Meet  Sarena Udani—founder of Pajama Sutra, an online boutique full of soft pajamas inspired by vintage prints from India.   Udani launched her collection this summer and the line offers a range of different geometric prints paired with vibrant colors.   Udani created flattering silhouettes so that every woman can feel comfortable and great about herself.  CitySaheli had the opportunity to speak with Sarena about her new and exciting endeavor.  Read more to see what she has to say and enter to win a free pair of your very own Pajama Sutra pajamas!!

Post a comment to this article and tell us what you loooove about PJs.  One winner will be chosen on July 14th and will receive a free pair of Jaipur Rose pajamas.

Q. What inspired you to start your own online business selling pajamas?

My master’s thesis at Stanford was my first foray into garment construction and sewing, and I loved it! I did a line of maternity wear that I would still like to produce one day.  I also did a line of Indian clothes, and while the line sold out, I quickly realized that it wasn’t a cost-effective or innovative way to run a business. I began searching for a way to combine the aesthetics of my Indian line with the soothing quality of my maternity line, and came up with sleepwear! It was a moment that I will never forget – everything came into focus and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Q. How do you balance being a new mom and starting this new company?

It is not easy! I took an entire year off to fully experience motherhood, and then returned to my business slowly. I did most of the business set-up before I became a mom – I finalized my patterns, fabric, trims, financing, and most of the details. The only things I did after my daughter was born was the website and produce the pajamas. She’s been with me to the sewing workshop, downtown LA’s fabric district, and all over town! She is my first priority and I am thankful that I have been able to balance motherhood and my career.

Q. What pajama set is your favorite?

I love the Jaipur Rose set! The print is fresh and feminine, and distinctly Indian.

Q. Any advice for entrepreneurs out there?

Think BIG! Examine your goals and go beyond them – why not? Also, you don’t need to have an MBA to start a business. You just need passion, motivation, and a little luck. I am grateful to my parents for supporting me when I wanted to study design rather than become a doctor or engineer, and to my husband for supporting me no matter what!

14 Comments For This Post

• To me, there is nothing better than coming home from a long, busy day of work and changing into my PJs. It’s the one simple thing that tells me that I can finally relax and hang out in comfort. It’s even better when the PJs are fun and feminine…with a gorgeous Indian design!

  BY Sita Mehta on July 7th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

• pajamas are part of the reason I long to go home. Comfy and cuddly it makes going to sleep so much better!

  BY Asha Gupta on July 7th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

• I dream about getting into my PJs all day! Nothing better than that

  BY Meghana Gupta on July 7th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

• These PJs are so cute! One thing I love about PJs is you can choose designs that make you feel like a kid again.

  BY Simin Chhabra on July 7th, 2010 at 5:56 pm

• I checked out the styles on the website, and I loved them all! I got the Peace and Love set, and I am constantly getting compliments on both the fitting and the fabric every time that I wear them. Also, they do really well in the washing machine, I’ve washed them a few times and they still look new!

  BY Priya Jaggia on July 8th, 2010 at 12:09 am

• I agree with @Sita how after a long day of work, changing into your favorite pair of PJs can change how you feel the rest of the evening – you can curl up with a good book or lounge on the couch and watch tv in comfort and style. PJs are such a fun way of expressing your personality too!

  BY S on July 8th, 2010 at 10:37 am

• oooh I would love to win a pair of these…I love the bold style of the Pink Orchid and Peace & Love Voile jammies! I think the pajamas you wear says a lot about you as a person.

  BY Blossom on July 8th, 2010 at 11:31 am

• If I could live in my PJ’s, I absolutely would! There’s nothing more comfortable.. and these look so cute!

  BY Jennifer Somaney on July 8th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

• I love these pajamas! The cut really flatters a woman’s curves. My favorite print is the Raspberry Voile. It’s so unique looking!

  BY Jennifer Benson on July 8th, 2010 at 2:56 pm

• Loveee pjs for that warm, soothing feeling after just having crawled out of bed on a winter morning – paired with a fresh cup of coffee/tea/hot cocoa and the morning sun. Udani’s prints have a lot of personality. Raspberry Voile is super-adorable

  BY Pooja on July 8th, 2010 at 4:28 pm

• They all look fun, flirty, comfy and fabulous!

  BY Priti P on July 8th, 2010 at 5:28 pm

• I love hanging out in my PJs on the weekends! These are so cute! Love’em all!

  BY ~AnJaLi~ on July 10th, 2010 at 10:47 pm

• Finally a pair of pajamas that I am not embarrassed to be seen in! These are ultra girly without compromising on comfort. Thank you Pajama Sutra!

  BY Tiffany M. on August 1st, 2010 at 2:34 pm

• Congratulations on the company and thanks for the inspiration Sarena

  BY AK Sandhu on August 27th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

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