Today on the blog, we feature, eco-entrepreneurs Avantikka Raghunandan & Ritikka Raghunandan, Co-Founders, Avnii Eco-Products LLP . Meet the maker at the February 2020 edition of By Hand from the Heart Makers Market in Chennai.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
We were born in Pollachi but brought up in boarding schools in Ooty. We have always looked up to our parents for the work they do and how they have changed the lives of many people over the decades. Growing up we were taught the importance of living in harmony with nature and that we have to leave behind a better version of the earth for our future generations. Apart from what we do, we take time off to trek into forests, for wildlife photography and animal care and rescue.
the lady holding the coconut shell explains the mission of our company and it is also the hand of our older worker, she is 80 years old.
How did you begin Avnii?
Avnii is an extension of the mother company Green India Exports. We wanted to make available value added, up-cycled coconut shell products for the people in India. Initially, the response was very lukewarm as the raw material was a coconut shell that was available in every kitchen. With the increased awareness towards the planet and replacing plastic with more Eco-friendly options, we started Avnii towards the later part of 2019. At Avnii, we focus on creating products that can be recycled and reused.
What is the story behind your brand name?
Avnii meant a the ‘Earth’ and we couldn’t think of a better than this to go with our mission. ‘Av’ from Avnii is from Avantikka and ‘Ni’ is from Narayani (a part of Ritikka’s name) and the extra ‘i’ Is for brand identity.
How has your business evolved over the years?
We tried starting this company a few years back but the response was very underwhelming. We faced a lot of challenge in trying to make people understand that though the raw material is coconut shell, a lot of intricate work goes into making each product. Today with the menace of climate change and the with more people turning towards Eco-friendly options, Avnii has more chances to grow in the forthcoming years and in the process change more lives.
Your work space & the artisans you work with.
Our work space is the terrace of our house. We are working on a Eco-friendly studio where we are using re-cycled material as well as refurbished wood and solar energy. The artisans we work with are local women, a lot of them are old and as this work requires them to sit and use ply their hands, they are able to support themselves by working here with us. We also encourage them to go back to the basics of living in harmony with nature and use sustain ably grown organic produce. We also educate them on growing their own produce.
What is currently on your work table?
We have our planters and candle shades on work work table. It is very exciting to work on creating new designs.
What is your personal favorite pick from your Avnii right now? And why?
Our personal favourite would be our colourful planter and our soy candles. We like the planters because they are so beautiful and they add a very aesthetic vibe to the area they are placed in. The candles because we use soy wax instead of the regular paraffin wax or bee wax, both of which are not Eco-friendly. These candle have a longer burn time and produce very less carbon and the fragrance too are unique and made from organic sources.
What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.
We will be displaying the following products: Oval coconut bowls, round coconut bowls, coconut shell spoons, coconut shell planters, wind chimes, lamp shades, candle shades, soap trays, coconut shell candles and coconut palm leaf crafts.
Meet the Maker @
By Hand from the Heart: Makers Market – 29th Edit
7 – 8 February 2020, Friday – Saturday | 10 a.m – 9 p.m
Hanu Reddy Residences, No. 41/19, Poes Garden, Chennai 600086, India.
Follow us on : Facebook Event Page | Facebook | Instagram | Blog
Makers can apply to participate in our makers market events; to apply, click link