AmbiKa Sanjana / Courtesy photo

AmbiKa Sanjana is a force of nature operating at the intersection of global fashion and grassroots philanthropy. With over a decade of international experience, she has mastered the art of “sculptural storytelling,” transitioning seamlessly from styling high-profile red carpet narratives to navigating the operational complexities of production across global markets. Her editorial eye is as sharp as her strategic mind, making her a sought-after collaborator in an industry that often favors trend over substance.

Sanjana is also the CEO and founder of SevaSphere, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to serving the unhoused communities of Skid Row. Her leadership style is a reflection of her personal philosophy: a blend of spiritual discipline, mindful advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to conscious living. New India Abroad spoke to AmbiKa Sanjana about her career and philanthropy. Here are the highlights of the interview: 

How do you use fashion to bridge the gap between South Asian heritage and Hollywood’s red carpets?

AmbiKa Sanjana: I treat the red carpet like a cultural conversation. Instead of choosing between a sari and a sequined gown, I ask: what if they could whisper to each other? Maybe it’s a traditional Benarasi weave reimagined as a sculptural cape. Maybe it’s temple jewelry paired with a sharply tailored tuxedo silhouette.

Hollywood understands drama. South Asia understands legacy. When you merge the two, you get storytelling you can wear.

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You’ve embraced your bindi and heritage in a Western industry; how has your multicultural lens become your greatest professional strength?

AmbiKa Sanjana: For years I was told to “neutralize” myself. Softer accent. Smaller presence. Fewer cultural markers.

Then I realized the industry didn’t need another diluted voice. It needed perspective. My multicultural lens allows me to see references others might miss, to layer symbolism into styling, to understand global audiences. The bindi isn’t an accessory. It’s a declaration that identity is not negotiable.

Having worked in both, what is the biggest difference in how “glamour” is defined in Mumbai versus Los Angeles?

AmbiKa Sanjana: In Mumbai, glamour is maximalist poetry. Embroidery that catches candlelight. Colors that celebrate being seen. It’s cinematic even at a family wedding. In Los Angeles, glamour is often about effortlessness. The illusion that you woke up luminous.

Mumbai says, “Let’s celebrate.” LA says, “Let’s curate.” Both are powerful. I love blending the unapologetic opulence of India with the editorial restraint of LA.

You’re known for bold colors and “edgy” prints—how much of that aesthetic is rooted in Indian textiles?

AmbiKa Sanjana: Completely. India is not afraid of color. Rani pink with marigold. Indigo colliding with vermillion. Block prints, ikat, bandhani, Kanjeevaram silks.

Growing up around those palettes rewired my creative instincts. Even when I’m dressing someone in a modern silhouette, the color story often traces back to Konkan, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu. Indian textiles taught me that pattern is power.

Was there a specific moment in your styling career that sparked the need to launch SevaSphere and serve Skid Row?

AmbiKa Sanjana: Yes, there was a defining moment. One evening, I left a red carpet event where everything was polished and intentional. The lights, the styling, the energy, it all celebrated visibility and status. On my drive home, I passed through Skid Row, and the shift was immediate. The same city, the same night, but two completely different realities.

It was not guilt that struck me. It was clarity. I realized I had built a career helping people feel seen, powerful, and elevated. But visibility should not be a luxury reserved for the few. Dignity should not depend on income or influence.

That night, I understood that success had to expand beyond personal achievement. If my work in glamour could open doors, create access, and generate resources, then it could also serve people who are too often overlooked. SevaSphere grew from that realization. I did not want to abandon the world I worked in. I wanted to repurpose its power. Glamour became a tool. Service became the mission. That contrast did not just inspire an idea. It reshaped my definition of success.

How does the concept of Seva (selfless service) drive your vision for “holistic prosperity” in LA?

AmbiKa Sanjana: Seva isn’t charity. It’s responsibility. Holistic prosperity means fashion, finance, wellness, housing, mentorship. It means understanding that a city thrives when everyone has access to opportunity. For me, prosperity without purpose feels hollow. Seva is the anchor.

You often speak about “unlearning” traditional humility. How vital is self-promotion to an immigrant’s success in the US?

AmbiKa Sanjana: Many of us were raised to believe our work should speak for itself. In America, your work needs a microphone.

Self-promotion isn’t arrogance. It’s visibility. And visibility creates access. I had to learn that advocating for myself didn’t dishonor my upbringing. It expanded it.

How has your definition of the “American Dream” changed since you arrived in the US at 17?

AmbiKa Sanjana: At 17, the dream was achievement: career, recognition, financial stability. Now, the dream is impact. It’s building platforms that outlive me. It’s mentoring other South Asians. It’s proving that you can be rooted and radical at the same time.

What is your advice for young South Asians who feel torn between a creative career and community service?

AmbiKa Sanjana: You don’t have to choose. The binary is false. Build your craft. Master your industry. Then weave service into your success. Creativity funds change. Change fuels purpose.

Do you have any advice for our readers, specifically South Asian women entrepreneurs?

AmbiKa Sanjana: Own your narrative before someone else writes it for you. Negotiate boldly. Price your expertise accurately. Build networks outside your comfort zone. And remember: being “likable” is not a business strategy. Being excellent is.

What’s next for you? What do you hope to achieve with your work and philanthropic initiatives?

AmbiKa Sanjana: I want to expand SevaSphere into a sustainable model that integrates creative mentorship, wellness services, and economic pathways for underserved communities.

On the fashion side, I want to continue pushing cultural fusion onto global stages. More South Asian artisans on international platforms. More stories in every stitch.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

AmbiKa Sanjana: Yes. Representation is not a trend. It’s a transformation. We don’t step into rooms to assimilate. We step in to expand them! 

Discover more at New India Abroad.