Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Tucker.
Hi Erika, 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?
My journey really began with a love for textiles that was passed down through generations. I learned to sew from my mother and grandmother and was always drawn to fabric, pattern, and color. That early passion eventually led me to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, where I earned a degree in Textile Design, and later to Norfolk State University, where I received my MFA in Visual Studies with a focus on printmaking and photography.
In 2008, I founded Pajama Jams, a nonprofit that collects and distributes pajamas to children in need. It started as a simple teachable moment for my children, but quickly grew into a mission that has touched the lives of over 30,000 children. It was always about more than just pajamas—it was about dignity, comfort, and the belief that every child deserves to feel safe and cared for.
Years later, I traveled to India as part of my graduate thesis work, and I was captivated by the beauty and artistry of hand-block printing. It was there, in workshops led by skilled women artisans, that the seeds of Sundara Textiles were planted. I knew I wanted to create something that combined my love of textiles, my appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, and my ongoing commitment to social impact.
Sundara, which means “beautiful” in Sanskrit, is a line of ethically made women’s pajamas and loungewear handcrafted in India using natural dyes and traditional techniques. It’s designed for the woman who values beauty, comfort, and conscious living. And just like Pajama Jams, Sundara carries a give-back mission—we donate pajamas to children in need with every purchase through our “Share the Comfort” model.
Today, Sundara is based out of Annapolis, MD, working with women-led factories in India and a network of global freelancers. It’s still a young business, but it’s a labor of love—and a reflection of everything I believe in: art, purpose, community, and beauty with intention.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — but every bump in the road has shaped the heart of Sundara. Starting a purpose-driven brand from the ground up is equal parts thrilling and challenging. From sourcing ethical partners overseas to managing production delays and navigating startup finances, there have been many moments of uncertainty.
One of the biggest challenges was finding the right artisan partners in India — women-led workshops that aligned with our values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and fair labor. Building those relationships took time, travel, and trust. I also faced the challenge of launching Sundara while balancing family life, running Pajama Jams, and working with a lean startup team.
Another hurdle has been educating customers — and even some retailers — about the value of handcrafted, ethically made sleepwear in a world that often prioritizes speed and low cost. But we’re committed to telling the story behind each piece and why it matters.
Through it all, the mission — to create beauty with purpose and “Share the Comfort” with those who need it most — keeps me grounded and motivated. Challenges have only deepened my resolve and reminded me why this work is so necessary.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my core, I’m an artist and storyteller who works through textiles. My background is in textile design — I earned my BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and later my MFA in Visual Studies, with a focus on photography and printmaking. My creative practice has always revolved around color, craft, and culture, especially the rich traditions of handcraft that inspire connection and meaning.
I’m the founder of Sundara Textiles, a women’s pajama and loungewear brand that brings together my love of textiles and my passion for social impact. Our pieces are handcrafted in India using traditional block printing and natural dyes, and every purchase supports our “Share the Comfort” initiative — giving back to children in need through my nonprofit, Pajama Jams.
What I’m most proud of is building a brand that exists at the intersection of art, ethics, and empowerment. Sundara isn’t just about beautiful sleepwear — it’s about preserving artisan traditions, uplifting women makers, and creating meaningful ways for customers to give back.
What sets me apart is my deep respect for process — I believe that beauty takes time, and I’m passionate about honoring the hands behind each product. Whether through a block-printed pajama set or a donation of new pajamas to a child, my goal is always the same: to bring comfort, dignity, and joy into people’s lives.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The sleepwear and loungewear industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and I believe we’re only at the beginning of a larger movement. Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see continued growth in the demand for elevated, thoughtfully designed loungewear that merges comfort with style. As more people embrace hybrid work schedules and prioritize wellness at home, there’s a clear shift toward clothing that serves both function and fashion. Consumers are looking for garments they can wear while working from home, running errands, or simply relaxing—and they don’t want to compromise on quality, sustainability, or design.
There’s also been a meaningful shift in values. Today’s customers are more conscious of where and how their products are made. Sustainability, ethical production, and transparency are no longer niche—they’re expectations. This shift aligns perfectly with Sundara’s mission. We are not just creating beautiful pajamas; we’re preserving artisan traditions, supporting women through employment, and giving back through our “Share the Comfort” model, where a portion of each sale goes to providing pajamas for children in need.
As the industry continues to move toward slow fashion, ethical practices, and lifestyle-driven design, Sundara is poised to grow not just as a pajama brand, but as a platform for change and beauty. In the future, we plan to expand into bedding and home textiles, offering our customers a full-circle experience rooted in comfort, culture, and conscious living.
Pricing:
- All items are handcrafted using 100% cotton, natural dyes, and traditional block printing techniques in India.
- Nightgowns: $118–$158
- Pajama Pants: $84–$98
- Pajama Shorts: $64
- Tops (Mix & Match): $64–$84
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sundaratextiles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundaratextiles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonatePajamas/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-tucker-a174aa311/
- Other: https://www.pajamajams.org
