Kantha Stitching with Courage: How One Artisan Raises Her Family
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.
From the moment she first picked up a needle over 13 years ago, this artisan has poured her very life into her work. “When I sew something and people from all around the world use it,” she shares, “when they come to visit us and tell me how much they like our products, it inspires me a lot.” That inspiration is woven into every corner of our reclaimed sari cloth kantha blankets and intricate homewares.
As a single mother, she balances long days in the workshop with the joys and challenges of raising her children alone. “I want people to know we are raising our children by working here,” she says. Watching their faces light up as they learn and grow is the greatest reward of all and a testament to the power of dignified, fair-wage work.
Her favourite creations? The supple, hand-stitched bags that have become a signature of her skill and creativity. “I enjoy making every type of product, especially the bags,” she admits fondly. Yet, even as she celebrates these accomplishments, she humbly adds, “Please buy our products more and more and support us.”
Behind the scenes, her journey has not been without obstacles. “When I first made a Queen-size Kantha quilt, it was very difficult,” she recalls. “But somehow I managed to make it and the first one came out very good.
“It made me really proud of myself.”
That moment of pride echoes in every stitch, every fold, every lovingly finished edge.
What many don’t see is the sweat and patience invested in each piece. “Most people realise, but some don’t understand that we work very hard to make each piece,” she explains. Yet her dedication shines brightest in the stories of transformation. Of how a workshop full of once-struggling women has become a thriving, supportive family of artisans.
"We all came here because we were having a hard life, but now we are doing a lot better. We are a big happy family now."
Looking ahead, she dreams of a day when her children are educated, thriving, and able to give back in turn. “In the future, I see myself retired and my children educated, working hard and having a good life,” she envisions. And as part of the Shakti.ism family, she urges us to help that vision become reality: “I want Shakti.ism to take more products from us and share our stories everywhere.”
We don’t take her courage, her strength, or her generosity of spirit lightly. Every purchase you make not only honours her artistry but also fuels a brighter tomorrow for her and countless other artisans.
Join us in celebrating her story; shop consciously with Shakti.ism and help us weave more tales of hope, one handcrafted piece at a time.
Thank you to this remarkable artisan and to every woman who dares to dream with her needle and thread. Your stories inspire us all.
Written by Kataike Athalia Lenny