In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, few stories carry the depth of resilience, vision, and community impact as that of Bhargavi Varma, entrepreneur and angel investor. From building comfort-driven consumer brands to pioneering an investment collective that amplifies the voices of South Asian women, Bhargavi’s journey is a blueprint for turning personal adversity into collective empowerment.
Bhargavi Varma: The Early Spark – From Publicist to Entrepreneur
Before becoming the entrepreneur and angel investor we celebrate today, Bhargavi Varma began her career in marketing and public relations. As a film publicist for 20th Century Fox, she learned the ropes of storytelling, branding, and grit. From wrapping VHS tapes for the press to promoting films like Moulin Rouge, she understood that no task was too small when building toward a bigger vision. These lessons would later become the foundation of her entrepreneurial mindset.
Her transition from corporate roles in consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketing to entrepreneurship was not a leap of convenience but one of necessity, courage, and creativity. As a solo mother navigating a seven-year divorce journey, Bhargavi decided to reinvent herself — and in doing so, began carving a new path not only for herself but also for countless women who would later look to her for inspiration.
The Kushie: Comfort Born Out of Creativity
One of Bhargavi’s most celebrated ventures is The Kushie, a plush foot cushion designed to feel like a warm hug for your feet. The inspiration struck during a trip to Japan, where she discovered cozy lifestyle products that blended comfort with culture. Determined to bring this idea to life, she transformed it into a modern, fashionable version for everyday use.
Initially launched as a travel accessory, The Kushie took on deeper significance during the pandemic when people sought comfort at home. Featured in Reese’s Book Club as a must-have gift, the product resonated with customers across North America. Even pets fell in love with it, leading to the development of a new spinoff, The Puppy Pocket.
For Bhargavi, The Kushie was more than a product. It was a symbol of reinvention — proof that even in moments of uncertainty, innovation and empathy can create something meaningful.
Bhargavi Varma: Brown Girl Angels: Building Capital With Purpose
If The Kushie was about comfort, Brown Girl Angels was about courage. In 2021, Bhargavi founded this angel investment collective with a groundbreaking mission: to mobilize capital from South Asian women and invest in female founders from the diaspora.
Through Brown Girl Angels, Bhargavi has created a powerful ecosystem where women who have the financial resources but lack access to angel investing can learn, grow, and activate their capital with impact. This collective not only empowers female investors but also addresses the funding gap faced by South Asian women founders — a demographic often overlooked in the investment landscape.
Her goal is bold yet deeply necessary: to make Brown Girl Angels the leading platform for South Asian female angel investors worldwide. By fostering inclusivity and representation, Bhargavi is challenging traditional gatekeepers and building a new legacy of empowered investors and founders.
Other Ventures: LuxStory and The Social Lockbox
Bhargavi’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her versatility. She co-founded LuxStory Media, a boutique marketing agency that specializes in storytelling, branding, and connection. LuxStory amplified the voices of inspiring brands through creative strategy and digital innovation.
She also launched The Social Lockbox, a social media agency designed to support realtors in building authentic online identities. Each venture reflects her natural talent for identifying gaps in the market and creating solutions that blend creativity, strategy, and empathy.
Personal Resilience: Turning Struggle Into Strength
Behind the titles of “founder” and “investor” lies a story of resilience. Bhargavi has been candid about her seven-year divorce journey — an experience that reshaped her perspective and strengthened her resolve. As a single mother, she has balanced entrepreneurship with raising her son, Adi, while modeling perseverance, adaptability, and courage.
Her openness about challenges, particularly the cultural and social stigmas surrounding divorce in South Asian communities, has made her an advocate for radical transparency. Whether through her podcast Brown Girls, Bold Moves or her social media presence, Bhargavi continues to normalize conversations around struggle, reinvention, and self-discovery.
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