Decoding Sustainability
Saloni Sacheti, a trained lawyer turned social entrepreneur, is the visionary behind Baansuli, a social enterprise that merges eco-friendly bamboo crafts with contemporary design. Her journey from legal training to the remote tribal regions of Dang, Gujarat, marked a pivotal shift in her career. During her fellowship in Dang, Saloni was struck by the rich bamboo craftsmanship of the tribal communities.
Recognizing the need for sustainable alternatives in the market, she founded Baansuli to bring contemporary bamboo jewelry and home décor to the forefront.
Today, Baansuli stands as a beacon of sustainable design, providing employment to artisans while receiving accolades for its innovative approach. Featured in prestigious platforms like Vogue India and Elle, Saloni’s work has garnered national recognition, and her brand has become a pioneer in promoting environmental consciousness through fashion and utility products.
Interview with Saloni Sacheti, Founder of Baansuli
Haati: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Baansuli?
Saloni: Baansuli comes from two words—"Baans" for bamboo and "Hansuli," a traditional jewelry pattern. Bamboo was plentiful in Dang, where I worked, and the local artisans there used techniques like quilling and blocking. I wanted to create something more contemporary, adding elements like silver and stones, making our bamboo jewelry unique and versatile.
Haati: How does Baansuli contribute to sustainable living?
Saloni: Our bamboo products have a low carbon footprint since the material is locally sourced. For example, during COVID, we launched bamboo laptop stands that were functional and eco-friendly. The products are 100% natural, treated with alum, sun-dried, and packaged using recycled materials, ensuring a minimal environmental impact.
Haati: What about the specific type of bamboo you use?
Saloni: We primarily use Manvea Bamboo from Dang for most products. For sturdier items, we source bamboo from Assam.
Haati: What challenges did you face while working with tribal artisans?
Saloni: Initially, convincing artisans to join us was tough. The main challenge in these areas is the lack of steady income, with agriculture being the primary seasonal job. We started with just five artisans and aimed to offer them consistent livelihood through handicrafts. The tribal community, in many ways, has a more liberated outlook on life, something we could all learn from.
Haati: What are Baansuli’s future plans?
Saloni: We’ve expanded from jewelry to include home décor and utility products. Moving forward, we want to grow our artisan base and continue producing durable, sustainable products that are not just aesthetically beautiful but also a necessity in the consumer’s daily life.
Saloni's vision for Baansuli goes beyond business—it's a movement towards a sustainable future, rooted in tradition, creativity, and social upliftment.