Kissay

Dateline: January 2023

Once upon a concept!

Anshu Jain radiates so many things, it’s sometimes hard to sort them out. Intelligence, warmth, check. Competence, elegance, humor, check those, too. She’s an accountant with a non-profit heart, a wife, mother, and someone who has deep love for people. Her presence alone encourages others to relax, be themselves and share good times whether it’s at a major life cycle event or a simple visit to a friend for an afternoon. All of those qualities are not only integral to who she is, but are the driving forces behind her burgeoning company, Kissay - Culturally Inspired Indulgences.

“I wanted to create a company that was about more than its products,” states Anshu. “I wanted Kissay to project a sense of global connection through a sophisticated selection of food, unique decorative art, and luxurious gifts. Receiving our products should always be a joyous event.”           

Anshu’s development of this concept is built on an Indian tradition that goes back thousands of years. When visiting family or friends, or even a business acquaintance, it is considered good etiquette to bring a gift. It’s a sign of respect, gratitude, and an invitation to enjoy a cup of tea, relax, and catch up with each other.

Kissay is a Hindi word that means “stories” and the name is part of the concept. Presenting one of the company’s gift boxes is an invitation for people to share their stories, either of their life, work, or simply how the children are doing in school. For Anshu, these are special moments that can help connect, become the building blocks of strong relationships, and may even point in a new direction of unity and understanding. “Am I aiming high? Definitely!” she comments.

Another way to define Kissay is through the “stories” connected to each special item. Growing up in India, living in South Asia, traveling to various parts of the world and now settled in California, weaving different cultures together is simple and natural for Anshu. “Nothing brings me more joy than experimenting with different flavors, colors, textures, and cuisines. We help create elegant, curated boxes of culturally inspired confections or items that are ideal for high tea, happy hour, dessert parties, wedding and bridal favors, hostess gifts, picnics, health care packages for your child at college, get well wishes, corporate or event giveaways, or simply to brighten up someone’s day. All our products our ethically sourced, vegetarian, 100% egg-free, and consciously handcrafted. Plus, to make the “stories” even more personal, all of our products can be customized to a specific occasion.”

Working with Kissay is simple; just get in touch with Anshu, tell her about your project, need, concept or event, then collaborate with her in creating some “custom designed happiness.”

“I welcome the opportunity to make your special occasions even more memorable,” declares Anshu. “And every day into a special occasion.”

Now it’s your turn

If you have a short (300 words max) personal or cultural story that you would like to share and think others would enjoy, Anshu encourages you to submit it to sharekissay@gmail.com. The company will then blog it or print it and include it in one of the gift boxes. Their story is just beginning, and they want you to be a part of it.      

KISSAY SHARES. Volume One. Story Two.

Let’s write this one together...