In this episode, we sit down with Sana Javeri Kadri, founder and CEO of Diaspora Co., the single-origin spice company reimagining what an equitable, decolonised spice trade can look like. Growing up in 90s Bombay in a mixed-heritage, progressive family, Sana witnessed firsthand the power of food and culture in shaping identity. After moving to the U.S., she uncovered the lack of transparency in the global spice trade and set out to change it; placing freshness, farmer equity, sustainability, and justice at the core of her mission.We explore Sana’s story from Mumbai to California, her queer, progressive approach to leadership, the challenges and triumphs of building Diaspora Co., and why spices aren’t just a garnish for special dishes, but the everyday backbone of our lives.(00:00) - Introducing Sana Javeri Kadri(00:55) - Sana’s childhood and blended family roots(02:16) - Growing up mixed religion in 90s Bombay(06:16) - Bullying, queerness, privilege and ambition(10:15) - Diasporic nostalgia vs. modern India(12:18) - Sana's culture shock moving to the US(15:01) - Visual art, food politics and storytelling(18:40) - Realising the broken spice trade(20:08) - Why the origins of your spices matter(24:05) - Cancellation fears, female founders & transparency(26:05) - Co-opted language in the food industry(27:29) - Scaling Diaspora Co & measuring true impact(30:23) - Workers’ equity & long-term growth goals(33:23) - Educating consumers without preaching(34:39) - Making spices more accessible(36:15) - Intentional vs. easy consumption & capitalism fatigue(37:16) - Balancing founder life, step-parenting & partnership(43:03) - Why Diaspora Co is inherently queer(46:01) - Storytelling and branding(47:02) - Climate change and regenerative farming (52:18) - Tariffs and challenges of scaling globally(53:33) - Diaspora Co expanding into Ocado & Whole Foods(55:14) - The Diaspora Co cookbook(56:31) - Branding, packaging and in-house design process(58:23) - What does Sana have strong game in?Find Diaspora Co on: https://www.diasporaco.com/Mitali is wearing the Käma choker & Mango Slices by Surmeyi: https://surmeyi.com/

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