MEDICINE MEETS MOTHERHOOD
Hi! My name is Manasa - I am a Pediatrician, mom of three young kids and an Indian Immigrant.
When I first introduced solids to my twins, I fed them from plastic bowls and with plastic spoons. My mother was horrified by this as she had concerns about the chemicals in plastic transferring into her grandchildren’s food. So one day, while I was at work, she replaced all of my plastic with traditional Indian stainless steel. I, like many Indians, grew up eating and drinking with steel plates and cups at our family dining table.
As a Pediatrician I had access to the knowledge and as an Indian Immigrant I had the solution for my 3 young kids. But I realized that almost EVERY American Mother did not.
I remember feeling disgusted when smelling the odors left behind even when they were clean.
I remember being concerned that foods and drink tasted funny when sampling my children’s meal.
I remember being annoyed at how the plastic dishes didn’t dry when they came out of the dishwasher.
I remember feeling uncomfortable when seeing the fraying of the plastic.
Then, I remember using stainless for the first time for my kids - it brought me back to my childhood. Food tasted the way it should and cleaning was a breeze.
I felt confident and in control of the experience. So I wanted all Moms to feel that same confidence in the kitchen. So I added a modern twist to a classic and launched AHIMSA, the world’s first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids.
However, on my journey, I quickly understood the laxity of regulation for many food-related products. Today, there are more than 10,000 additives approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many were carried over from the 1950s and many have no research showing they are safe for people to eat or drink. So, I set out to work with scientists, physicians, legislators and environmentalists to set a new standard for children’s products.
The way we feed our family matters. The little things we do every day matter.
That's why I wanted the little things about Ahimsa to matter. From avoiding plastic in our products and packaging to using a coloring process that avoided toxic-run off to intentionally designing tableware that excites kids to eat healthy at a young age - I wanted each step to mean something for children AND Mother Earth.
After all, people and the planet are connected and the lasting impact between the two will be felt not by us, but by our children. Ahimsa is not just a business to me - it’s a chance to change the system, change our thinking, and take actionable steps to make a positive impact on the world. I hope you will join our mission because the small things we do together can lead to great BIG things for the future.
With love & Ahimsa,
Designed with your child's health in mind.