Her Story Begins As…

Every woman’s entrepreneurial journey begins with a spark—an idea born from passion, purpose, or even a casual moment. In this edition of Her Story Begins As…, we spotlight three women who turned their everyday inspirations into thriving ventures, each blending creativity, culture, and commitment.

1. Suganthi Chinnappan – Styling Dreams with Sana Collections

For Suganthi Chinnappan, a simple love for shopping with her sister sparked the idea for Sana Collections. A full-time software engineer and dedicated mom, Suganthi noticed a growing demand for affordable, high-quality Indian clothing and accessories in the U.S. What began as a passion quickly transformed into a business offering trendy ethnic wear, jewelry, and designer bags tailored to modern tastes.

Starting a business while managing her career and family was no easy task. Yet, with structured planning and drive, she carved out time for her entrepreneurial dream. In just 15 months, she built a loyal customer base and grew her social media following to over 1,800, successfully launching three different product categories – clothing, jewelry, and designer bags. Her vision for Sana Collections is to make it a trusted brand known for style, affordability, and customer care.

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice, and most of all, love what you are doing.”– Suganthi Chinnappan

Follow Sana Collections for the latest updates and exclusive offers: Instagram & Facebook: @sanacollectionsllc

For inquiries, contact: [email protected] | (408) 679-3715

2. Priya Dhuwalia – Creating Moments That Matter

Priya Dhuwalia’s journey from IT engineering management to event décor was driven by a desire to follow her creative instincts. Though her professional background was rooted in software and problem-solving, her true passion lay in transforming spaces with thoughtful, personalized touches. Encouraged by friends and family who admired her DIY decorations, she founded Celebrate You Events & Decor—a business that curates beautiful, affordable celebrations tailored to each client’s vision.

Switching industries came with its share of challenges. Educating clients on the value of professional décor, pricing services competitively, and carving out time for family—especially during busy weekends—was difficult. However, Priya built a support system by hiring a marketing agent and a designer and taking scheduled breaks to recharge. Two key lessons from Priya’s entrepreneurial journey are that client experience is everything and that when in doubt, one should not quit but work harder instead.

Now, with a growing list of happy clients, she’s preparing to launch a mid-scale event center to expand her offerings and enhance client experiences.

“When life gets hard, I know I’m headed in the right direction.” – Priya Dhuwalia

Celebrate You Events & Decor – Transforming Every Occasion:
Instagram: @celebrate.you.eventz
Facebook: Celebrate You Eventz
Email: [email protected]

Swathi Undavalli – Crafting Cultural Connections

Swathi Undavalli’s love for traditional Indian decor began at home, where she took joy in adding artistic touches that reflected her roots. When friends and family admired her unique style, she saw an opportunity to turn her creativity into a meaningful business. That idea became CrafterDuo—a brand offering handcrafted home décor and jewelry inspired by Indian heritage.

Based in Cedar Park, Texas, Swathi’s mission goes beyond design. She aims to bring a sense of belonging to those who miss the warmth of traditional artistry, while also giving back—donating 5% of profits to support artisans. Her biggest challenge was reaching the right audience, but she adapted by participating in local events, collaborating with influencers, and customizing her offerings based on customer feedback. Recently, she expanded her offerings to include art jewelry, which has been receiving an enthusiastic response. She believes that mentorship plays a critical role in long-term business success.

As she looks ahead, Swathi envisions CrafterDuo as a widely recognized name for handmade elegance that connects culture with creativity.

“Don’t hold back your success by postponing tasks. Set goals for each day and take action. Conduct thorough market research and pursue what makes you happy. Passion will keep you motivated through challenges.” – Swathi Undavalli

Connect with CrafterDuo at
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @CrafterDuo
Contact: 508-292-2319

–Priyanka Puppala is the Founder and President of the Austin Indian Women in Business Inc. ( A Nonprofit Organization) in the USA.