About me

I am the ONLY person in the world like this: A Hindu, Indian (Tamil) American woman who is an Arabic/Islamic Calligrapher! My brand has never been done before. Why? To make a difference in this world.

Horrified by the animosity/negative perceptions as seen on media and that plague South Asian Hindu and Muslim communities, IhsanIshan was initially launched to celebrate both faiths, its shared traditions, educate, and bring about peace and understanding and to remind the world that India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, parts of Iran were all one landmass before colonization/partition, we share more than differ!

The brand now includes Black Lives Matter (a recipient of numerous awards for social justice, interfaith, and global change initiatives) and the Amazigh peoples of North Africa.

I have over 20+ years of experience working in the world of fashion, beauty, luxury, streetwear, museums, (I was the former head designer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art) and am the Hindu Chaplain of NYU/Columbia Universities, one of the very few Hindu Chaplains in the world. I have witnessed the misrepresentation and cultural appropriation of global cultures, traditions, and faiths throughout and felt the need to launch my own brand (combining my design skills, experience in product development, and interfaith work) to inspire peace, understanding, knowledge, change, and bring the world together!

I use the art of traditional Arabic Calligraphy (with a modern twist) to create compelling, thought-provoking, innovative, unique designs.

I create timeless, distinctive, unisex designs that appeal to a wide customer base, eliminating the term "fast fashion”. The products tell a unique meaningful story that changes one's thinking, fights negative stereotypes/biases, and makes a difference in one's life.

The concept/meaning of each design is even printed on the back of the garment! All products are eco-friendly, eco-conscious, and a part of the proceeds of every sale are given to a charity that works with the culture/community the design was inspired by.

I believe that art and design are the way to bring together diverse communities. It is a way to heal past traumas, phobias, fight stereotypes, etc. I believe in amplifying positive interconnected stories between global cultures. My mission is to engage all people/communities interested in knowing about the diversity of this world with products that include textiles, accessories, + custom design & commissions, all of which have a meaningful and powerful message/concept behind them to educate, start conversations, fight negative stereotypes, end racism by showcasing unique, positive/interconnected/uplifting stories, highlighting shared traditions, to build a more understanding, harmonious, compassionate, just world and global change in thinking.