Sanaya Set — A Seasonal Subscription Box That Serves a Real Purpose for Womxn of Color

by Rida Islam

Dallas [Intuitive] is passionate about using our platform to nurture a creative community and support individuals who are challenging the norms. Representation begins with us, so we along with countless others use our voice to talk about diversity, mental health, culture, social issues, and issues pertaining to womxn of color all within the scope of creativity and inspiration. We have never been solely a platform for fashion, but rather focus on the cross-section of arts, culture, and fashion as a medium through which we talk about the forces that surround us. Ultimately, we believe that there is more to our time here beyond the material and we are committed to making a positive impact in our communities.

It is especially inspiring to see that we are not alone in our thinking and that there are tons of fearless womxn who are making moves, such as the ladies from Sanaya Set. Sanaya Set is a company that sources and curates lifestyle products that promote self-care and social justice. Tarul, Sandy, and Tejal—the ladies behind Sanaya Set—were influenced by their first-generation upbringing and focused on intersectional feminism and the equality for race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, class, and religion. Remaining true to their mission, each product sourced for the seasonal set is focused on social justice and equality.

Each seasonal box is a reflection of their values and focuses on collaborating with womxn-owned businesses, and even better—the founders designate 10 percent of the net proceeds towards a different nonprofit each season. So, for the spring set, they’ve chosen to donate to the American Civil Liberties Union —a national organization that works daily in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Below are all the beautifully sourced items you’ll find in the spring set:

  • The Sudara “Anju” robe was one of my favorites and is handcrafted in India by womxn working to remain free from sex slavery. Sudara is a Certified Benefit Corporation and each purchase goes towards creating jobs for these resilient womxn looking to take back their lives. The robe was super soft & versatile, so you could even wear it out over a tank and destroyed denim.

  • The Claws Out nail polish in “Resistance” designates 10 percent of their proceeds to the ACLU as well. It’s a vegan, five-free, family-owned business that makes great quality nail polish. I frankly don’t like to get my nails professionally done, so I loved the convenience of a high-quality lacquer in this bold red color. It was super easy to apply and fast drying.

  • Hi Wildflower’s “Gulabi Gang” lipstick is an ethically sourced, vibrant pink lip color inspired by the Gulabi Gang, a movement of womxn in India combatting domestic violence. I love experimenting with lipstick shades, especially when there is cute packaging involved, plus there is something really special about wearing a color that represents the strength of the Gulabi Gang.

  • “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is a New York Times bestseller and a captivating autobiography about Maya Angelou’s life. The book is both light & dark at times, highlighting the struggles of African Americans and the complexities of race & culture. I haven’t finished the book in its entirety yet, but I have always been such a fan of Angelou’s work, and I live for this writing style.

  • Theo is an organic and fair trade certified chocolate company that supports families in Congo and Peru. Their Bread & Chocolate bar is 70 percent dark chocolate. While I particularly don’t like dark chocolate, I actually enjoyed the saltiness of the breadcrumbs and frankly chocolate in any form is always a good thing, right?

  • Nandi Ramotar’s lotus necklace is a delicate piece that would be perfect for everyday wear or even to layer with other necklaces. The lotus represents resilience and proves that even from the depths, beautiful things grow, which I found really inspiring.

What makes Sanaya Set different from other subscription boxes is that there is a real sense of understanding and intention into each of these products. There are no fillers, every product in the box is carefully curated and embodies a different type of social consciousness, which I find to be impactful. Sanaya Set proves that as womxn of the diaspora, we can use our resources to incorporate social consciousness into the mainstream while advocating for the marginalized.

It doesn’t have to be complicated and can be as simple as supporting your local brown girls and being aware of your impact as a consumer. So if you’re looking to explore new brands and make an impact, visit Sanaya Set’s website to learn more about their mission and products, and place an order today


Rida Islam is a Dallas-based creative who loves talking mental health, culture, arts, food, and fashion. She’s worked professionally in mental health for the past decade and is the Chief Editor for Dallas [Intuitive], as well as the founder of Rida’s Pop-Up Shop.
By Brown Girl Magazine

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17 Ayurvedic Beauty Brands on our Radar Right Now

Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.

The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.

Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.

[Read Related: The Budget-Friendly Beauty Guide you Need This Spring Season]

Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.

Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.

Soma Ayurvedic

Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.

 

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Sama Tea

If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.

 

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Sahajan Skincare

Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.

 

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Shaz and Kiks

This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!

 

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Ranavat

Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.

 

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UMM Skincare

UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!

Zaila

Give your skin the best by adding ZAILA to your daily skincare routine! Click here and start shopping!

Taila

This brand is all plant-powered, and we’re here for it — you should be too! Check out their full range of products here.

Inde Wild

Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.

 

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Mango People

I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!

Kama Ayurveda

Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!

 

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Forest Essentials

According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.

 

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Koppen Ayurveda

A brand made for modern living, their essentials are all worth a shot! Start shopping here!

 

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Aavrani

Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!

 

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Delhicious

Plant-based skincare, anyone? Delhicious has got everyone covered, so click here and fill your baskets!

 

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Pratima Skincare

Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!

 

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Fable & Mane

Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.

 

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[Read Related: 10 Clean Beauty Products That’ll Have you Winning on Earth Day]

In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.

By Hrishika Muthukrishnan

Raised in North Carolina, Hrishika Muthukrishnan spent 18 years thinking there wasn’t much to the suburbs before she discovered how … Read more ›