A bit about your venture RISTA Handicrafts.
During my travels to Odisha and other rural places I came across these artisan groups of women who were crafting beautiful weaving baskets. I was intrigued by this process and started designing products to suit modern trends. The skill and craftmanship were excellent but the design had to be improvised; I started to embellish the products and also sytle the form of the products. Seeing my work Prof Jhujhunwala incubated my company Ristahandicrafts. The whole idea was to empower myself and the women I work with. Such Indian made products are far superior to foreign handicrafts in finish and durability.
About the rural communities RISTA works with.
Rista at present works with Odisha clusters, Manipur cluster , Tamil Nadu palm leaf and banana fibre .
You have participated in an earlier edition of BHFTH what was the BHFTH experience’ share your observations.
Yes I have participated at the By Hand From The Heart events and I am extremely impressed. Lovely platform for all crafters and fabulously constructed. The organisers are super adjusting and you feel like a family with them .
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten along the way in building your business? People shop with their eyes.Hence I developed a beautiful online store and with all the good advise I ensure to present my product displays well.
Your advice for aspiring craft entrepreneurs?
Do what it take to show creativity with a sound business plan. While it can be very soul satisfying an endeavour, I highly recommend you to pursue the business and maths of your venture cautiously.
About Chennai.
I love Chennaites as they are genuine folks by culture and are passionate about hand work. They have a kind heart to understand craft for what goes into it . Chennai is loved; as RISTA has its start-up roots here and we are growing with the city’s patronage.
At the Makers Market exhibition in Chennai this October, meet the maker!
By Hand From The Heart: MAKERS MARKET – Festival Special – 19th Edition
Date: Friday – Saturday, 7th – 8th October, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m
Venue: Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park
Address: 132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, Tamil Nadu. India
LINKS: 19th Edition Makers Market Event Page | Facebook|Instagram|Twitter |Blog