I’m a product designer who specializes in all sorts of hand-embroidered techniques like hand-beaded embroidery, handloom weaving, crochet, macrame, machine embroidery, and so on.

I design and work on products for bags, soft home products pillows /throws, hair accessories for multinational companies like Zara, Mango, etc. When I started my first job, after graduating, I had no clue about embroidery or anything machine-related projects but started off slowly by being an Assistant and observing for a good one year.

Slowly, I started taking up small projects building my experience, and started attending meetings in Spain/London for many multinational companies for design meetings. I started sourcing materials internationally for new ideas and products. I’ve been working at the same place now for 6 years and I’m proud to say now I specialize in all types of embroidered products whether it’s hand embroidery, machine embroidery, weaving handloom with strong knowledge and hands-on experience of the product.

• • What initially sparked your interest in this field?

I did my Bachelor’s in English literature from Hyderabad. I always knew I wanted to do something creative but I just couldn’t wrap my head around it/ But my mum wanted me to finish a regular degree before I took up something in the creative filed. So we made a deal, that as soon as I finished college I could pick a course of my choice if that’s what I still wanted! Every college event I would immediately participate in anything creative and would win the first prize, whether it was face painting, acting, or storytelling.  As I promised, I finished my end of the bargain of finishing my 3 years degree and I still wanted to do something creative, fun, and make a career out of something I enjoyed. So finally I did my Master’s degree in design and here I am!

• • How have your roots influenced your work or working style?

Being a Naga, my work was really influenced by all the strong, independent and talented ladies who make beautiful intricate shawls, mekhalas and woven baskets and more.

Every year, as I would go home to Dimapur, I would spend hours gazing at my neighbors making the most beautiful handloom shawls and mekhalas with such bright colours-RED BLACK WHITE, or knitted sweaters for selling or just made for the family. I would always interrupt them and ask them to teach me the basics.. they were so kind and patient with me I must say. Naga designs are so simple but yet rich and elegant. Each symbol like a rooster, a tiger, a spear has a story to tell. Each tribe has a unique design and color combination, would love to study deeper behind it and make a beautiful collection.

2017 natural cane woven baskets were in great demand all over Europe- they were popular for beach bags- luckily I had the advantage to know a bit more of the pros and cons of how/where to make it than any of my coworkers as I saw it almost every day of my life back home. I felt so proud to see so many popular brands wanting our organic baskets..

 “I hope that I will be able to combine all this traditional Naga ethnicity and these old techniques and blend it with a fusion of all the other current techniques. I have learned over the course of time and start something of my very own one day which will stand out and go beyond from the rest of the commercial products- But for right now- I’m happily soaking up as much experience as I can get before I start anything.”

I hope that every young/old person can feel that it is never to late to start doing what they love,Of course, it can be scary and intimidating starting from the scratch especially if you have no sort of similar background knowledge to back you up or to see people a few steps ahead of the game! Life is working progress You have to start somewhere- so start with giving yourself more credit, don’t sell yourself short.

Believe in yourself and leave your negative thoughts at the door. Be positive; BE confident! My ONE AND ONLY advise is- Nothing is handed for free and there are no short cuts. HARD WORK, discipline – and focus is a great recipe for a great strong foundation.