Today on our Meet The Maker Series we feature Divya Jain of Kari based in Bangalore. Let’s find out more about her venture story and her first event in Coimbatore.
Tell us a bit about the founder and team.
Divya Jain, all of 22 years old, conceptualized the brand “Kari” as part of her final year project in Srishti School of Design, Bangalore in 2016. It is a vegan collection in faux leather that blends hand block-printed Kalamkari and Ajrak fabrics with contemporary shapes of bags. She traveled to the villages in Andhra Pradesh and worked with artisans there to come up with this collection. When she presented the bags as part of her project, everyone loved it and she got orders for 40 bags in 2 days. Seeing the popularity, Divya decided to pursue this project as her hobby after graduation, along side her full time job.
What inspired you to start your business?
My father was a businessman but had to pursue service due to certain circumstances, but we all knew all along that he would have been happier owning a business of his own. He was my biggest inspiration since my childhood. Right from then, I wanted to start my own business, do something for my family, and give them an additional thing that they could proudly own.
Further, two of my seniors from college – Aakash and Kevat, founders of the label Dukaan, always inspired me to push myself and overcome the fear of me being young and start something all by myself.
As part of my college project, I worked with an NGO and pursued social service. This helped me learn more about communities and know more about how design can be used for the betterment of these communities.
My graduation project facilitated by Jacob Mathew, was another inspiration for me. During this project I met artisans and saw their potential, and saw how designers are important to create an impact. “Help them and help yourself” – Jacob Mathew – he became a part of my belief system.
I am also a fan of Indian crafts. I want to take the idea of working with Artisan communities and uplifting them.
I want to design all the products that I use in my day to day life myself.
– all of the above inspired me to launch Kari.
Your work space
I am an entrepreneur – I currently work from home. But if we talk about everyday inspiration, it feels like I am on a lookout all the time, no matter where I am. I draw inspiration from everyday lives, products and designs around me. I make regular visits to meet the artisan communities all around the country which helps me design better and build further on my idea.
What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart Makers Market in Coimbatore.
A vegan collection in faux leather that blends hand block-printed Kalamkari and Ajrak fabrics with contemporary shapes of bags and accessories. I will be displaying bags and belts from this collection.
Meet the Maker at By Hand From The Heart: MAKERS MARKET – 22nd Edition
Date: Friday – Saturday, 2nd – 3rd February, 2018
Time: 10:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m
Venue: Jenneys Residency – Ruby Hall & Art Houz Gallery
Address: 2/2, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641014. India.
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By Hand from the Heart 