Weaver story: Celebrating Craft & Craftsman with grace!
Today, we are in conversation with Nishant Malhotra, the founder of Weaver Story, a brand that represents the vast riches of the Indian Textile and Handloom industry.
Lets us know about Weaver Story from the founder himself.
1. Give us a brief introduction about you.
I am a first-generation entrepreneur and before starting Weaver Story spent over a decade working in MNCs and Fortune 500 conglomerates. I was intrigued by the artisans who spent years and even generations skilfully learning an art to achieve a perfect product. This is a very powerful story and I wanted to tell this story, while ensuring sustainable employment for those associated with handcrafts.
While discussing how the Dabbawala’s of Mumbai were celebrated for their six sigma operations, my wife and I were amazed to see resemblance of their ingenuity and efficient processes reflected in the journey of creating weaves like the Ikats from Patola, Jaals in Banarasi, etc.
Established in 2015, Weaver Story, is a tribute to the story of weavers expressed through each unique creation for our customers. We are committed to preserving and taking forward the rich legacy of Indian Textiles and Handloom making it available to people across the world, at the same time creating more financial independence for millions of weavers and artisans across India.
2. I think everyone has a wonderful story behind starting a brand. Any significant story/outline behind the name of the brand?
Weaver Story is a collective creative identity that represents the vast riches of the Indian Textile and Handloom industry. We narrate stories as they were meant to be told by the grapher or the weavers and the others involved in the process. They are the greatest creators. We are not restricted to any one cluster or form, but we help bridge the gap and get more like minded people to work together. Our role is that of a catalyst.
Our very essence encompassing our products and services — originates and culminates at the source. Our soul and inspiration — The Weaver. Therefore, keeping it simple we are called ‘Weaver Story’.
3. How did you start the brand? Kindly walk us through the same?
We came up with the idea of a brand after a phenomenal response to some sarees we had posted about on Facebook. These sarees were sourced directly from the weavers and they were compensated in full for their craft. This indeed was a rare occurrence in the industry and challenged the norms. However, factoring in the potential audience outreach, the great response and various benefits to the weavers and craftsmen, we felt encouraged to take a leap of faith. We fittingly started weaving our story on the National Handloom Day on the 8th of August 2015 and going strong ever since.
4. Initial struggles or any hardships that you had to go through?
As most startups do, we faced a host of teething challenges in setting up the brand and logistics channel. Soon, we were able to surpass these challenges, as most people we work with are simple folks who still value people and relationships. After an initial worry about how we would sustain, they backed us completely, as any family member would do. We were guided as little brothers and sisters, and respected for our efforts to make this global.
5. Tell us a bit more about your Vision and Motto of the brand.
WeaverStory is a statement of intent, the beginning of a culture of excellence built on craftsmanship, dedication, tradition and innovation. We believe every weave is more than just an apparel, it has innate potential to be an heirloom to be celebrated and cherished by generations.
Ours is a heritage built with passion, to be lovingly maintained in its aesthetic, pristine perfection.
Our endeavours are designed to sustain, safeguard and fuel the growth of the handloom and textile industry of the country.
6. What would be the 3 USPs that gives your brand a competitive edge over your competitors?
a. We are an artisan and craft centric brand. We let the craftsmen thrive in their creative space to create their incredible weaves. We limit ourselves to essential support and minimal inputs only.
b. We deploy state of the art technology and the power of social media as our customer interaction platforms.
c. Our Weavers Welfare programs focus on holistic development of the weaver community and amplify the growth of the artform.
7. What has been your biggest learning over the years since the inception of your business?
That there is no limit to beauty, no saturation in design. All the elements remain constant but for a trained mind all of them are new. They tell a new fairy tale, every time a woman adorns the magical piece, which is new yet created in history.
8. Do you have any offline stores?
Our flagship store is located in the heart of the capital city Delhi. We are based in Saket adjacent to the Garden of Five Senses.
9. Do you ship Pan India? Approximately how much time does it take to reach the customer after he/she has placed the order? Is worldwide shipping available?
Yes, we do ship to all parts of the country. The shipping time varies as per the location of the customer and any customisation and special requests by customers.
Yes, we ship globally.
10. Any word of advice to young entrepreneurs who are starting off.
The drive and determination are far more instrumental than a ground-breaking idea.
11. Kindly share your Social media handle links
Website: https://www.weaverstory.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_weaverstory/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeaverStorydelhi/
12. Any other information (if any) that you would like to mention about your brand?
We have recently expanded into handcrafted jewellery and accessories curated especially to compliment our collections.
We had an absolutely fantastic experience interacting with Mr. Nishant and really liked the insights that he shared about his entrepreneurial journey. I really hope that even you guys loved the conversation and have been greatly inspired by him.
Do let us know your views in the form of comments.
Until next time, Cheers!
