Meet Kusuma Reddy | Founder of Culturorama Toys

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kusuma Reddy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kusuma, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?

As a multicultural toy company, Culturorama Toys is impacting the community in several ways. To begin with, by selling toys that are culturally relevant to South Asians, we are promoting diversity and inclusivity in the community. We are helping children and families learn about and appreciate different cultures, and helping children develop a sense of self-worth and belonging.

We work solely with rural women artisan groups in India, and by doing so we are empowering them and connecting them to global markets, increasing their visibility and credibility.

I strongly believe that education is a key factor in promoting gender equality, economic growth, and social and cultural change. This has an intergenerational benefit so we dedicate a large share of our proceeds for causes that support girl child education. Educated girls are more likely to be informed citizens, who can contribute to the development of their families and communities as a whole.

As a businesses, sustainability is also at the core of everything we do. All our toys are made of natural materials, and our packaging is also completely eco-friendly and plastic free. I can proudly say our toys are not only safe for our children but also for our environment.

So when somebody buys a doll from us, they are doing much more than just buying a toy for their child. They are supporting us in creating a more empathetic world for our children, opportunities for a better future for the women creating these toys, and taking a step towards reducing single use plastic.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dolls are often used as playthings for children to teach them how to interact respectfully with each other and learn about diversity. By providing children with access to Multicultural dolls, parents can ensure their children are exposed to diversity at an early age and become better prepared for living in our diverse society.

Unfortunately, diversity is not always reflected in our toy boxes and toy stores. Today, we see progress in raising awareness about diversity and representation, yet there is much left to be done. Culturorama Toys is looking to gauge this gap and amplify opportunities for young children to experience an open, more diverse culture. We are on a mission to diversify toyboxes one doll at a time.

Along the way, we have been able to support organizations dedicated to helping women and helping underprivileged girls get education – this makes me so proud and the experience is so self fulfilling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh I would love for them to visit all of our iconic places here in Atlanta – Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, where they can see a variety of marine life; World of Coca-Cola where they can learn about the history of the drink and sample different flavors from around the world; CNN Center, to learn about the network and see a live broadcast; Atlanta Botanical Garden which is my personal favorite with a variety exhibits, including a Japanese garden; a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, to see the childhood home of the civil rights leader; If they are interested in art, then a visit to High Museum of Art is a must, which has a collection of about 15,000 works of art.

And for a little more fun I would also love for them to explore the nightlife in the trendy neighborhood of East Atlanta Village, a picnic in Piedmont Park to enjoy beautiful gardens and lakes. I will also take them for a stroll on the Atlanta Beltline and the Atlanta Streetcar that connects different neighborhoods. There are so many things to do and to see here in Atlanta that they will never be bored for sure.

As for food, we have restaurants serving everything from Filipino, Indian, Ethiopian dishes to heaping plates of soul, Southern, and Colombian food and plenty of great barbecue and wings. My hotlist will include, Dr. Bombay’s tea house, Refuge Coffee, the iconic – The Varsity, The Flying Biscuit Cafe for brunch, The Sun Dial Restaurant for dinner which offers a great view of the city, Busy Bee Cafe for southern soul food, Mary Mac’s team room for a hearty Southern meal, Jersusalem bakery for Mediterranean. One restaurant that I was recently introduced to by a friend was KPOP – a Korean BBQ restaurant -would love to take my friends there. And last but not the least a number of places for Indian food like – Botiwalla and Masti for street food, Sankranti for their traditional Indian decor and ambiance, Bawarchi for spicy biriyanis, Tabla for traditional food with a modern twist. There are many more but these are my top choices.

With amazing restaurants, ample parks, festive nightlife, professional sports teams, and an abundance of attractions and events, Atlanta truly has something for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I would like to recognize contributions of two inspiring women back in India- Rupali Saini who is giving opportunity to rural women to learn the creative art of amigurumi and be financially independent. Then there is Arti Upadhayay, a mompreneur who is keeping children safety and environment sustainability as paramount as she trains vulnerable women in rag doll making. These two have played an important role in providing resources and support to this business, and I am immensely thankful for their contributions and just being an inspiration.

Next, my husband, Madan who is my biggest advocate and my sounding board for all of my ideas deserves a huge shout out. He helps me find balance between my business and my full time job. His unwavering support is the reason Culturorama Toys is flourishing the way it is!

Then, my sister back home in India – Mamatha, who believed in my vision and has been there for me from the day 1. She co-ordinates most of the things on ground from sample testing to quality assurance to shipping. I’m so grateful for her support.

Lastly, my friends who are like family who constantly encourage me with the right words at just the right time. They have been celebrating my each win as their own- they too have a huge role in making all of this happen.

Website: https://www.theculturorama.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturoramatoys/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CulturoramaToys