MEET SAUMYA

MEET SAUMYA

The Creative Mind Behind MiaTypes

Saumya’s journey began far away from the world of entrepreneurship and art markets. Before starting MiaTypes, she was working in IT in the GCC, living the typical corporate life filled with coding, deadlines, and routines. But outside work, she always found herself drawn towards creativity — spending her free time exploring illustration, typography, and design. What started as a hobby slowly became a space where she felt most like herself.

Her perspective changed even more during her travels outside India, where she discovered art markets filled with quirky, culture-rooted souvenirs that celebrated everyday local experiences. That made her reflect on how beautifully our own Malayali moments, humor, food, and nostalgia deserved to be celebrated too. Instead of letting that thought remain an idea, she decided to act on it.

What makes Saumya’s story inspiring is her honesty and courage to begin, even in her mid-30s. She believed that not trying would be scarier than failure itself. Today, through her work, she creates pieces that feel personal, familiar, and joyful — little reminders of home, identity, and shared experiences. More than building a brand, Saumya is building moments that make people pause, smile, and feel seen.

And here are a few more stories, thoughts, and little behind-the-scenes moments from Saumya herself.

The Story Before MiaTypes

What was life like before MIATYPES?

Before MiaTypes, I was a regular corporate girlie working in GCC, spending my days in coding and IT. After work, I’d come back to illustration and design – taking courses, practicing and just exploring. Back then, I didn’t really know why I was doing it. It was simply my way of switching off from the tech world.

What made you go for it?

Even while having a full time job, I would occasionally get a few design gigs through friends and acquaintances. Over time that small nudge grew into something bigger. The  real shift came in after travelling to places outside of India, and visiting art markets. I saw artists create art and souvenirs that are offbeat from the usual touristy ones – quirky, thoughtful, yet deeply local.

Example, in Korea I saw a lot of ‘Soju’*  themed souvenirs, that made me think – we have our Toddy/കള്ള് which is peak malayalee experience, and now even a touristy experience. That thought led to the creation of the ‘Toddy Shop Meals’ magnet, which keeps selling out. 

That’s when it clicked – we need merch that celebrates our own everyday experiences.

*an alcoholic beverage of Korea made from rice/other grains

What inspired the brand name?

As a kid I thought my real name was Mia – that’s what everyone called me(and still does).
So it felt quite natural to add ‘Mia’ to the brand.
I have always been fascinated by languages and scripts which led me to explore typography and lettering. “Types” come from that love for type design.

MiaTypes is simply Me + what I love to do.

Learning, Growing & Building Along the Way

What did you do first?

The first step was research – brainstorming ideas, experimenting and getting feedback. Once I had a collection ready, I reached out to stores that supported offbeat local art. I shared my designs just to test the waters. The response was very encouraging which gave me the confidence to go ahead with the production.

What felt risky in the beginning?

Honestly, taking the step didn’t scare me – not taking it did. I didn’t want to constantly have ‘what-if’ thoughts.
I also made sure I was prepared financially and mentally. I knew success and failure was part of the process so it was ok to accept anything.

Reaching out to a wider audience has been the toughest part.
Most of my sales come from stores and exhibitions, and I find marketing a bit challenging. Since I handle everything – ideation to design to production – it can get overwhelming, and marketing sometimes takes a back seat.

What’s still a work in progress?

A lot of things😁

My first goal was just to make art and put it out to the world.
Since that is happening, I am still building the back end – social media consistency, inventory management, shipping partners and other operational pieces. 

What Her Work Has Grown Into

What are the things you love about your brand?

I love how it is very “us”, relatable and how it puts a smile on people’s faces.

Who connects with it the most?

For anyone who enjoys small cheerful moments in their day – whether it’s through a badge, magnet or art prints.
I initially thought my target audience would be a young crowd, but surprisingly a lot of older people connect with my work. They turned out to be my favourite audience – it’s genuinely heart warming to see their reactions.

Why is it meaningful for people?

I saw this note on an artist’s product during one of my travels –

“A place that sells things to help soothe your mind, though they may not be necessary for a living”

That stayed with me.
If someone looks at my product – on their fridge or bag – and it makes them smile, that’s enough. That’s the purpose.

How does the journey unfold for a customer?

It usually starts with curiosity – something catches their eye, the colors, familiarity or sometimes nostalgia. Then comes the “Hey this is so us” realisation. So by the time they leave with a product, it feels less like buying and more like taking home a tiny, happy memory they can visit anytime.
So even for me a sale feels less transactional and more like sharing a small moment of joy.

What makes your brand different?

Nothing is generic or mass produced in concept – it all comes from personal observations and experiences, which make each piece unique and intentional.

Any fun truths from your journey so far?

I started this in my mid 30s😁.

And I think that’s been an advantage – there;s a certain clarity and confidence that comes with starting a little later.

Saumya’s journey is still unfolding — one sketch, one idea, and one thoughtful observation at a time.

If her story resonated with you, there’s so much more you can explore and be part of.

You can discover her exclusive creations through our Parishkaaree x MiaTypes collaboration page and bring home a piece of her world:
👉 https://parishkaaree.com/miatypes

For more behind-the-scenes moments, creative insights, and drawing inspiration straight from Saumya herself, make sure to follow her journey: 👉 Follow her on Instagram: @mia.types, and to shop (link in bio). Because sometimes, the most inspiring stories don’t end here — they continue quietly in everyday sketches, shared thoughts, and small creative sparks waiting to be discovered. ✨