Katy Spada's Pajama Company Celebrates Multicultural Families

Hi, Katy! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hello! I’m Katy, the founder of My Desi Fusion—a vibrant lifestyle brand dedicated to celebrating South Asian heritage through everyday products. As a mom of two multicultural kids, I was inspired by my own family’s journey to create products that blend the rich traditions of Desi culture with modern life. From colorful pajamas for festive occasions to stylish swimwear inspired by Indian landscapes, My Desi Fusion is all about embracing culture, creating memories, and adding a touch of heritage to your daily routine. Let’s celebrate our roots, one beautiful product at a time!

Who are your customers?

My customers are multicultural families like mine, who value celebrating their South Asian heritage in everyday moments. They’re parents, like me, who want to blend Desi culture with modern traditions while raising kids in diverse environments where multiple cultures are celebrated. They seek a connection to their roots and love creating memories through unique products that reflect their vibrant traditions. My customers are moms, dads, and caregivers who are looking for ways to elevate their family celebrations—from Diwali to Christmas—and keep the joy of our shared heritage alive.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before starting my own business, I spent over a decade in project management, finance, and supply chain roles at companies like Microsoft, Columbia Bank, and Intel Corporation. I also hold an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in Music, Business, and Psychology from Dominican University of San Rafael. My journey has been enriched by international experiences, including volunteer work with the US Peace Corps, the Liberia Philanthropy Secretariat, and Intel Education Service Corps. These diverse roles taught me the importance of cultural connection, adaptability, and the drive to make a meaningful impact—all of which inspired me to create My Desi Fusion.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I took the leap to start my own business when my then four-year-old daughter asked for Diwali pajamas while we were celebrating at home. We always had matching Christmas pajamas, and her simple request made me realize how much she wanted to see our culture celebrated in the same way. That moment sparked something in me—I wanted to create a space where families like ours could find products that honor our heritage. Beyond that, I also wanted to be a role model for her, showing her that we have the power to create the lives we want through hard work and passion. Starting My Desi Fusion was my way of embracing our traditions, uplifting our culture, and building something meaningful for my children and others like us.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I didn’t really know how to turn those dreams into reality until I discovered Tony Robbins. His teachings completely transformed my mindset, and after attending all of his workshops and hiring one of his coaches, I finally gained the clarity and confidence I needed to take the plunge. Tony’s approach taught me that we’re capable of so much more than we often give ourselves credit for, and it pushed me to take action on my ideas. That journey was the turning point that empowered me to create My Desi Fusion and bring my vision to life.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge I’ve encountered so far has been navigating the complexities of textile design and manufacturing. As someone who didn’t come from a fashion background, learning to manage production timelines, quality control, and sourcing sustainable materials was overwhelming at times. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned—delays, design changes, and unexpected costs all tested my patience and resolve. But through it all, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding the right partners who share my vision. This challenge taught me that every setback is an opportunity to learn, refine, and grow stronger. It’s made me more resourceful, and I now approach obstacles with a problem-solving mindset, knowing that each hurdle is just a step closer to building the business I’ve always dreamed of.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of to date is seeing the joy and connection my products bring to families, especially when parents tell me how much it means to have their cultural heritage represented in their homes. But the moment that truly stands out was launching our Diwali pajama line—an idea sparked by my daughter’s wish to celebrate our traditions just as we do with other holidays. Hearing from parents who now have a special way to include their kids in the festivities, and seeing photos of little ones proudly wearing their Desi Jams, fills me with so much pride. It’s a reminder that My Desi Fusion is not just a business; it’s a way of empowering families to embrace their heritage, and that’s a legacy I’m incredibly proud to be building.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, My Desi Fusion has some exciting plans that I’m thrilled to share with The Entreprenista League. Over the next few years, you can expect to see a few key developments: Expanded Collections: We’re working on expanding our product lines to include more culturally inspired designs, including home decor and holiday-specific collections. We aim to bring our vibrant heritage into every corner of our customers’ lives. Sustainable Practices: We’re committed to incorporating more sustainable and eco-friendly materials into our products. Our goal is to minimize our environmental impact while maintaining the high quality and aesthetic appeal of our designs. Community Engagement: We plan to deepen our community engagement by hosting more events and collaborations that celebrate multiculturalism and give back to our heritage. Look out for interactive experiences, workshops, and partnerships with other like-minded businesses. Enhanced Online Experience: We’re investing in improving our online shopping experience with a more intuitive website, better customer service, and engaging content that connects with our audience on a deeper level. I’m excited to continue growing My Desi Fusion and to share these milestones with the Entreprenista community. Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being a part of this journey!

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my Entreprenista journey is the importance of building a strong network of mentors and industry connections early on. While passion and dedication are crucial, having guidance from experienced mentors and forming relationships with key players in the industry can make a significant difference. They provide invaluable insights, advice, and support that can help navigate challenges and accelerate growth. Understanding this from the beginning would have helped me make more informed decisions and build a more robust foundation for My Desi Fusion. I have learned SO much from joining The Entreprenista League!

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tool is ChatGPT. It makes writing the first draft of anything so much faster and provides fantastic ideas for any strategy I’m exploring. Whether I need a quick draft for a blog post, an engaging social media caption, or fresh ideas for a marketing campaign, ChatGPT helps streamline the process and sparks creativity.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is to embrace both the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey with resilience and an open mind. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advisors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Focus on understanding your customers deeply and stay flexible—be ready to pivot and adapt as you learn and grow. And most importantly, trust your vision and passion; they will be your driving forces through challenges and triumphs alike. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and celebrate every milestone along the way.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!