Anjali Khanna: From Microbiology to Mastering the Granite Industry
By Somdatta Basu
Houston-based entrepreneur Anjali Khanna has built a name for herself in the highly competitive home design industry, blending business expertise with a keen eye for aesthetics. As the owner and marketing director of Vivaldi Group, she has redefined the world of granite, marble, quartz, and home remodeling—a field she never imagined herself in.
“I actually started in Microbiology and worked at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai,” Khanna shared during her recent appearance on the IACCGH Business Hour on Open Forum. “Then I spent seven years sailing with my husband before we moved to Houston in 2002. I was looking for something new and different.”
That search led her to an unexpected industry—stone and surfaces. “Honestly, I didn’t know much about it at first,” she admitted. “But my family in Bangalore, who supplied diamond tools to the granite industry, introduced me to key suppliers, and that’s where my journey began.”
Entrepreneurship wasn’t new to Khanna. Before moving to Houston, she successfully ran a Shahnaz Husain beauty salon in Mumbai’s Powai neighborhood. That experience gave her the confidence to explore new business avenues in the U.S., ultimately leading to the foundation of Vivaldi Stone.
What started as a granite and marble supplier quickly evolved into a full-service home design enterprise. Together with her husband, Sanjay, she expanded the business to include quartz, porcelain, and flooring solutions. Today, Vivaldi Lifestyles is a one-stop destination for homeowners, contractors, and interior designers, offering premium stone, cabinetry, and remodeling solutions.
“We wanted to create a space where customers could find everything in one place—countertops, flooring, cabinets, sinks, and even appliances,” she explained.
Khanna’s contributions to Houston’s business landscape have earned her significant accolades. She was recently recognized as one of Houston’s Top 30 Women-Owned Businesses by the Houston Business Journal.
“This recognition is truly an honor,” she said. “As a minority, woman-owned business, it feels incredible to be acknowledged for our hard work and impact.”
Beyond personal recognition, Vivaldi’s success remains a family affair. While Khanna oversees marketing and sales, her husband manages commercial projects, and their son, leads the cabinet manufacturing division, bringing modern design solutions to customers.
What began as a countertop business has evolved into a comprehensive home design enterprise. Customer demand for matching backsplashes, sinks, and cabinetry prompted the company’s expansion into full-service remodeling solutions. “We realized that instead of a person coming here just for countertops, we could simplify their entire remodeling experience,” Khanna explained. “Now, we offer everything—from backsplashes and sinks to cabinets, faucets, and appliances.”
For Khanna, networking has been a game-changer in Vivaldi’s growth. “Word of mouth is the biggest merit and certification you can get,” she said. “When someone refers you to a friend, there’s nothing like it.” She credited the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) for helping her forge key business connections. “The Chamber has been instrumental in our success,” she said.
As Vivaldi Group continues to grow, Khanna remains focused on innovation and customer experience. From importing the latest quartz and porcelain designs to expanding the company’s remodeling services, she is determined to stay ahead in the ever-evolving home design industry. “The journey has been challenging, but every step has been rewarding,” she said.