From TikTok to Tote Bags: Sharing My Vitiligo Journey Through Spotted Chai

Hi, I’m Reshma—creator of Spotted Chai, a brand born out of love for Desi roots and a mission to shift the conversation around vitiligo.

I first started sharing my story on TikTok @reshma.climbs, mostly as a way to process my own experiences living with vitiligo. I never imagined how many people out there were looking for that same kind of connection. The comments, DMs, and duets reminded me: there’s real power in being seen and being honest.

Social media can be tricky—it can make you hyper-aware of how you look, especially when your skin doesn’t fit into the “normal” mold. But it also gave me a voice. I began using platforms like TikTok to share the ups and downs of living with vitiligo: the awkward stares, the intrusive questions, but also the joy of embracing my changing skin. Over time, the more I showed up unapologetically, the more empowered I felt—and the more others started to message me saying, “I feel seen.”

That’s where Spotted Chai came in.

I wanted to take that feeling of connection and make it tangible. Whether it’s through stickers or tote bags that bring visibility to vitiligo and Desi identity, Spotted Chai is about celebrating skin in all its forms—and reclaiming the narrative with a bit of spice.

Social media gave me the confidence to be loud and proud. Spotted Chai is my way of passing that confidence on.

If you’ve ever felt “different” in your skin—whether because of vitiligo or anything else—I see you. You’re not alone. Let’s keep the conversation going, online and in real life.

With love,

Reshma

spottedchai.com