Meet: Chitra Peña
Founder of: Taari Maa
Tell us about your business:
When I became the mother of two Indian-Puerto Rican daughters, I embarked on a mission to share culture with my daughters through language. Established in 2019, Taari Maa is rooted in a passion for preserving language and breaking cycles. Taari Maa aims to pass down the beautiful parts of our cultures while simultaneously shifting towards a more respectful, reverent, and holistically accepting space for our children. Through bilingual Gujarati and Hindi books, toys, and learning materials, Taari Maa strives to cultivate cultural pride and self love.
What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out?
You won't know unless you try.
Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were first starting out?
My business has been a very organic reflection of my motherhood journey and, as such, has often developed very much in real time. Knowing what I know now, I would have quietly mapped out my next steps with the business a bit farther in advance of sharing publicly.
Name the biggest overall lesson you've learned in running a business?
The greatest rewards come from facing the most uncomfortable situations head on.
Does your culture influence your choices and decisions? If yes, how?
Absolutely! Taari Maa is rooted in my love for my native language which, for me, is a pillar of my culture. Taari Maa is also a strong advocate for breaking and redefining the parts of my culture that didn't serve me well (read: deference in the face of disrespect, patriarchy, misogyny).
The first questions I ask myself with any product or program idea I have is, "Is this a tool that will naturally attract children to learn a native language? Am I helping cultivate cultural pride *and* self love through this work?"
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build your resolve?
During my most difficult moments of self-doubt, I pause and look at my two daughters. I remind myself that they are my why, and that if I can encourage and inspire
Discover more:
www.taarimaa.com
@taarimaa
