SOMA Living June 2025

MAPLEWOOD VILLIAGE ALLIANCE MEET THE MERCHANT

Get to know downtown Maplewood Village Alliance Merchants in this Q+A feature - this month, Kimaya Kama. What is your name and the name of your business? My name is Kimaya Salaskar, and I’m the owner of Kimaya Kama, a boutique and gift shop. The name “Kimaya Kama” is deeply personal— in Sanskrit Kimaya means “magic” and Kama means “desire”. I chose it because it captures the spirit of what I wanted the store to be: a magical, curated space full of beautiful things that spark desire and joy. What is your USP? What sets your business apart from others? At Kimaya Kama, we pride ourselves on offering a truly global and ever-evolving selection. From handcrafted tunics and scarves made by artisans in India, to different goods sourced from the UK, Europe, Canada and Turkey, each item tells a story. Whether it’s a gift, a treat, or a piece of wearable art, everything feels special and unique. It’s like going on a little trip abroad without leaving Maplewood. We’ve also just introduced a new Kama Market section to the store, featuring hot sauces, spices, sweet treats, and soup mixes from around the world—perfect for adventurous food lovers and thoughtful gift-givers alike. What inspired you to get into this business?

Why Maplewood Village? Maplewood Village has such a charming, small-town feel with a creative, open-hearted energy that I adore. I live right next door in South Orange with my husband Manoj and our three cats—Kimchi, Manx, and Kiwi—so setting up shop in the Village just felt right. It’s a place that truly values independent businesses and community connection. I feel so lucky to be a part of it and it’s an honor to contribute to the fabric of this special place. Where are you located?

You can find Kimaya Kama at 168 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood —right in the center of the Village. We’re thrilled to be celebrating 10 years in Maplewood Village this year! Stop by and say hello! There’s always something new and magical to discover. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @kimayakama for updates on anniversary events, sales, and special surprises.

I’ve always dreamed of owning a cozy, inviting boutique where people could discover beautiful, meaningful pieces. I love meeting people and connecting with our vibrant community—it’s truly the best part of what I do. Kimaya Kama is a curated collection of my favorite finds that I get to share with others.

Created by: Ken Stanek

ErinRose Baldry Executive Director • Maplewood Village Alliance maplewoodvillagenj@gmail.com

ErinRose is the Executive Director of the Maplewood Village Alliance (MVA), the nonprofit District Management Corporation of the Maplewood Village Special Improvement District. The MVA’s main mission is to create a welcoming, interesting, and engaging experience for visitors, provide a favorable environment for businesses in which to thrive, and preserve the character, charm and history of Maplewood Village.

JUNE 2025 | SOMA LIVING 31

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