creating books and toys that reflect heritage + home with akruti babaria (kulture khazana)
golden guide
building a resilient & connected #aanhpi community / celebrating #aanhpiexcellence anywhere & everywhere
field notes is a personal, behind-the-scenes look at our journey to constantly build and improve golden guide, the largest contextual platform of AANHPI businesses, restaurants, community organizations, and resources.
in this edition of field notes, we're talking to Akruti Babaria of Kulture Khazana, Inc. —read below to learn more about them!
how did you come up with your business idea, and how did it start?
As an immigrant, I had a very hard time integrating in high school. Those experiences always stayed with me and resurfaced when I had my son in 2017. I couldn’t find any toys or authentic books that reflected my home or heritage. So, I quit my full-time job and founded Kulture Khazana to serve families like mine and others curious about culture.
tell us about a fellow aapi restaurant, business, or community group(s) you’re a fan of. what do they do best? what makes them different?
Absolutely love The Chai Box Inc. —Monica, the founder has these fabulous chai blends which are handcrafted and made with so much love. She pours her heart and soul into Chai as well as the community.
what advice do you wish someone gave you when starting out your small business or that you think every business owner/maker should know?
Don’t wait until you have a product in hand to start networking. The day you decide to start your business, begin to grow your network with local entrepreneurs and the community.
what is a specific moment or memory has stuck with you on this journey as you build your business?
In 2020 when my business looked very different (curated books and in-person programming) I lost my business overnight as everything shut down due to COVID. I had a choice—to go back to work full-time or pivot. I was so determined in my purpose that I pivoted and I’ve never looked back since.
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if you had all the time and resources available to you, what would your business look like?
Would it be fun then? In all seriousness, it would be an international toy company sharing cultural stories through play and digital media.
what is the best way for folks to support you?
Please write reviews. It doesn’t cost a thing and means the world to a small business.
are you open to collaborating with others? if yes, what types of collaborations would you like to do or be reached out to for?
I’m open to doing IG stories, lives and learning about journeys with others. What a great way to learn from one another.
what brands (besides your own) in the gift guide will you be shopping at?
Light up plush stars from 8 Lucky Forests—my daughter is into plushies.
discover Kulture Khazana, Inc. & 300+ other small businesses, makers, and creators on golden guide's first-ever gift guide at aapigiftguide.com
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