ABOUT SUMITA
Innovate I Inspire I Empower
With my roots spread across India, London, Iran and the US, I seamlessly blend authentic cultural insights with business consulting, all through a lens that embraces a global perspective.
Bio
Born in Greenwich, England, and raised by Indian parents that were born in Iran, Sumita Batra grew up migrating between India, England and Iran. She moved to the United States when she was 16.
Her family struggled and worked hard to create stability in a new country. When her mother decided to open Ziba Beauty in 1987. Sumita became the spokesperson for the business, producing events, and tradeshows to help grow the salons. Eastern street art forms like threading and mehndi were not present in the US, and Batra saw an opportunity to bring them to mainstream. She polished Ziba beauty and opened chic studios in major malls across California and a global trend was born.
A slew of major Hollywood celebrities hired Batra and Ziba Beauty to create Mehndi, and body art for music videos and magazine shoots. As a henna artist & Stylist, she has worked on A-List celebrities such as Beyoncé, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Aniston and many more. She became the CEO in 1998 and partnered with an international distributor to create and market kits for brands like The Body Shop, Eylure, and Walgreens.
Her passion for storytelling and cultural exchange led her to the world of documentary filmmaking. Her debut film, "Namas Kaar," delved into the sacred rituals of Sikhism, aiming to promote understanding and respect for these practices. Her latest documentary, "Em Didi," tells the inspiring story of educators from Ziba Beauty empowering survivors of human trafficking in Cambodia with vocational skills.
She is committed to using her platform for social impact and bridging cultural divides. Her career is dedicated to challenging the status quo, inspiring others, and creating meaningful change. Whether through leadership in the beauty industry, films, or advocacy work, Sumita strives to empower women, foster cultural understanding, and drive innovation.
Professional Highlights:
- Over 35 years of experience in brand development and strategic consulting.
- Renowned speaker on topics of women's empowerment and entrepreneurship.
- Author of "The Art of Mehndi," contributing to the global appreciation of mehndi art.
(2 Editions, 5 languages, over 100K books sold.)
- Founder of Sumita Cosmetics, expanded the brand to 22 countries and sold her shares.
- Founder of Ziba Cosmetics - A curated collection of signature brow products.
- Co-founder of The Pro Safety Group, advocating safety standards in the beauty industry during Covid.
- Has led in creating two global trends and categories within the beauty industry.
The Genesis of Ziba Beauty
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Embarking on a Business Venture
The establishment of Ziba Beauty in 1987 marked the beginning of Sumita’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship. Her role in promoting the business through events and trade shows was a humble start to what would become a significant endeavor.
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Broadening Horizons
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Ongoing Development
Sumita continues to contribute to Ziba Beauty's growth while consulting, brand building, empowering women, and filmmaking. Each step forward is seen not as a personal triumph but as an opportunity to learn, share, and connect.
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Supporting and Empowering Women
A core aspect of her work involves fostering environments where women feel heard and where creativity can blossom. For Sumita, empowerment is about lifting others up and learning from the stories and experiences they share.
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Storytelling and Cultural Connection
Sumita is motivated by a desire to tell stories that resonate and bridge cultural divides. Each project she takes on, is an opportunity to highlight shared human experiences and foster understanding.
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Guided by Values
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A Commitment to Growth and Innovation
As she looks to the future, Sumita remains focused on contributing positively to her fields of work. Her approach is one of humility, always seeking to innovate responsibly and inspire through example. Sumita Batra’s narrative is one of a journey enriched by diverse cultures, a humble beginning in business, and a continuous path of learning and sharing.
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