Decoding Sustainability
Gujarat is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, and one artisan keeping this spirit alive is Bhawna, a talented craftswoman from a small village in the region. Bhawna, along with her sisters and neighbors, crafts exquisite items using crochet techniques.
From wall hangings to earrings, her creations are not only beautiful but also rooted in sustainability. For the past few years, she has been blending traditional methods with modern aesthetics to create products that are popular among both local and online customers. This journey started as a way to become financially independent and has since evolved into a thriving business.
Bhawna’s story is a reflection of how opportunities for local artisans can breathe new life into communities. Her products are made using materials sourced from local suppliers, and the art of crochet, passed down through generations, is an integral part of her work. With the guidance of her mentor, Apoorva Lahoti, Bhawna has honed her skills and now contributes to the preservation of this craft while promoting eco-friendly, handmade products.
Haati- What Inspired You to Start This Business?
Bhavna- I’ve always wanted to be independent and support my family. When this opportunity to learn crochet came along, I jumped at it. It gave me a way to not only express myself creatively but also earn an income.
Haati- Was There a Specific Incident That Motivated You?
Bhavna- Apoorva Lahoti came to our village and taught us, including my sisters and neighbors, how to turn crochet into a business. She gave us the skills we needed, and that really pushed me to start making products and take on orders.
Haati- How Popular Are Your Products, and Where Do You Source Your Materials?
Bhavna- Our products have become quite popular online. We get a lot of orders through the internet. We also source our materials locally, like the bamboo, which comes from the Dangs community here in Gujarat. This connection to local resources is important to us.
Haati- What Aspects of Traditional Techniques Are Highlighted in Your Products?
Bhavna- Knitting is the main skill we use. My sisters and I knew some basic knitting from when we were young, and Apoorva taught us how to take that further with crochet techniques. The combination of what we knew and what we learned allows us to create these beautiful, detailed pieces.
Haati- Who Are Your Primary Buyers?
Bhavna- Most of our buyers are online, but we also get customers when we put up stalls at village fairs, like during Holi and Diwali. People from nearby villages come to buy our products, so we have a good mix of online and local buyers.
Haati- Where Did You Get the Idea to Start a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Business?
Bhavna- When Apoorva introduced the idea of making a living from home by crafting with sustainable materials like cotton crochet, we immediately knew it was something we wanted to do. Sustainability is very important to us.
Haati- Is the Business Profitable?
Bhavna- Yes, it’s definitely profitable. We get a lot of online orders, which has been a big help. The internet has opened up so many possibilities for us that weren’t there before.
Haati- What Challenges Have You Faced, and How Have You Overcome Them?
Bhavna- The biggest challenge was not having enough artisans. In the beginning, only a few of us were doing this work, so it was hard to keep up with orders, especially in bulk. But over time, we’ve started adding more women to the group, and that’s helped a lot.
Haati- What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Your Products?
Bhavna- People often think that crochet is made from wool, but that’s not true for our products. We use cotton threads for all of our items, and it makes a big difference in the final product.
Haati- Can You Share a Memorable Customer Experience?
Bhavna- Most of our customers are online, but there was one customer who loved our wall hangings and earrings so much that she placed several repeat orders. That kind of support really motivates us to keep going.
Bhawna’s journey from learning basic knitting to mastering crochet has empowered her to create eco-friendly products that have resonated with both online customers and local buyers. Through her hard work and the guidance of mentors, she has established a successful and sustainable business. Bhawna’s story is a testament to the power of artisan craftsmanship and its ability to provide livelihoods while honoring tradition.