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Craftrepreneurs: The Heart of Handmade
As craftrepreneurs, we don't just run businesses; we live and breathe our work, transforming challenges into opportunities with a wink and a smile. Our mission is to champion sustainability, foster authentic relationships, and create products that delight, all while embracing a casual yet passionate approach—often in our comfiest, well-worn pyjamas.The Art of Crafting TreasuresWe see ourselves as treasure hunters, venturing where assembly lines fear to tread. From handmade jewellery that outshines disco balls to artisanal soaps evoking vacation dreams and handcrafted clothing as unique as a child's imagination, we prioritize... Read more...
The Evolution and Challenges of India's Handloom Industry
India's handloom industry, a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage, has faced numerous challenges and transformations over the decades. From the reservation of specific articles for handloom production to the rise of power looms, this sector's journey is a complex tapestry of regulations, market dynamics, and artisans' resilience. Here's a deep dive into the evolution of the handloom industry and the challenges it faces today.Historical Context: A Sector in Flux1928: The handloom sector experienced widespread unemployment, signalling the beginning of its turbulent journey.1932: The Tariff Board, led by Dr.... Read more...
The Untold Journey of Bengaluru's Block Printing
In the late 1970s, Bengaluru was a thriving hub of block printing, renowned for its vibrant, multicoloured block-printed silk sarees. These sarees were a staple in local wardrobes and gained fame through the many yesteryear actresses who wore them with pride. As Krishna, one of our block printers, tells it, the story of block printing in Bengaluru is a tale of artistry, challenges, and resilience.A Teenage Block Printer's JourneyKrishna began his journey in the block printing industry as a teenager, working in a factory owned by Mahalingam. This bustling factory... Read more...
Embracing Swadeshi in Modern Times
In an age of global connectivity and stark disparities, the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world as one family — has gained momentum. Yet, within this framework, Swadeshi goods may seem materialistic at face value. However, M.K. Gandhi's interpretation of Swadeshi, rooted in the essence of local empowerment and self-reliance, is more relevant than ever.Understanding SwadeshiSwadeshi isn't about rejecting foreign goods simply because they are foreign. Instead, it's about embracing products and ideas that benefit the local people. Foreign goods are welcome if they cannot or need not be... Read more...
Empowering India's Crafterpreneurs
What is Sustainable Design?Sustainable design aims to create products, services, and systems that integrate environmental, social, and economic factors throughout their lifecycle. It strives to minimize negative environmental and societal impacts while maximizing benefits for all stakeholders involved.Responsibilities of Crafterpreneurs in India's Emerging Market1. Mindful Sourcing: Sustainable design encourages businesses to source materials that support fair trade practices, ensuring the well-being of artisans and fostering a transparent supply chain. This builds trust between brands, artisans, and consumers, enhancing the credibility of small businesses.2. Resource Conservation: Small businesses can adopt eco-friendly... Read more...
The True Cost of a Handwoven Cotton Garment
At a recent exhibit, a customer expressed displeasure over the price of one of our garments. Knowing how to stitch, she remarked, "After all, how much time does it take to make a simple garment like this?" Before I could explain, she moved on, dismissing our craft. Instead of defending our MRP, let's focus on the "time consumed" in making an ambara charaka handspun and handwoven cotton garment. It's essential to acknowledge the collective efforts of everyone involved, not just the tailor. Cotton Growing: From sowing to harvest, it takes... Read more...
Fair Taxation for Sustainable Craft Businesses
As a crafterpreneur, I'm comfortable paying GST. My role is to collect tax from the consumer and hand it to the Government. That's it. However, I question the logic behind what gets taxed and how.1] Elevating Craft Businesses to Tech StatusIdeally, craft businesses with GST should be recognized as a distinctly organized sector on par with tech startups. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Our work with the "Fabric of Freedom" involves every step of cotton production—sourced, ginned, slivered, roved, spun, dyed, woven, printed, embroidered, and tailored entirely within Karnataka—minimizing our... Read more...
The Choice Between Cotton and Polyester Indian Flag
During Independence Day, it's time to reflect on a choice beyond just the material of our national flag—cotton or polyester. This decision represents a more profound choice between two vastly different economies, environmental impacts, and values.Option 1: The Cotton Khadi FlagImagine a farmer cultivating a native variety of cotton alongside vegetables and pulses, providing clothing and nutrition. After ginning, the short to medium staple-length cotton, ideal for manual spinning, is sent to a slivering plant. The roving cotton then goes to the Khadi Sangha, where rural women spin it into... Read more...
Understanding the True Cost.
At Metaphor Racha, we believe in complete transparency regarding the pricing of our handcrafted garments. Unlike mass-produced items, the cost of our hand-block-printed ambara charaka spun and handwoven cotton garments (as an example) are meticulously calculated to reflect their true value. Here's an insightful look into what goes into the price of each product you purchase from us.The Components of Our PricingA] Direct Material (20%)This includes the cost of yarn, dyes, blocks, starch, threads, oil, and chalk, which are essential for creating our products.B] Direct Labour (25%) This covers the hands-on... Read more...
Gudaar Patti: The Forgotten Textile of Karnataka
Despite its proximity to the bustling city of Hubli, Hebsur, a quaint village with 1500 households, remains seemingly frozen in time. Tourists often overlook this village on National Highway 52, hurrying past on their way to buy the famous Jamkhanas of Navalgund. In 2015, my friend Aparna, who lived in Dharwad and worked at a local SHG, took me to Hebsur. Knowing my interest in textiles and my appetite for Indiana Jones moments, she knew I would appreciate what I was about to encounter. I first saw "Gudaar Patti" in this... Read more...
Empowering Generosity
During a recent trip to Kolkata, I had a unique experience on a full morning flight. Seated next to a young gentleman who fell asleep before takeoff, I observed a curious moment. The stewardess woke him up to take his breakfast order, but he declined, still groggy and in a bad mood, despite his office having booked his meal. Seizing the opportunity, I asked if I could have his meal instead. Perplexed, he agreed, and I chose a box of almonds and mixed fruit juice. Upon landing, I took a... Read more...
Practicality Over Passion: Lessons from a Craft-Based Entrepreneur.
At Metaphor Racha, any success we've achieved is not solely due to my passion. Instead, it's the collective effort of our valued customers and the dedicated team behind the scenes. While compliments about my "passion for work" are appreciated, the truth is more nuanced. Practical Goals Over Major Ambitions I don't have a major, overarching goal for my business, nor do I work tirelessly to achieve it at any cost. Instead, I focus on smaller, implementable objectives and maintain an ambitious mindset. With limited resources, persistence must be balanced with... Read more...