Women Listed platform is known for featuring small and medium businesses run by women that are women-owned and home-grown. It aims to make all these women entrepreneurs searchable and accessible through its medium so that targeted people can easily reach out to them.
Here is one such brand, ‘Kaarighar’, that you will not find anywhere else but on Women Listed. It was built by three Delhi-based Army officer’s wives, Richi, Rimpi, and Sonia. These homepreneurs, in their 50s, are showcasing traditional handwoven ethnic ensembles from across India through their brand.
Background Story
It happened one day when Rimpi from Lucknow and Sonia from Jammu were posted to Delhi with their Army husbands. There, they met Richi over a cup of coffee. They found solace in each other's company, and little did they know that this casual meeting would evolve into a beautiful journey of entrepreneurship, empowerment, and creativity.
Richi, Rimpi, and Sonia, all wives of Army officers and former teachers, shared a passion for creating something of their own. United by their desire to make a difference, they embarked on a remarkable venture together—the birth of ‘Kaarighar’.
What started as a conversation over coffee quickly transformed into a mission to promote Indian handwoven ethnic ensembles. With determination and zeal, the trio dove headfirst into the business world, dedicating themselves to every aspect of their newfound endeavor.
USP of ‘Kaarighar’
‘Kaarighar’ set itself apart by prioritizing quality and authenticity. By sourcing directly from weavers across the country, particularly in Lucknow, Banaras, and Kashmir, they ensured that each product bore the mark of skilled craftsmanship and tradition. Their collection ranges from exquisite dress materials and sarees to elegant shawls, jackets, and coord sets reflecting the rich heritage of Indian textiles. They include handcrafted pieces like embroidered Chikankari suits and cotton sarees, Banarasi Gicha silk suits and zari border sarees, Chinnon Chiffon saree with traditional Kashmiri Chinar Patta motifs, Kashmiri Upada silk pieces, and many other items.
Empowering other Women and Themselves
‘Kaarighar’s journey extends beyond mere commerce. It is a testament to support other women and uplift communities. By empowering women artisans from Lucknow, Banaras, and Kashmir, the brand not only preserves age-old traditions but also provides sustainable livelihoods to these women artisans. And despite being newcomers to the business world, Richi, Rimpi, and Sonia, in their 50s, have embraced the challenges enthusiastically. They are learning from their kids and have adapted to the changing marketing trends, leveraging platforms like Instagram and Women Listed to showcase their creations and connect with a broader audience.
Achievements So Far
The brand's achievements speak volumes about its impact. From the humble beginnings of home to the exquisite exhibitions, ‘Kaarighar’ has garnered recognition and admiration. It happened in their very first exhibition at the Indian Islamic Centre in Delhi. Rana Safvi, a renowned author, scholar, and translator, came to inaugurate it, and there, she bought a few of the Kashmiri Jackets from ‘Kaarighar’. She wore those beautiful jackets and tagged them on Instagram, and since then, she has been their regular customer.
Despite juggling multiple responsibilities as Army officers' wives, Richi, Rimpi, and Sonia remain committed to their passion project. For them, ‘Kaarighar’ is not just a business but a means of personal fulfillment and social responsibility. Their vision extends beyond profits, focusing on uplifting marginalized communities and honoring the artisans who hardly get rewarded for their creative craftsmanship.
As they continue to inspire with their story, ‘Kaarighar’ leaves us with timeless words of wisdom: "Follow your passion and consistent effort. You should be passionate about whatever you do, and there is no age bar to do anything. We are in our 50s, and we have started now, and if we can do it, so can you."
With Women Listed, ‘Kaarighar’ gets a chance to showcase its brand effectively. The platform is amplifying voices that deserve to be heard and seen. Together, they pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, where every story is celebrated and every dream is nurtured.
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