me paint.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her to trust the timing of her journey — everything she dreams of will come together in ways she can’t yet imagine. The setbacks will shape her strength, and the uncertainty will lead her to purpose. I’d remind her that she is enough exactly as she is — bold, curious, and full of heart — and that one day, she’ll turn her passions into something meaningful that empowers others. Keep going, the dots will connect beautifully.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That fast fashion can be ethical and that luxury must come with exclusivity. The truth is, style and sustainability can coexist — you don’t have to exploit artisans or overproduce to create something beautiful. The industry often hides behind the illusion of “conscious collections,” while the real artisans, the people who handcraft the very soul of these products, remain invisible.

At Indus Threads, I wanted to challenge that narrative — to show that fashion can be both empowering and ethical. True luxury isn’t about price tags; it’s about purpose, authenticity, and the human hands that bring each piece to life.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in service — giving back, helping others, or contributing to something larger than myself. There’s a quiet joy in knowing that a small act of kindness can ripple into real change. My passion for philanthropy and empowering women comes from that space of purpose — it grounds me and reminds me why I do what I do.

And on a more personal level, nothing centers me quite like sitting by the beach with a cup of coffee, watching the waves. It’s my moment to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with gratitude — a reminder that peace is both in giving and in simply being.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
What would your closest friends say really matters to you?

If you asked your best friends what really drives you—what they think matters most in

When do you feel most at peace?

In a culture that often celebrates hustle and noise, peace can feel rare. Yet, peace

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?

Almost everything is multisided – including the occurrences that give us pain. So, we asked