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

There are stories that arrive quietly,  in a few honest words, a pause, the steady rhythm of hands at work. Today we share the story of an artisan whose life is stitched together with patience, skill and an unspoken hope for steadier days. We keep her identity private out of respect; she will simply be known here as *the artisan*.

There are products that are simply made and then there are those that are woven with purpose. One artisan at Shakti.ism reminds us that each market bag is more than a functional item; it is a lifeline, a symbol of love, and a tangible step toward a better future.

For one of our talented artisans, her work is not simply craft, it is courage made visible. “The challenges and struggles I have faced and overcome to be able to work every day…” she says

These words capture the quiet strength behind every product she makes. For this artisan, creating beautiful patchwork pieces is both an act of resilience and a source of pride. Her commitment to excellence shines through in the finishing and finesse of each product, every corner neatly aligned, every detail tended to with patience and care.

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.

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.

We have reached the crowdfunding campaign goal of £2000!!! An exciting update on my crowdfunding campaign to train disadvantaged women in India.