Voices for Local with Monisha Singh Katial

What does it take to build a fashion brand rooted in Indian heritage? In this episode of Voices For Local, we speak with Gayathri Iyer, the founder of Banarasi Baithak, a homegrown label dedicated to preserving the legacy of Banarasi weaves. She shares her journey of building the brand across generations, working closely with artisans in Banaras, and adapting traditional craftsmanship for a modern audience. From the realities of the fashion business to building customer trust, this conversation offers valuable insights into fashion, entrepreneurship, and Indian textiles. #voicesforlocal #banarasi #indiantextiles #fashionbusiness #handloom Website link:- https://banarasibaithak.com/

What does it take to build a fashion brand rooted in Indian heritage? In this episode of Voices For Local, we speak with the founders of Sobariko, a homegrown label known for blending traditional Banarasi fabrics with modern silhouettes. They share their journey of building a brand from scratch, working with artisans in Banaras, and creating fashion that stands for quality, authenticity, and timeless design. From the realities of the fashion business to the importance of customer trust, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, and Indian textiles.

When someone says “Made in India design,” Pinklay is a brand that truly lives up to that promise. Founded by Daisy Tanwani, Pinklay started as a passion project and evolved into a thriving lifestyle brand with 7 stores, a presence in 100+ Indian cities, and customers across 33 countries. In this episode of Voices for Local, Daisy opens up about:•⁠  ⁠Leaving a stable journalism career•⁠  ⁠Building a bootstrapped business•⁠  ⁠Working with 200–1000 artisans•⁠  ⁠Online vs offline growth challenges•⁠  ⁠The power of customer feedback•⁠  ⁠Why she hasn’t raised funding (yet) This is an honest, insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, risk, design, and building a brand rooted in craft and community.

Restaurants look glamorous, but behind every successful plate is relentless pressure, razor-thin margins, and brutal reality. In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with a seasoned hospitality professional AD Singh to uncover what truly goes into building and sustaining restaurants in India — beyond food photos, fancy interiors, and opening-day hype. From why most restaurants shut down within the first few years to why opening a café isn’t as easy as it looks, this conversation dives deep into the unseen side of Indian dining. We talk about: Why restaurants fail even when the food is good The biggest myths people believe about running a café How Indian dining culture is changing The real cost of consistency and scale Why hospitality is about people, not just plates Advice for anyone planning to enter the restaurant business This is an honest look at risk, resilience, and what it actually takes to survive in India’s competitive food industry. 🎙️ Watch till the end to understand why restaurants are not just about food — they’re businesses built under constant pressure.

ndian weddings look magical, but behind every seamless moment is absolute madness. In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with Nemish Sanghvi, Founder of WE Hospitality, a pioneer who has spent over 28 years building some of India’s biggest weddings and celebrations across the world. From pulling chairs for grandparents to managing global celebrities, from preserving Indian traditions to handling last-minute chaos — this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to plan weddings in India. We talk about:•⁠  ⁠Why weddings are emotional projects, not checklists•⁠  ⁠How event planning became a full-fledged industry in India•⁠  ⁠The role of patience, people skills, and passion•⁠  ⁠Why India is ready to host the world’s biggest weddings•⁠  ⁠Traditions vs trends in modern Indian weddings•⁠  ⁠Advice for youngsters entering the event planning space This is a story about culture, commitment, and the invisible army that makes celebrations unforgettable. 🎙️ Watch till the end to understand why weddings are not just events — they’re moments that happen only once.

In this episode of Voices for Local, we explore the reality of Indian luxury fashion through an honest, grounded conversation with designer Seema Singh, founder of SS by Seema Singh. From a small-town upbringing in Bihar to building a luxury brand in Mumbai, Seema shares how culture, craft, and lived experience shape authentic design beyond trends, labels, and hype. She speaks about working with Indian artisans, respecting traditional textiles, and the fine balance between emotion and business in fashion. The conversation questions what “luxury” really means in India today, how authenticity often gets diluted, and why staying rooted in culture is more important than chasing global validation. This episode is for anyone interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, Indian craftsmanship, and building meaningful brands that last.

In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with Nachiket Barve, one of India’s most celebrated fashion designers, known for seamlessly blending heritage craftsmanship with contemporary global design. 🧵✨ What began as a curiosity for form, fabric, and culture evolved into a design philosophy rooted in authenticity, intuition, and respect for Indian artisans. From couture to costume design, Nachiket’s journey reflects a deep commitment to thoughtful fashion that empowers the wearer beyond trends. 👉 Discover how Nachiket approaches design as a dialogue between tradition and modernity👉 Learn why understanding craft, culture, and clients is at the heart of meaningful fashion👉 Explore his perspective on sustainability, timeless wardrobes, and the evolving role of technology and AI in fashion From national award–winning costume design to couture rooted in Indian identity, Nachiket shares rare insights into preserving craftsmanship while embracing innovation without losing the human soul of design. ✨ Voices for Local celebrates Indian creators who lead with purpose, creativity, and integrity. 📍Ready to rethink fashion beyond fast trends and fleeting styles? This conversation will change the way you see clothes. 💬 COMMENT: What does “timeless fashion” mean to you?

In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with Parthip Thyagarajan, the visionary force behind Weeding Sutra a brand that is redefining how India plans, celebrates, and preserves the magic of weddings. ✨💍What began as a simple intention to make wedding planning meaningful, stress-free, and deeply personal has evolved into a movement that empowers couples to honour tradition while embracing modern design. 👉 Dive into how Weeding Sutra thoughtfully curates every element from decor to storytelling bringing purpose and personality to each celebration👉 Get an insider look at the emotional and creative challenges of building a brand in an industry built on pressure, perfection, and sentiment👉 Explore how culture, creativity, and contemporary aesthetics seamlessly blend in the Weeding Sutra philosophy With handcrafted details, mindful rituals, and a design approach rooted in heart and authenticity, Weeding Sutra is reshaping the wedding experience for a new generation. ✨ Voices for Local continues to spotlight Indian innovators who are transforming industries with passion, originality, and vision. 📍Ready to rethink the way weddings should feel? Step into the world of Weeding Sutra where every celebration is crafted with soul. 💬 COMMENT: What’s the one wedding element your dream celebration can’t happen without?

In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with Shraddha Sawant, the passionate founder of Massakali, a brand dedicated to celebrating Indian handwoven sarees and empowering women entrepreneurs. 🌸✨ What started as a love for traditional textiles has grown into a movement that brings the elegance of handwoven sarees to modern wardrobes, while keeping the artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship alive. 👉 Discover how Massakali curates each saree with care, ensuring every piece tells its own unique story👉 Learn about the challenges and triumphs of building a women-led brand in a male-dominated industry👉 Explore how tradition, culture, and modern style come together in Massakali’s collections From intricate weaving techniques to the cultural significance of paithani sarees, Massakali is redefining how we wear, appreciate, and celebrate handwoven textiles. ✨ Voices for Local highlights Indian creators who are shaping industries with passion, purpose & authenticity. 📍Ready to embrace timeless elegance? Explore Massakali and bring home sarees that are truly one-of-a-kind. 💬 COMMENT: Which handwoven saree would you love to own?

In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with Gagan Sharma, the torchbearer of the iconic Shegaon Kachori a delicacy that began as a humble prasad and grew into one of Maharashtra’s most loved food legacies. ✨What started with a grandfather’s simple recipe in a small town has today transformed into a flavour that travels across cities, homes, and generations, carrying history, devotion, and craftsmanship in every bite. 👉 Discover how Shegaon Kachori evolved from a temple prasad to a household favourite👉 Learn about the family’s 70+ year journey of preserving authenticity through changing times👉 Get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, innovations, and dreams shaping its next chapter From its unique, easy-to-digest recipe to the passion that keeps the brand rooted in tradition, this is the story of food that goes beyond taste it carries emotion, culture & faith. ✨ Voices for Local celebrates Indian creators who turn heritage into timeless experiences. 📍Ready to taste the legacy? Explore the story behind Shegaon Kachori where every kachori is more than a snack… it’s tradition served warm. 💬 COMMENT: Have you ever tried Shegaon Kachori?

In this episode of Voices for Local, we sit down with Dr. Rupali Ambegaonkar, the inspiring founder of Tea Culture of the World, a brand rooted in wellness, purity, and Indian heritage. 🍃 What started as a mother’s search to heal her child transformed into a passion that birthed one of India’s most thoughtfully curated tea brands offering 80+ blends crafted to nourish mind, body & soul. 👉 Discover how Dr. Rupali transitioned from orthopedics to building a global tea movement👉 Explore how each blend is sourced and designed with wellness at its core👉 See how Tea Culture of the World is elevating India’s tea culture with luxury packaging + premium ingredients From soothing infusions for stress to energising blends for daily rituals, this is tea that tells a story one cup at a time. ✨ Voices for Local highlights Indian dreamers who reshape industries with purpose, passion & innovation. 📍Ready to sip smarter? Experience Tea Culture of the World & bring home blends inspired by tradition, crafted for today. 💬 COMMENT: What’s your daily tea ritual?

In this episode of Voices for Local, we meet Manav Danda, the passionate founders of D'Moksha a sustainable home fashion brand redefining how India decorates. From eco-friendly fabrics to empowering girl child education, this is the story of how purpose and design came together to create beauty that gives back. 👉 Discover how a couple turned their love for mindful living into a global Indian brand rooted in sustainability👉 Learn how D'Moksha’s products not only elevate homes but also fund education for young girls across India👉 From linen and hemp to recycled textiles, see how the brand is leading the way for conscious, luxurious living ✨ Voices for Local celebrates Indian entrepreneurs who dream differently the ones crafting a future where design, purpose, and impact live in perfect harmony. 📍 Ready to decorate with purpose? Explore D'Moksha and be part of a movement where every product tells a story.💬 Tell us in the comments: What does “sustainable living” mean to you?

What if a single bite could take you back in time? What if street food could become a legacy loved across generations? In this episode of Voices for Local, we meet Jasmeet Tibb, the face behind Tibbs Frankie the iconic wrap that has been winning hearts since the 1960s. From a humble food cart near Vihar Lake to a nationwide favorite, this is the story of how passion and family values turned a simple idea into a cultural phenomenon. 👉 Discover how a London-returned dreamer created a completely new category in Indian street food👉 Learn how the commitment to honesty, quality, and integrity helped Tibbs Frankie build trust with millions👉 From mutton wraps to modern plant-based innovations see how the brand continues to evolve while protecting its original charm ✨ Voices for Local celebrates Indian brands that shape our culture the ones creating food, memories, and emotional connections that last forever. 📍 Craving a bite already? Head to a Tibbs Frankie outlet near you!💬 Tell us in the comments: Which Frankie flavor is your all-time favorite?

Thaely isn’t just a sneaker it’s a step towards a greener world. Made from recycled plastics, each pair transforms waste into style while inspiring sustainable living. ✨ Voices for Local – stories that inspire, fashion that matters.

Weirdough isn’t just bread; it’s Pallavee Duggal’s story of turning passion into purpose, patience into perfection, and ideas into reality.

Ever wondered how a small idea can turn into something huge? Meet Sujata & Tanya, the sisters behind Suta Sarees. They started in a tiny garage during Covid with just one employee, dreaming of making malmal sarees that are simple, fun, and affordable. Today, their brand reaches women across India, empowering artisans and changing the way people wear sarees. 👉 How did one online batch spark a nationwide movement?👉 What keeps them going through challenges and long days? This is more than sarees—it’s about following your dream, celebrating simplicity, and creating impact that matters. ✨ Voices for Local – stories that inspire, culture that connects. 💬 Tell us: Which Suta Saree would you love to wear?#VoicesForLocal #SutaSarees #Malmal #WomenEntrepreneurs #StartupStory

What if retirement was the start of your boldest chapter yet?  Meet Prakash Baid, the Marwari entrepreneur who turned India’s most loved after-meal ritual - Mukhwas into a refreshing new brand: After Eats. From spicy, tangy twists to classic family flavors, every mix is 100% natural and made to keep traditions alive. Why did he refuse to “retire”?How did a simple mouth freshener become his mission? One of the most special moments? A family ordered After Eats boxes as return gifts for a birthday, a reminder that this brand is now part of people’s celebrations. This is not just about Mukhwas. It’s about tradition, positivity, and proving that there’s no age to chase a new dream. This isn’t just a story about food. It’s about culture, resilience, and proving that passion has no age limit. Welcome to Voices for Local — where everyday traditions meet extraordinary entrepreneurs. Share in the comments: What’s YOUR favorite after-meal ritual?#VoicesForLocal #AfterEats #Mukhwas #IndianSnacks #Entrepreneurship #StartupStory

What happens when two Bangaloreans in Mumbai decide they can’t live without their favorite childhood dosa? They don’t just crave it… they create a revolution. In this episode of Voices for Local, host Monisha Singh Katial sits down with Akhil and Shreya, the couple behind Benne – Mumbai’s newest obsession where queues wrap around the block for a plate of butter-soaked nostalgia. From giving up the comfort of established careers (a psychologist & a film producer!) to building a restaurant from scratch, their story is one of risk, honesty, and community.From sleepless nights and opening day disasters to viral social media buzz, they share what it really takes to create a homegrown brand that resonates with the youth of India.And at the heart of it all? A dosa that’s more than food – it’s heritage, culture, and comfort. Voices for Local is all about celebrating India’s homegrown entrepreneurs, their struggles, dreams, and resilience. This isn’t just a story of food – it’s about turning passion into purpose and community into culture. If you’re in Mumbai, don’t miss the chance to try Benne Dosa at Bandra or Juhu.Tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite local brand story that inspires you? #VoicesForLocal #Benne #IndianFood #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #LocalBrands #DosaLove

We’re heading down to Kochi this episode, as Monisha speaks to Zuzana Gombosova, a material researcher and designer from Slovakia, who is the co-founder of Malai, a company that designs and develops bio-based materials from Bacterial Cellulose that they grow. Zuzana tells us about the challenges of working with biodegradable materials, the fascinating production process of Malai’s material made from coconut water, the experience of working with coconut processing units, and what it’s like working in the sustainability space at international platforms vs in the Indian market. Check out Malai at malai.eco, and follow their journey on Instagram @malai.eco. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Voices for Local turns 50! Well, not 50 years – but 50 episodes, and we think that’s something to celebrate! It’s been a fun, fascinating, and fulfilling journey across the length and breadth of the country, getting to know the stories behind some incredible brands. What better way to mark the occasion than to look back at some of our favourite episodes and listen to what our favourite brands have been up to since they featured on the show?And we had to include you in our celebrations, of course! So, keep an eye out on our Instagram handle @voicesforlocal, for some special offers that these brands have got exclusively for our loyal listeners. Use the coupon code on our Instagram to avail some awesome discounts with these brands! On this episode:Nafisa Rachel William Studio Metallurgy (Advaeita Mathur) Studio Beej (Arundhati Kumar) Veedaa (Dhruv Kohli) Caught Craft Handed (Yukti & Sheela Bajaj) Bombay Shirt Company (Akshay Narvekar) Rouka (Sreejith Jeevan) Pinklay (Daisy Tanwani) Quirksmith (Divya & Pragya Batra) Subko (Rahul Reddy) To keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineers: Kartik Kulkarni & Lakshman Parsuram Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, on Voices for Local, Monisha gets talking to Saarus Nirhali, the founder of Glasshopper, a Bangalore-based stained glass studio that creates suncatchers, panels, lamp-shades, tea light holders, and jewellery. Monisha asks her what it was like to leave behind a career in criminal law, how she got into stained glass, and how she sources her designs. Saarus also explains the difference between original and Tiffany style stained glass, and the challenges of working with expensive, breakable raw materials like stained glass. Check out Glasshopper at www.glasshopper.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @glasshopperindia. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Monisha chats with sibling duo Tarveen Kaur Vohra & Jasjyot Singh Hans, the co-founders of fashion brand Tappa, whose first collection features gender neutral clothes in sizes that fit all body types. They chat about how the brand started, the reaction they’ve received, the effectiveness of fashion as a medium of queer representation, and how their sibling relationship has improved due to the brand.  Check out Tappa at tappa.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @tappa.india. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

We’re featuring a brand on Voices for Local this week that is creating quite a buzz in the beverage space with their unique catalogue of mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with various fruits and spices. Nitin Vishwas, one of the co-founders and self-proclaimed ‘Benevolent Overlord’s of the Pune-based Moonshine Meadery, joins Monisha on the show to chat about the challenges of setting up India (and Asia)’s first meadery, what’s is like working with your best friend, how they support local farmers all across the country, how wild they can get while coming up with new flavours, and their plans for their newly raised capital of $2 million. Check out Moonshine Meadery at www.moonshinemeadery.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @moonshinemeadery. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On Voices For Local this week, Monisha chats with the Co-Founder, Creative Director and Executive Chef of La Folie – Sanjana Patel herself, who opens up about her grandmother being the spark in her life and her cooking inspiration, and what it’s like to marry and work with your childhood sweetheart. She also speaks about returning to India after studying abroad, being very loyal to her thoughts, and her commitment to work with Indian farmers despite the challenges. Check out La Folie at lafolie.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @lafolierealchocolate. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala Recording Engineer: Aria NanjiRecorded at Island City Studios

Monisha gets into conversation with cheesemaking brother duo, Prateeksh & Agnay Mehra, the co-founders of The Spotted Cow Fromagerie, a small creamery based in Mumbai that make handmade artisanal cheeses which are 100% vegetarian and preservative free. They tell Monisha how they went from brewing beer to making cheese, their stinky first few batches of cheese gone wrong, making Bombay versions of Camembert, Brie and Tomme de Savoie, and how the pandemic turned out to be good for business. Check The Spotted Cow Fromagerie out at www.thespottedcow.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @spottedcowfromagerie. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala Recording Engineer: Aria NanjiRecorded at Island City Studios

This week, on Voices For Local, we have Mandavi Kanchan, the Founder and Creative Head of Bruijn on the show. Bruijn offers nourishing, gourmet delights which are modern interpretations of classic dried fruits & nuts. Mandavi tells Monisha more about growing up around her family’s homegrown small business, her key learnings like perseverance, adapting her father’s traditional sweet treats for Bruijn, getting inspired by global cuisine such as Iran’s ranginak while supporting local farmers, and the impact of sociopolitical and environmental issues on business. Check Bruijn out at bruijn.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @bruijn.in. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this episode of Voices For Local, Monisha continues her foray into the F&B industry, by speaking to the founder of a brand that’s been on everyone’s mind, everyone’s lips and everyone’s Instagram feeds. We have Rahul Reddy, Co-Founder of Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters on the show this week, and he opens up to Monisha about Subko was created to be a bigger movement than just a business for him, he shares the story behind the name Subko, how he travelled to Auroville to find his co-founder Daniel Trulson, the challenges of starting in Bombay, falling in love with an old Goan-Portuguese house in Bandra, and he give Monisha an exclusive hint at a new line of Subko delicacies coming soon. Check Subko out at www.subko.coffee, and follow their journey on Instagram @subkocoffee. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram.   CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

We’re travelling in a new direction on this episode, and not just because the brand we’re featuring on the show today is based in Kashmir. Happy to announce that Voices For Local will now be eating and drinking its way into the food & beverage industry! To kick this off, Monisha speaks to Chris Zandee, the founder of Himalayan Products, who makes natural artisan cheese from fresh Himalayan milk. It’s a story of a Dutchman who combines Dutch and local cheesemaking traditions to empower communities with their own skill-sets. Chris gives us a background on the kinds of cheese he makes, the lessons he learnt while setting up a business as a foreigner in India, and how the pandemic impacted his business in the mountains. To check out Himalayan Products’ work, log onto their website himalayancheese.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @himalayancheese. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, on Voices For Local, Monisha gets into conversation with Samriddh Burman, founder of The Burlap People, that works with third and fourth generation indigenous craftspeople to develop aesthetically pleasing, high quality, sustainable-crafted products made out of natural fibres such as jute and cotton, combined with salvaged leather. Samriddh gives us a background on jute and how they use it, how they involve customers in the creative process, how their artisans are like family to them, and how “sustainable”, “organic”, “fair trade”, “biodegradable”, and “green” are not just buzzword for them, as they learn and improve their eco-friendly journey every day. To check out The Burlap People’s work, log onto their website www.theburlappeople.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @theburlappeople. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Lakshman Parsuram Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Today, on Voices For Local, Monisha speaks to Santanu Das, the founder of Maku Textiles, a textile and clothing label that has its roots in the slow fiber movement and the use of handwoven cloth. Santanu explains his emotional connect to jamdani and Dhakai, creating a global community of clients, why he wanted to revive an artform like Tangail, having a collaborative working relationship with weavers, and how Maku fabric found its way onto Game of Thrones. To check out Maku Textiles’ work, follow their journey on Instagram @makutextiles. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this episode, Monisha chats with Tanvi Agarwal, the Founder and Creative Head at House of Ekam, that curates a catalogue of one of a kind, handcrafted home furnishings & decor directly sourced directly from artisans across India. Tanvi tells us about how her father instilled the importance of financial independence in her, on her sourcing experiences travelling across the country, encouraging the value of handmade products in India’s price sensitive market, the journey of taking her products international, the importance of celebrities supporting local brands, and a lesson she learnt the hard way. To check out House of Ekam’s work, log onto their website www.houseofekam.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @houseofekam. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Monisha gets into conversation with Poornima Garg, the owner and creative head of Home Neera, a brand that creates handwoven art dhurries inspired by everyday narratives, on this episode of Voices For Local. Poornima gives us a background on what these traditional handwoven rugs really are, the moment she got her first dhurrie made, the birth of Home Neera as a brand, convincing the women of Punjab to weave dhurries professionally, and a turning point in her life as a mother. To check out Home Neera’s work, log onto their website www.homeneera.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @home.neera. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Aditya Arya Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, on Voices For Local, Monisha gets into conversation with Mallika Reddy, who believes cancelled plans lead to the best outcomes. Naturally, she named her sustainable streetwear fashion brand… you guessed it – Cancelled Plans. She tells Monisha what it’s like experimenting and using unconventional materials, like the time she created a jacket made out of condoms. Monisha asks her how her artisans adapt to new, unfamiliar materials, why she loves collaborating, and how to be truly sustainable while running a viable business.  To check out Cancelled Plans’ work, log onto their website www.cancelledplans.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @cancelledplans.club. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this episode of Voices For Local, Monisha gets into conversation with Dhruva Patel. She is the founder of Studio Wildflower, a home decor and accessories studio based in Ahmedabad, that hand crafts ceramicware, rugs, scarfs, glassware, and tableware, inspired by nature. Monisha asks her about how her tryst with ceramics began, and feeling connected to nature by using the four elements in her ceramics production process. To check out Studio Wildflower’s work, log onto their website www.studiowildflowerbydhruva.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @studiowildflowerbydhruva. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Voices For Local heads (virtually, of course) to the Northeastern state of Mizoram on this episode, as we meet Patricia Zadeng, the founder of Lapâr, a contemporary textile brand. Patricia tells Monisha more about the meaning behind the name Lapâr, the significance of the Mizo puan and how long it takes to weave one, the challenges local Mizo weaver women have to go through, and how she aims to make traditional weaves reach a wider market. To check out Lapâr’s work, follow them on Instagram @laparclothing. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On Voices for Local this week, Monisha is joined by Kevisedenuo Margaret Zinyu from Kohima Nagaland. She is the founder of Woven Threads, a design initiative to encourage, support and mentor the women of Nagaland to sustain their roots by preserving the unique tradition of weaving. Margaret opens up to Monisha about her move from the corporate world to home decor, gives us a look into Nagaland’s handicrafts, reveals one thing interior design borrowed from the automobile industry, and shares her appeal for people to appreciate the amount of effort behind the loin loom. To check out Woven Threads’ work, log onto their website woventhreads.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @woventhreads.in. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Monisha speaks to mother-daugher duo Indu Menon and Chitra Gopalakrishnan on this episode of Voices for Local. They are the co-founders of Kara Weaves, a social enterprise working with co-operatives in Kerala to create fair-trade handwoven textiles. They share what it’s been like working with over 800 weavers from these local weaving co-ops across the state, how they reinvented the traditional Kerala thorthu by going back to its properties, and the importance of finding a global market for local products. To check out Kara Weaves work, log onto their website www.karaweaves.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @karaweaves. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, on Voices for Local, Monisha has sister duo Divya & Pragya Batra on the show to talk about their handcrafted silver jewellery brand Quirksmith. They narrate the story behind their design philosophy "Apne jazbaat peheniye", and why Divya zeroed in on working with silver. Pragya tells us more about their best-sellers, and they share some advice for art-oriented and creative entrepreneurs. To check out Quirksmith’s work, log onto their website quirksmith.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @quirksmithjewelry. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this episode of Voices for Local, let’s see how a Delhi-based design studio takes the humble chair and makes it into a signature piece of art for your very own living room. Monisha chats with the founder of limón, Aradhana Anand, who tells her what got her thinking about upholstering Indian handloom saris onto chairs, how she decides which weaves to patch together onto a chair, where she sources them from, and takes us through her production process. To check out limón’s work, log onto their website limon-design.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @limonstory. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, on Voices for Local, Monisha is in conversation with Daisy Tanwani, the Founder & CEO of Pinklay, a brand dealing in comfortable clothing and striking home furnishings. Daisy tells Monisha what it’s like to work with the director of her company (who also happens to be her husband), facing regressive gender roles and prejudice from suppliers, vendors and artisans while starting Pinklay, how entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, and the balance of being patient while having ambitious impatience. To check out Pinklay’s work, log onto their website pinklay.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @pinklayindia. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

For this episode of Voices for Local, Monisha makes her way down the Malabar coast to Kerala, to speak to Sreejith Jeevan, the Founder and Head of Design, Rouka. He tells Monisha about how he started to look at a Kasavu sari through a global lens, how he aims to making it relevant in more ways than one, making Indian festivals his muse, and challenging narratives that craft should never change. Sreejith also reveals how the pandemic took him back to his roots while reaching more customers directly. To check out Rouka’s work, log onto their website shoprouka.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @roukabysreejithjeevan. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Today, on Voices for Local, Monisha is back with a brand that makes her favourite outfit ever - the sari. She speaks to the co-founders of Suta, Sujata and Taniya Biswas, who gave up their corporate life to pursue their passion. The sister duo tells Monisha what it was like to grow up in Odisha and West Bengal seeing women wear saris everyday, how they manage to work with around 16,000 weavers and artisans across the country, how they resolve fights between each other, and how creating a happy, inclusive and open work environment has been one of their biggest milestones. To check out Suta’s work, log onto their website suta.in, and follow their journey on Instagram @suta_bombay. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this episode of Voices For Local, Monisha gets into conversation with Shaan Shah, the co-founder of denim apparel brand FREAKINS. Shaan opens up about being an entrepreneur in his early 20s, entering the D2C (direct-to-consumer) space, and starting the brand to address the issue of denims from international brands not catering to the body type and skin tones of Indian women. He also tells us more about FREAKINS Art, a collection that is in collaboration with established and upcoming artists across India to translate their art into final wearable products, thereby monetizing their work.  To check out FREAKINS’ work, log onto their website www.freakins.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @freakinsindia. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, Monisha is looking at walls. No, really. Voices For Local steps into the world of home decor on this episode, as Monisha speaks to the Founder & Managing Partner of Kalakaari Haath, Sahiba Madan. Kalakaari Haath is a design studio that makes beautiful wallpapers, wall arts and decals in traditional prints. Sahiba tells Monisha about using design as a medium of storytelling, the story behind her brand name, balancing her designers’ artistic freedom and her clients’ vision, and how she wants to make walls more spatial and interactive elements in peoples’ homes. To check out Kalakaari Haath’s work, log onto their website kalakaarihaath.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @KalakaariHaath. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer: Kartik Kulkarni Audio Editor: Yash Hirave Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala  

On the show today, Monisha is in conversation with Saumya Somesh, the marketing coordinator of Ahilya, a hand-painted apparel brand established only last year by her mother Shalini Jain. Aiming to combine India’s century old weaving traditions with contemporary style, Saumya tells us the journey of setting up Ahilya – the brainchild of a non-profit with the aim of providing women with new skill sets and employment opportunities, making them self-sufficient. To check out Ahilya’s work follow them on Instagram @shopahilya. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer & Editor: Kartik Kulkarni Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

Today, on Voices For Local, we feature the first online custom shirt brand in India – Bombay Shirt Company. Its dynamic founder Akshay Narvekar speaks to Monisha about gamifying the process of custom-designing your own shirt using a unique algorithm, making it through a pandemic in which people were stuck at home not wearing shirts to work or parties, acquiring brands looking to scale up and giving them a platform, putting customer care and after sales service over digital marketing and content creation, and what keeps him going during trying times. He also opens up about his reading and splurging habits, and what kind of boss he is! To check out Bombay Shirt Company’s work, log onto their website www.bombayshirts.com, and follow their journey on Instagram @bombayshirts. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer & Editor: Kartik Kulkarni Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this episode of Voices For Local, Monisha gets into conversation with dadi-poti duo from Delhi, Sheela & Yukti Bajaj, who started Caught Craft Handed during the lockdown. Sheela knits and crochets a whole range of “handcrafted with love” products, while her granddaughter Yukti runs the business through social media. They tell me about their most popular products, their biggest challenge, giving more Dadis and Nanis a new lease of life by working with them, and share their dreams of taking the brand international. To check out Caught Craft Handed’s work, follow their journey on Instagram @caughtcrafthanded. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer & Editor: Kartik Kulkarni Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

This week, on Voices For Local, Monisha chats with Kena Shah, the founder of the Ahmedabad-based trendy clothing brand Inara. Kena shares stories of growing up always trying to upgrade her school uniform with folds and knots, which then manifested in doing a fashion-based project during her MBA, and finally in her own label. She also told Monisha about the emphasis on fabrics at Inara, following colour palettes, and how they adapted during the pandemic. To check out Inara’s work, follow them on Instagram @inarabykenashah. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer & Editor: Kartik Kulkarni Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On this Earth Day Special episode of Voices For Local, Monisha speaks to Nikita Barmecha, the co-founder of EcoRight, a brand that, in their own words, makes products that make the planet happy. They use organic materials to create sustainable, trendy bags of all kinds – from totes and crossbody bags to backpacks and grocery bags. Nikita tells Monisha about how the brand’s co-founder, her husband Udit, grew up in a household that put the Earth first, how affordability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, and how, in a world of greenwashing, they believe in being sustainable from the ground up by putting in the work and doing it right. To check out EcoRight’s work, log onto www.ecoright.com or follow their journey on Instagram @ecorightbags. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer & Editor: Kartik Kulkarni Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala

On the 20th episode of Voices For Local, we’re celebrating a brand that’s commemorating its very own 20. This year marks 20 years of Kama Ayurveda, a brand that promotes India’s age-old practice of wellness through its authentically-made, luxurious products. Monisha sits down with CEO & Co-Founder Vivek Sahni, who takes her through the genesis of the brand, the extensive R&D process for Ayurveda products, how the motto for staff and marketing strategy alike is being helpful but not overbearing, innovating smartly through the move to online during the pandemic, maintaining a personal sense of balance, and taking Kama Ayurveda to shelves abroad!  To check out Kama Ayurveda, log onto www.kamaayurveda.com or follow their journey on Instagram @kamaayurveda. And to keep up with Monisha Singh Katial, follow her on Instagram @monishasinghkatial. We would love to hear from you and your recommendations for homegrown brands that you think we should feature on our lineup of Voices For Local, so reach out to us @voicesforlocal on Instagram. CREDITS: Host: Monisha Singh Katial (Twitter & Instagram) This is a Maed in India production. Audio Engineer & Editor: Kartik Kulkarni Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Producer: Husein Haveliwala