Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Focusses on women producers
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Biodegradable or environment friendly
Uses portion of proceeds to give back to the community
In 2019, the concept of AUTHENTIC KARNATAKA started taking shape. However, it was the COVID-19 lockdown that accelerated the collective effort. The pandemic highlighted the need to support artisans, thus marked the beginning of Swavalambi Sakhi Producer Company Limited. This all-women unit specializes in Aari embroidery, kantha products, and tailoring. AUTHENTIC KARNATAKA aims to empower women economically, creating a self-reliant community-owned enterprise. It is Northern Karnataka's first all-women-owned producer company, offering hand-crafted, historically significant products.
Purpose
AUTHENTIC KARNATAKA is dedicated to driving substantial economic empowerment for women in the region. Through the establishment of a self-reliant, community-owned enterprise, the initiative envisions a transformative impact on the lives of women. By providing skill development, access to resources, and a supportive ecosystem, women are equipped to actively participate in economic activities, fostering both personal growth and community development. This initiative not only enhances financial independence but also promotes gender equality. With a commitment to sustainable progress, AUTHENTIC KARNATAKA stands as a beacon of change, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society.
People
In 2018, the Deshpande Foundation's Micro Entrepreneurship Development Program launched Aari embroidery training with 14 artisans, sparking substantial interest and demand for more sessions in Hubli-Dharwad. Post-training, women artisans gained self-reliance, serving personal connections and clients, yet struggled during off-peak seasons. To tackle this, they formed a collective, shifting from sporadic orders to year-round Aari embroidery product creation. Now 250+ strong, spread across Dharwad and Hubli, this collective thrives. Together, they've sustained livelihoods, empowered themselves, and preserved Aari art, fostering community and enhancing economic well-being. Their products also champion local art, benefiting society at large.
Planet
The AUTHENTIC KARNATAKA’s commitment to year-round production reflects their environmentally conscious approach. They prioritize resource efficiency, reducing waste and the environmental footprint associated with their craft. Raw materials, including fabrics and threads, are thoughtfully sourced from local weavers, supporting traditional craftsmanship. By creating timeless products with beautiful Aari embroidery, the collective embraces slow fashion principles, promoting durability and discouraging disposable trends. Sourcing materials responsibly from local weavers further supports sustainable practices.
