SPAIN: Atman Sandhu’s journey doesn’t follow a traditional script. From launching a sustainable design brand during a global pandemic to serving as the Government of India’s media correspondent in Spain, her path is anything but ordinary. What binds her work together is a deep sense of purpose—and the courage to start over when necessary.
Raised in Chandigarh, Punjab, Sandhu was never drawn to the idea of predictable success. “There was a discomfort in doing what was expected,” she says. “I didn’t want to live on autopilot.” That internal resistance sparked a lifelong curiosity that would take her across continents, into boardrooms, artisan workshops, and eventually diplomatic offices.
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From Shibui’s Roots to Global Impact: Atman Sandhu’s Purposeful Path
Sandhu is the founder of Shibui India, a sustainable design brand that champions minimalist aesthetics and traditional Indian craftsmanship. Born in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shibui began as a way to stay grounded during lockdown—but it quickly evolved into something much more: a bridge between design and meaning, between creators and consumers, between heritage and modernity.
“When people mocked the idea of ‘selling planters,’ they missed the point,” Sandhu recalls. “Shibui was about preserving dignity for artisans and offering something purposeful during uncertain times.” Her work was rooted in the belief that design could be both beautiful and impactful—an ethos that set Shibui apart in a crowded market.
But entrepreneurship was only part of her story.
After years of building Shibui, Sandhu pursued an MBA at IE Business School in Madrid. The move was bold—financially, emotionally, and culturally. “I had to adjust to a new country and start from scratch,” she says. “But I learned to be resilient on a global scale.” That resilience carried her forward, eventually leading her to her current role as the Official Media Correspondent for the Government of India in Spain.
In this diplomatic position, Sandhu now helps represent India’s voice on an international platform, bridging not just design and sustainability, but also cultures and narratives. “I want to represent India not just through identity, but through work that aligns with our values,” she explains.
Despite her demanding professional life, Sandhu maintains a strong commitment to personal balance. “Balance is fluid,” she says. “It’s not about doing everything, but knowing what matters in each moment.” Whether it’s earning her scuba diving certification—a childhood dream—or spending time in nature, she makes room for what grounds her. Her approach to life is intentional, defined by clarity rather than chaos.
Through every stage of her journey, Sandhu has faced her share of setbacks—from skepticism around her business model to the emotional toll of moving across borders. But she credits the quiet strength of women she’s met along the way for inspiring her to stay focused. “They remind me that impact doesn’t have to be loud. It can be steady, honest, and deeply personal.”
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What ultimately drives her isn’t ambition in the traditional sense, but alignment. “I never wanted to be extraordinary. I wanted to be honest,” she says. Her advice to others seeking unconventional paths is equally grounded: trust your instincts, especially when your vision doesn’t fit the mold.
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough,” she adds, quoting the message that now hangs on her wall in Madrid. For Sandhu, fear isn’t a sign to stop—it’s a signal that something meaningful is ahead.
Her story is a reminder that the road to impact doesn’t have to be straight. It can meander through failure, across oceans, and beyond expectations. What matters, Sandhu believes, is staying true to your core—even when the destination is unclear.
In a world often obsessed with certainty and success, Atman Sandhu’s journey stands out for its authenticity. She shows that you don’t need to be extraordinary to make a difference—you just need to be courageous enough to begin.
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