Heritage Through Beauty with Dharni Patel
Honoring Generations of Beauty Rituals
One of the most touching aspects of this journey has been keeping beauty traditions alive—both within her own family and in the larger Kindia community. Kindia Beauty founder, Dharni Patel, brings her family’s story to life in every product she develops.
“I still do a haldi mask now and then.It’s nostalgic, and it’s my way of honoring my ancestors,” she shared. But what’s even more special is passing these traditions down. “My five-year-old niece loves putting on Kindia masks when I visit Kenya. She gets so excited because it’s shiny and pink, and it’s become our little ritual—just like my mom and I had.”
It’s proof that while the *method* may evolve, the *meaning* remains the same.
Why Sharing Beauty Traditions Matters
In today’s world, ideals surrounding beauty are more diverse than ever. “The ‘girl next door’ isn’t just one thing anymore,” she said. “She could be Vietnamese, Indian, Kenyan—our communities are so beautifully mixed, and we get to learn from each other in ways past generations didn’t.”
That’s why cultural appreciation, not to be confused with cultural appropriation, is so important. “The more we share, the more we realize that at the core, we all have the same fundamentals. Beauty traditions have been passed down for generations in *every* culture, and the more we open ourselves up to learning, the more connected we become.”
The Kindia Beauty Ethos: It’s All About the Good Energy
The heart center of Kindia Beauty isn’t just about skincare. Kindia Beauty’s mission is to create something that makes people feel good. “Whether it’s through our products, our community, or the stories we share, it’s all about bringing that *good, good energy* into people’s lives,” she said.
Five Beauty Tips to Live By
Before wrapping up our conversation, I asked Dharni to share her top beauty tips. Here’s her non-negotiables for glowing skin and feeling your best:
1. Always wash your face before bed. No matter how tired you are, never sleep in your makeup.
2. Drink water. It’s the simplest, most underrated skincare hack out there.
3. Wash your pillowcases. Your skin is in contact with them every night, so keep them fresh.
4. Call your friends. A good laugh with your besties does wonders for your glow.
5. Do what makes you feel good. Beauty is subjective. Forget trends and find what works for you.
Final Thoughts: Beauty Beyond the Algorithm
In a world of copy-paste aesthetics, where Instagram trends dictate beauty standards, Kindia Beauty is a breath of fresh air. “The more we find inspiration outside of social media- through books, real-life experiences, and traditions- the more beautiful the world becomes,” she said.
And that’s exactly what Kindia Beauty is here to do: celebrate individuality, honor heritage, and remind us all that beauty is whatever makes you feel good.
