On the blog today, we feature Fariha Begum, founder and designer at Terku. She shares in detail about her label, designs, inspirations and her showcase at the By Hand From The Heart Makers Market in September 2017. Her story…
Tell us a bit about you and your design venture.
I am the founder and designer at Terku. I enjoy discovering beauty in the ordinary and am a very hands-on person. I love to work with different textures and fabrics to create products which are infused with down-to-earth, minimalist and authentic styles.
Terku, literally meaning “South” in Tamil, is my design venture doing just that. I came up with the idea of this brand as I was finishing my post graduation. I have always been inclined towards having my own startup, and with Terku, I am reintroducing Indian craft techniques by creating innovative and interesting products. Through this venture, I aim to provide a sustainable livelihood to various indigenous weavers and craftsmen.
Why is making important to you.
To me, every hand-crafted product tells a beautiful story of hard work and passion – becoming a symbol of the craft’s heritage.
A Terku product comes to life through layers, and incorporates the efforts of various individuals. Though we are not located at the same place – the designer, spinner, weaver, and artisan; each come together to play an integral part in creating each product. Our products are handmade end-to-end, and it is extremely satisfying to piece together various elements and convert what was previously an abstract thought into an actual product.
On a personal note, the making process is kind of meditative, where I zone out and focus all my energy on what’s in my hands. I’m someone who likes to change things up every now and then. So visiting my weavers once every few months is a must. During these trips I sit with them and try out new weave patterns and color combinations. This is essential as many times what you have in mind does not translate point to point on a textured fabric. A lot of experimentation takes place before finalizing each fabric. And after all the hard work and sleepless nights, the end result is definitely worth it.
Your favourite design story.
Well, it’s very tough to single out a particular product or design. However, an experience overjoyed me when I least expected it. Recently, I met an old customer of mine; she had bought one of my first creations – a lime green satchel I made around 3 years ago as part of my final year college project. She told me how it is still in such a great condition, and that she enjoys using it very much. I feel that little moment was a big testimony to the hard work that my craftsmen and I have put in to create each product.
Why the jamakalam. Tell us more about this weave.
During my final year of college, we went on an industrial trip, visiting a bunch of textile related places. I grew up in Malaysia, and hence was unfamiliar with many native traditions. So this trip was very fascinating for me and I first learnt the word – Jamakalam – the carpets that are widely used in all marriages/functions.
Among the places, we visited a Jamakalam weaving cluster as well and I simply loved the hospitality and affection the weavers showered me with. So, when I had to work on my final semester project, I was keen on collaborating with them. The hard work and dedication paid off, and my project was a success. Motivated by all the positive feedback, I decided to convert it into a venture. As Jamakalam weaving clusters have dwindled drastically in the past decade, I am working on giving a new purpose and bringing the craft to the modern consumer.
Jamakalam fabrics are woven in pit looms. These looms require hard manual labour to operate, where the weaver sits inside a pit to manoeuvre the pedals. It has a unique weave construction, which is entirely weft faced. This makes it possible for constructing either plain or striped fabrics. However, checks are not possible since the warp yarns are completely hidden. The fabric has a distinctive weight owing to the thick yarns used to weave it.
Handmade in India / Make in India – what does this mean to you.
I see the essence of ‘Make in India’ as supporting small scale industries and the local economy. For me, when I source the raw materials and work with craftsmen locally, I’m able to ensure the best quality at every stage. We become a source of income for a group of craftsmen and artisans where there is a symbiotic relationship – my success directly influences theirs and vice versa.
Tell us about your team and work studio.
There are two main teams I work with – the weaving cluster and the craftsmen. I have nurtured strong working relationships with some extremely talented weavers over the past couple of years. I can now coordinate most activities from Chennai itself, with the occasional visit every few months.
The design and manufacturing is done out of our studio in Chennai, where I work with a few craftsmen. I handle the creative part, and also lend a hand with the manufacturing when I am free. Our master craftsman is differently abled, and is the key person behind the lovely finishes of our bags. We make my line of products and also take custom orders and bulk orders. Recently we have started a garment designing and tailoring division as well.
What is a typical day at Terku like.
Honestly, very few days are ‘typical’ for me at Terku. I could take you through a simple product life cycle. During the designing phase, I am at the studio working on various patterns, models and samples. Sometimes, products require significant trial and error before finalizing. Post this, I would source the leather and accessories required. This can take some time as what I need might not be available immediately or in sufficient quantity. I then oversee the manufacturing process of each product followed by coordinating the deliveries of the same. Most of the time, these activities happen in parallel for different products simultaneously. It can get quite hectic!
Tell us about your showcase at the By Hand, From The Heart.
I’m very excited about ‘Varnajaalam’, our signature collection that I’ll be showcasing. It is an exclusively designed series of accessories made with sustainable, hand-woven cotton and top grade leather. It comprises of a variety of products which include knapsacks, satchels, laptop bags, totes, sling bags, laptop sleeves, pouches and wallets. The collection speaks the language of vibrancy and authenticity, and personifies Varnajaalam – the magic of colours.
What’s your favourite Terku pick, right now.
Every product I make is very dear to me but if I have to pick one, it would be the small chain slings, simply because I use one myself. They are compact, perfect for running errands and a customer favourite too.
About Chennai.
I have been living in Chennai for about 8 years now and I find the city to be an eclectic mix of modern meets tradition. It’s close to my heart because I did my graduate studies and established my business here. The city has everything a designer would need, and it goes without saying that anyone would find it easy to enjoy the Chennai experience.
By Hand From The Heart: MAKERS MARKET – 21st Edition
Date: Friday – Saturday, 8th – 9th September, 2017
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
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