Women do run the world, judging by the many female vendors who displayed their creativity and business acumen last weekend at the South Asian Literature and Arts Festival at Menlo College in Atherton, Calif. on Oct. 7, 2023. Take a look at what these South Asian women are accomplishing!

Fatima Aslam and Zareen Abbasi, co-founders of kishmish, a brand that creates nostalgic South Asian products. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Alak Nanda, Founder of PODI life, a South Asian pantry brand. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Maria Jafferji, Founder of Of the Root, an Ayurvedic products brand. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Neeshi Founder Gita Vellanki with her mother Devi Janumpalli. Neeshi sells healthy treats for better periods and hormonal balance. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Kivvi Founder Vishakha Shah. Kivvi sells vegan footwear. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Anita Mehta, owner of Marigold Row, which sells artisanal and contemporary clothing. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Pallavi Sarup, founder of Hameesha Project, which sells natural dye kits. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Sajani Amarasirim founder of Kola Goodies, which sells chai latte blends. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Premojwala Ramakrishnan, founder of The Peacock Avenue, which sells South Asian-inspired gift boxes. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Artist and vendor Pragati Sharma Mohanty in front of her painting of a scene from the Ramayan. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Manasvi Bhatia Bhushan, founder and creative director of the jewelry line Surmeyi. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Gazal Kothari, founder and creative head of the jewelry line Hyperbole Accessories. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local
Private Chef Rubab Waheed, founder of Babo’s Kitchen. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local

Sree Sripathy joined India Currents as a staff photographer and CatchLight Local Fellow as part of CatchLight's California Local Visual Desk program in June 2022. Reach out with story ideas or comments...