Author, singer-songwriter, creative entrepreneur and brand storyteller—Aikum Bhatti Ruia’s journey is a testament to living life on her own terms. Rooted in Chandigarh and now based in California, she continues to craft stories through words, music and brands, always guided by authenticity and creativity.

Born in a city envisioned by Le Corbusier and cradled by the Himalayas, Aikum grew up surrounded by design, art, and nature. Summers spent in Shimla, Manali and Kufri instilled in her a love for slow living and the beauty of small details—values that continue to shape her creative lens.

Her journey into self-expression began early. By the age of ten, Aikum was already composing songs and writing essays, eventually winning awards for music while publishing lifestyle columns as a teenager. Fashion and styling soon became another outlet, leading her to pursue a Master’s in Fashion Business in Florence. Living in Europe’s design capital gave her a deeper appreciation for aesthetics and storytelling, weaving together art and entrepreneurship as integral parts of her identity.

Professionally, Aikum has built an eclectic path across industries. She started in PR and celebrity styling before moving into brand strategy. In 2020, she co-founded Entrepret, a digital platform on the business of fashion and beauty that grew to 10,000+ readers and later evolved into a Spotify podcast. By 2022, she was shaping the brand voice of Neeman’s Shoes, one of India’s most disruptive footwear startups, as Brand Manager. She later co-founded Manifest Agency, a boutique social media consultancy, while also serving as a juror at ISDI Mumbai Fashion School, mentoring young design talent.

Now based in San Francisco, Aikum continues to balance entrepreneurship with artistry. Alongside her debut novel A Punjabi Gal’s Guide to Rock, she is currently building a wellness brand for women—furthering her mission to create with honesty, impact and grace. Featured in VICE and Women Entrepreneur India, Aikum represents a generation of multi-hyphenate creators who prove that identity is not about fitting into one box, but about writing your own story.