Exploring Life & Business with Shahnaz Zanra of Zanra Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shahnaz Zanra.

Hi Shahnaz, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have an MBA and a Bachelor of Laws degree, and I currently run a software consulting business. However, I’ve always been passionate about fashion and the industry’s creativity, which led me to pursue an Aesthetician License.

Growing up, I was deeply inspired by my father, a businessman whose dedication and sense of ownership fascinated me. There’s a popular saying, “Behind every successful man is a strong woman,” but in my case, “Behind every successful woman is a supportive husband, kids, and family.”
My love for Indian clothing goes beyond aesthetics- it’s deeply personal and rooted in my culture.

When it came time to name my boutique, I wanted it to be something truly special and close to my heart. That’s how “Zanra” came to life, by combining the names of my kids.

With the help of my sister in India, I decided to start a business in the U.S. dedicated to selling traditional Indian outfits. When I moved to the U.S. in the 90s, I noticed a gap in the market for authentic traditional clothing, especially in areas with large Indian and Pakistani communities. That observation sparked the idea behind Zanra Boutique.

Today, years into my journey, I remain the heart of Zanra. I’m no longer shy- I’m confident, vocal, and passionate about keeping traditional Indian dresses alive, sustainable, and meaningful. What started in my garage has now grown into a small but respected label. I’m also exploring technology-driven solutions, like apps and websites for artisan training, to scale ethically and empower craftsmanship.

Personality-wise, I’m bold, confident, and ambitious, and I’m proud that Zanra reflects my younger self’s dreams while continuously evolving through social media and digital presence.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any new venture, this journey came with its fair share of challenges. But with determination and resilience, I was able to navigate through them.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and drastically slowed down the business. However, every hardship brings new opportunities. The pandemic pushed me to pivot online and expand Zanra’s presence on social media and e-commerce platforms.
Now, we are entering the global market with online stores, social media engagement, and digital advertising.

We’ve been impressed with Zanra Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am Shahnaz Bano, the owner of Zanra Boutique. We are a passionate team dedicated to celebrating and reimagining Indian fashion through our brand. Zanra was founded from a love for India’s rich textile heritage, and we design and craft ethnic wear that blends tradition with a modern twist.

Zanra creates high-quality Indian clothing from everyday kurtis to elaborate bridal lehengas. We offer ready-to-wear collections, custom tailoring services, and sustainable fashion options. Our styling consultations help customers find their perfect look for any occasion, including grand weddings.

We specialize in handcrafted ethnic wear, highlighting traditional techniques such as block printing, embroidery (zari, chikankari, and phulkari), and weaving. We’re known for our attention to detail, vibrant yet elegant color palettes, and our use of natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen.

One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability. We upcycle pre-loved fabrics into new designs, reducing waste while preserving craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced brands, every piece we create tells a story of heritage, artistry, and innovation.

We take immense pride in serving as a bridge between generations by preserving the beauty of traditional Indian dress while making it accessible and relevant to today’s youth. Our brand promotes inclusivity, offering a variety of sizes and styles to suit diverse body types and preferences.

What makes me most proud is hearing from customers who say our designs help them feel connected to their roots or confident in their identity.

More than just clothing, Zanra is a celebration of India’s cultural richness and a step towards conscious fashion. Our offerings range from affordable everyday wear to statement pieces for special occasions. We invite everyone to explore our collections, support artisan communities, and experience the beauty of Indian fashion with us.

Additionally, Zanra supports girls’ education and empowerment through donations to non-profit organizations that help them thrive in all aspects of life.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was bold, slightly emotional, and had a personality that blended playful rebellion with a deep respect for tradition. I loved to experiment, whether it was with colors, patterns, or ideas, and that adventurous spirit carried into my approach to fashion.

Over time, I gained confidence and became more approachable, yet still had that spark of creativity and curiosity. I was always engulfed by the idea of taking something old, such as a traditional Indian embroidery technique, and giving it a modern twist, maybe with a jacket or a contemporary dress.

As I matured, my interests expanded to include sustainability and storytelling- making sure every piece I designed had meaning and history behind it.
Building Zanra has been a journey of learning, whether it was balancing cost with quality, understanding customer needs, or staying authentic while evolving. I dream of taking my brand global, blending Eastern heritage with Western fashion in a way that celebrates both culture.
Fashion, to me, has always been more than just clothing- it’s art, identity, and confidence expressed with elegance.

Pricing:

• not applicable

Contact Info:

• Website: https://zanra.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanra_boutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064251152303
• Other: Zanra- google business