Ushma’s Story Behind Humble Origins Superfoods

I’m a creative marketing lead and passionate small business owner who believes in building with heart. As a mom and wife, I’ve learned to lead with empathy, stay grounded in purpose, and juggle a hundred things with love—and a little humor.

Cultural Roots That Shaped Me

Where am I from? That’s still a tough one to answer.

I was born in Vadodara, India, and raised across London, New York, and Kentucky, before finally settling in Atlanta, Georgia each place shaping a part of me.

My journey began with constant cultural shifts. From the bustling streets of Vadodara to the suburbs of London, and then to The Bronx in New York City, where I experienced my first big culture shock. Later, a business opportunity took us to Campbellsville, Kentucky a quiet town surrounded by cornfields and tobacco farms. There, I finished high school and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications.

As the daughter of entrepreneurial Indian parents and a proud Patel (a community known for farming and business), I inherited a deep appreciation for hard work, adaptability, and rooted tradition. These values stayed with me as I started my career in marketing in Atlanta a city that finally felt like a blend of all the cultures I had known.

Love, Family & Learning to Lead with Heart

In 2003, I met my husband Rikki at a party our shared heritage and dreams made us an instant match. Rikki, an engineer and health enthusiast, keeps us grounded in fitness and clean living. Together, we raise two wonderful daughters who share our love for dance, wellness, and self-care.

Motherhood changed everything. It made me revisit the home remedies I grew up with those comforting cups of turmeric milk and spoonfuls of honey-ginger concoctions my mom and grandmother swore by. At the time, I didn’t appreciate their wisdom. But now, I’m re-learning it through the lens of science and intention.

A Spark of Ancestral Wisdom

As I navigated my role as a mother, I found myself returning to the natural healing traditions of my childhood. Why did turmeric always seem to help? What made ginger, long pepper so powerful?

I wasn’t alone in this curiosity. My dear friend Malvika shared the same background and questions. Together, we began our deep dive into the real science behind these ancestral ingredients and so, Humble Origins Superfoods was born.

The Birth of Humble Origins Superfoods

While balancing full-time jobs and family life, Malvika and I researched, sourced, and tested ingredients that our mothers and grandmothers had relied on for generations. The result? A thoughtfully curated line of single-origin superfoods ethically sourced from Meghalaya, India a pristine, matrilineal region known for its biodiversity and sustainability.

Explore Our Hero Ingredients:

  • Lakadong Turmeric: Rich in curcumin, this rare turmeric is known to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
  • Makhir Ginger: Grown at high altitude, it's packed with antioxidants and digestive benefits.
  • Wild Long Pepper: A warming spice that aids digestion and supports respiratory health.

“We believe in the power of nature to unlock a vibrant life boosting energy, strengthening immunity, aiding digestion, and supporting restful sleep,” says Malvika.

But it’s not just about wellness. It’s about empowering families to make better choices. Every product reflects our values: transparency, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land and farmers who grow these incredible ingredients.

Why We Do What We Do

Humble Origins Superfoods isn’t just a business. It’s a movement to:

  • Reconnect with the wisdom of our roots
  • Share functional, natural ingredients that nourish from within
  • Build a community of conscious consumers who believe wellness starts with simple, meaningful choices

This journey of family, heritage, motherhood, and entrepreneurship—is what inspires me every day.

And as we grow, I hope you’ll join us in bringing these ancestral superfoods into your homes and hearts.