OMNAH (Featured artist/shop)

“OMNAH” is a Mumbai (India) based socio-economic initiative, consistently striving to offer a comprehensive and innovative selection of indigenous art and textile artistry. With a vision devoted to combining authenticity of classic craftsmanship from India and creating an online-marketplace for discerning customers with an eye for beauty, each product is curated to mirror the personality and story of its locale allowing a taste of what the region has to offer. Omnah sources its handmade products by working closely with the artisans and craftsmen at the grass root level. This not only directly aids the artisans at a chance of improving their lifestyle but also minimizes the negative long-term impact on the environment as Omnah believes in using natural and sustainable materials. 

Color, tradition and inspiration driven, the creative soul behind Omnah is Malavika A Kamath. I’m thrilled to welcome her on TECD! How about we get to know this beautiful lady and her brand Omnah over a cup of tea?

TECD: Hello Malavika! Let’s get started by asking you, what does the name Omnah signify?

Malavika: “I was very certain I wanted to have a brand with Om as a prefix, but when I coined the name, little did I know it would mean something in Sanskrit and Hebrew. Omnah is a variation of Somnath ‘Lord of the Moon’ (Shiva) in Sanskrit and in Hebrew it translates to nourish or take care of, which I hope to achieve in a small way for rural artisans in India. Also, the ‘nah’ in Omnah is an acronym for the brand slogan - ‘Natural. Authentic. Handmade.’"

TECD: We’d like to know more about the creative soul behind Omnah and how did it all come together? 

Malavika: “Life happens to you when you’re busy making plans, right? After I completed my Masters degree in Social Psychology, I set out to work as a flight attendant with Cathay Pacific, because at the time I wanted to travel and see the world! We have just one life, I believe in pursuing any interests or passions that one gravitates to. 

After a few initial years in Hong Kong, I moved to Singapore, lived and worked there for over a decade. When I quit my corporate job in 2011, I was at the peak of my career at Global Work Place Solutions. It’s when I decided to return to my roots to follow creative pursuits in interior design and photography. (For the record, I’ve always been a keen home decorator, collecting art and artifacts from my travels in India and the world. It’s why I was also drawn to The East Coast Desi page). The thought of starting something on my own that would incorporate all my 3 loves – shopping, travelling & photography, came into being and Omnah was launched in October 2013.”

TECD: What is it that you most enjoy about being your own boss?
Malavika: “I love the freedom and flexibility this venture gives me. I enjoy working from the comforts of my home, at my pace, without the stress of deadlines set by someone else, and no late-night conference calls with someone halfway across the world!"

TECD: Take us through the various products that Omnah showcases? 

Malavika: "Omnah carries a selection of curated artisanal as well as in-house created products, handcrafted in one form or another. So far I’ve showcased hand-block-printed Sanganeri and South cotton cushion covers created in-house, have curated hand-embroidered products in Phulkari, Chikankari, nomadic accessories and home linen from Kutch, hand-painted kalamkari, handwoven sarees from Chanderi, South India, Kutch, Maheshwar and Benaras. Our handpicked selection of hand-knotted jewelry from Mayabazaar has always had a good response each time.

As far as possible I curate products from artisans and weavers directly, but I also handpick items from NGOs and self-help groups that support the livelihood of artisans and empower women.”

TECD: That’s a very impressive range of products, I must say! You said earlier, that you enjoyed travelling . Tell us more about your travel experiences for Omnah?

Malavika: “My sourcing trips have taken me to a few places the past 2 years, from Patiala to Pochampally, Kutch to Kanchipuram, but India has so much to offer and there’s so much more to cover! I love travelling to remote, rustic parts of India, to meet artisans in their own workspace. I feel it is essential to see the effort that goes into creating these beautiful products, see how the artisans live (or survive, in some cases) and in return I have received only warmth and simple rural hospitality. The familiar clacking sounds of handlooms through a quiet village street or an urban by-lane is as exciting to me now as visiting a new country in Europe!
On occasion I’ve also had the company of close friends during my travels. The sourcing trip to the quaint town of Chanderi was memorable and fun, we ended up doing the photoshoot for the dupattas in the town itself. I am blessed with a wonderful family and friends who support the brand and business, and are happy to be our cover girls! It makes the ride all the more fun."

TECD: What according to you is the USP of Omnah? 

Malavika: "Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all flavor.’ It is my endeavor to bring in as much variety to the brand, an array of products from home textiles, jewelry, art to sarees, to appeal to resident as well as global Indians, in addition to a niche market of expats living in Mumbai."

TECD: And finally, a few words of wisdom on your Success mantra as a small business owner? 

Malavika: "If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day your life!” Follow your passion, fuel it with focus and determination, support others, explore new paths, compare your success only with your own past, and keep learning!”

Now wasn’t that one inspiring conversation? I for one, am always happy to meet individuals who have the courage to dream big and then work hard to turn them into reality. Thank you Malavika for taking the time to share your creative journey with us. 

To stay abreast of the latest updates from Omnah, connect with them via their FB page. May I also point out that Omnah is currently offering a 10 to 20% discount on their handloom sarees and dupattas, to mark the the first National Handloom Day in India (sale ends August 14th,2015)!  

Our warmest wishes to Omnah! 

Images: Omnah

Revival of a Fading Handloom Tradition - The KHUN

The handloom sector in India is an integral part of our Indian cultural heritage. The array of textiles churned out by the Indian textile industry is not only reflective of the diverse cultural inheritance but is also symbolic of the prowess of our Indian weavers. Facing stiff competition from the power looms and the mill sector and plagued with drawbacks such as antiquated technology, working capital dilemmas and inadequate marketing capability, many textile art forms have begun to fade away.....One such fading handloom tradition is the Guledgudda Khana or Khun from North Karnataka. 

KHUN  - an art form to cherish. The woven fabric has an almost silk like sheen and is perfect to add that extra luster to your Diwali decor.

Typically used to make ravikes or cholis (sari blouses)  that pair well with Ilkal saris from the same region, their distinct weave creates an intricate brocade like pattern much like a honey comb. These  two-tone textiles come in a variety of jewel tones and cater to a niche segment in the suburban and villages of Karnataka and Maharashtra. I was introduced to this exquisite fabric by my mom who had her collection of Khun blouses that she'd team with starched cotton saris. 

On one of my visits back home, a wonderful and generous aunt who lives in Belgaum (Karnataka) let me help myself to some extra Khun blouse pieces that she had remaining after a pooja at her place. She knew that I'd find a good use for them and packed one in every possible color !!!

Khun Fabric cushion covers in intense colors elevate the festive ambiance in my living room.

A quick trip to the local darzi (tailor) and I ended up with these one of a kind cushion covers, that add bold punches of color to my decor. I have enough fabric remnants to make a table runner or more cushion covers in a patchwork style that I recently spotted on Jaypore. I was happy to see that it was making a come back. 

If you plan to incorporate dramatic colors to your festive decor, may I suggest you consider scouring your local fabric and textile stores that are brimming with inspiration. If you can't find the Khun, don't get disheartened, there is so much that Indian fabric stores have to offer. Just go with the flow and listen to your heart............  

In built borders make for easy mix and match.

If your short on time but want to recreate this look without the hassle of visiting your local darzi, then do check out the Khun soft furnishing range offered by Kale Nele .

I do hope that I've managed to jump-start the festive decorating spree with this vibrant post..........

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.