Blog by Shakti.ism, a women's empowerment initiative

Screen printing is a centuries-old technique used to transfer designs onto fabrics using a stencil and ink. A fine mesh screen is used to hold the screen in place, and ink is pushed through the open areas of the design using a tool called a squeegee.

Each colour in the design requires a separate screen, making the process both technical and artistic. It’s especially prized for its bold, vibrant results and the ability to reproduce detailed patterns by hand.

Behind every Shakti.ism piece lies the story of an artisan whose hands have helped reshape tradition and in doing so, reshaped her own life. For seven years, this incredible artisan woman  has brought intricate block‐printing to vibrant life, defying expectations in a craft once reserved for men.

At the heart of every Shakti.ism creation lies a story of resilience, love, and unbreakable hope. One artisan in Bangladesh who has dedicated more than a decade to her craft reminds us that each piece we carry into our homes is far more than fabric and thread. It’s the product of hands shaped by hardship, hearts filled with determination, and spirits uplifted by community.

A social impact project to delve into the rich heritage of traditional handicrafts across South Asia, learning from artisan masters and sharing their skills with new audiences, led byShakti.ism. The initiative will focus on creating opportunities to preserve these timeless crafts, provide economic empowerment for artisans, and foster cross-cultural appreciation through workshops and sustainable travel experiences.

At Shakti.ism, we believe every product we offer carries a story of empowerment, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Among our cherished creations are our handmade Lokta paper notebooks, which are not just stationery but a testament to sustainable practices and the resilience of women artisans.

In an age where sustainability is more than a buzzword, consumers are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly products. Yet, lurking behind the green façade of many brands is a disheartening truth: greenwashing. This practice, where companies falsely promote themselves as environmentally or socially responsible, not only misleads well-meaning customers but also perpetuates exploitation in the supply chain.

So how do you, as a conscious consumer, ensure your purchases truly make a difference? By choosing small businesses like Shakti.ism, where transparency and ethical practices are embedded into every step of the process.

In the heart of Rajasthan, amidst the vibrant colours and rich cultural heritage, Jaipur stands as a beacon of artistic prowess. One of the city's most cherished traditions is the intricate art of block printing, a craft that has been passed down through generations, weaving stories onto fabric and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of textile artistry. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating world of block printing in Jaipur, India, exploring its history, techniques, and the artisans who breathe life into this timeless craft.

SAREETONIN is a saree donation drive that was coordinated by Six Yards Plus. It was started as part of Daan Utsav 2021, and is now a regular feature at Six Yards Plus. The sarees were donated to either go to Goonj for direct donation and further use, or to Shaktiism for upcycling.

This month, I’m sharing a guest post by my brilliant friend Laura, founder of a wonderful social enterprise called Khushi Kantha, that aims to empower women from marginalised communities in Bangladesh. I am honoured to know so many incredible change-makers that are tackling social problems with creative business solutions; people like Laura who want to make a lasting positive impact in the world. By the way, Khushi Kantha is launching their very first online auction, today, in honour of World Children’s Day. Read on to learn more about Khushi Kantha, and don’t forget to make your bid!

This month, we’re lucky to have what I hope is the first of many guest posts by incredible change-makers that are tackling social problems with creative business solutions. First up is my inspiring friend Michelle, who is a co-founder of The Harvest Fund, a US-based nonprofit organisation that helps entrepreneurially-minded, small-scale Zambian female farmers access agricultural innovations and microfinance.

Today I want to talk about social business: what it is and why it matters to me, to you, and why we’d all be better off if we moved towards a social enterprise model. I think this topic is particularly relevant now, and I ask you to think about the future of business with an open mind. Many of us have already realised this due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as we’ve had to shift the way we work because of what has happened.