Today we’d like to introduce you to Simran Bains.
Hi Simran, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi! My name is Simran Bains. I am 27 years old, originally from Chandigarh, Punjab, India. In 2007, my family—my mother, father, younger brother, and I—immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities and a brighter future. Like so many immigrant families, we came here chasing the American Dream: the chance to build a life through hard work, determination, and the freedom to create something of our own.
Texas has been home ever since. I grew up in Garland and later moved to McKinney after marrying my amazing husband. This past May, we welcomed our beautiful baby boy into the world, turning our family of two into a family of three and beginning an exciting new chapter in our lives.
A Fulkari Affair was officially established in 2023, but its roots were planted years earlier. My love for event design began when I planned and decorated a small at-home high school graduation celebration for my younger brother. That passion continued to grow when I had the opportunity to DIY many of the events surrounding my own Punjabi wedding. I discovered how much joy I found in creating beautiful, meaningful memories that bring people together to celebrate life’s most important moments.
The journey from passion project to business owner would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, father, mother and brother. Entrepreneurship has always been a part of my family’s story. My father owned a business in India, and after immigrating to the United States, one of his greatest aspirations was to build a business here as well. Watching my parents perseverance and dedication inspired me from a young age and showed me what is possible when you combine hard work with a dream.
Today, A Fulkari Affair, LLC is the culmination of my love for Punjabi culture, family traditions, and weddings. My vision is to honor the beauty of our heritage while bringing it into the modern era. Through thoughtful design and authentic cultural elements, I strive to create celebrations that seamlessly blend the old with the new—preserving the traditions that have been passed down for generations while embracing the style and creativity of today’s Punjabi weddings.
For me, A Fulkari Affair is more than a business. It is a tribute to my family’s journey, a reflection of my roots, and my own version of the American Dream—building something meaningful, sharing my culture with others, and creating unforgettable memories for families celebrating their most cherished milestones.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road! Starting an event business from scratch meant learning an entirely new industry while simultaneously building inventory, marketing my services, and investing both time and money into something that had no guarantees. Throughout much of that journey, I was also working full-time, which often meant spending evenings and weekends focused on growing the business.
As the daughter of immigrants and entrepreneurs, I grew up watching my parents work incredibly hard to build a life and create opportunities for our family. That example taught me that building something meaningful takes patience, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. There were moments of self-doubt and challenges balancing work, family, and business responsibilities, but each event and each happy client reminded me why I started.
Looking back, every challenge has been worth it. Seeing A Fulkari Affair grow from a simple passion for decorating and celebrating Punjabi culture into a real business has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
A Fulkari Affair is a South Asian event styling and décor business that specializes in creating meaningful, culturally inspired celebrations. While we primarily focus on Punjabi weddings and events, we also provide décor and styling services for a variety of celebrations, including engagements, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions.
What sets A Fulkari Affair apart is our commitment to blending traditional Punjabi culture with modern design. I have always believed that our traditions are beautiful and worth preserving, but I also love finding creative ways to present them in a fresh, elevated, and contemporary way. Whether it’s incorporating heirloom pieces, traditional textiles, vibrant colors, or cultural elements into a modern event aesthetic, my goal is to create celebrations that feel authentic, personal, and unforgettable.
As a first-generation immigrant and small business owner, I am especially proud that A Fulkari Affair was built from a passion project into a growing business rooted in family, culture, and community. Every event is approached with care and intention because I understand how important these milestones are for families. I don’t just decorate spaces—I help create experiences and memories that people will cherish for years to come.
Above all, I want readers to know that A Fulkari Affair is a labor of love. The name itself is inspired by Phulkari, a traditional Punjabi embroidery art form that represents heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling. In the same way, every event we design tells a unique story. My mission is to celebrate our culture, honor traditions, and create beautiful events that bring people together while reflecting the personalities and visions of the families we serve.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
As a small business owner, I am constantly learning and looking for ways to grow both personally and professionally. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have been invaluable resources for inspiration, trend forecasting, and connecting with other creatives in the wedding and event industry. I also enjoy following wedding planners, designers, and fellow entrepreneurs who share their experiences and insights.
One resource that has had a lasting impact on me is simply learning from other small business owners and entrepreneurs. Growing up, I watched my father navigate business ownership, and his resilience, work ethic, and willingness to take risks continue to inspire me today.
More recently, becoming a mother has taught me a different kind of balance—learning how to build a business while prioritizing family. Between entrepreneurship, motherhood, and everyday life, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about growth; it’s also about creating a life that aligns with your values.
Above all, I believe the best resource is staying curious and open to learning. Whether it’s through podcasts, books, online communities, or conversations with other business owners, there is always something new to learn and a new way to improve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afulkariaffair/
