Jaya Saha
Hello, I am Jaya Saha, Founder of Huts and Looms.
I belong to a conventional middle-class family. After completing my MBA, I went ahead with my campus placement against most of my extended family's wishes, since I was too young and staying all alone so far away was a big deal then. After working for 10 good years in the corporate world, I felt something was missing in my life. I could not find a purpose in life which makes a real change in the lives of people. When I was visiting my native area during one of the festivals, I visited this weaver’s belt near my home - that is when I decided to work for the handloom weavers, to spread and create awareness, to build a sustainable model, and to uplift them.
Huts and Looms is my brainchild. I look after the Creative and Product Development areas while two associates, Tufan and Kundan, take care of Operations and Finance.
Company: Huts and Looms Collection Private Limited
Location: Pune, India
Operating since: 2020
Website: www.hutsandlooms.com
Instagram: @hutsandlooms
Tell us all about your company. What products do you offer?
Huts and looms - as the name itself suggests, our product comes from rural India and we produce handmade Indian ethnic wear. We work together with rural artisans to produce the best quality of handloom products and we promote them globally.
How did you get the idea or concept for your Huts and Looms? What was your mission at the outset?
India is culturally very strong and has a beautiful history so when you see the handloom product, you can see the influence of culture and history on the weaves and pattern. Unfortunately, Indian artisans are usually treated as labourers instead of as artists. They hardly get paid for the work they do and due to this, many artisans have stopped working on handloom products. People now prefer fast fashion, that’s why power looms have come as a replacement (with cheap pricing). This scenario made me think about why we should be promoting sustainable fashion and creating awareness about such products.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company/organization?
Growing up, I knew that I wanted to do something different and big that helps a lot of people. I wasn’t so clear that I would be an entrepreneur because, at home, girls used to get married after their studies. I never had this thought or idea of coming up as a woman in business, but eventually, I started dreaming more and more.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
I have always been into corporate jobs. Since I was into HR, that helped me to become more compassionate and to understand how to build relationships with individuals.
What is the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?
There were several. One, I had no Fashion degree. Two, there were limited funds. So it was all a high-risk decision to be made.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
Success, I believe, is a journey - the parameter changes with every stage of life. I still believe we have a long way to go but for success, it is not about the individual, it’s about how you are making your society (or strata working with you) successful and making opportunities to create better lives for them.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
My mother-in-law has been very supportive. Usually in Indian households, there is too much pressure after marriage to have babies and to be engaged in household things; arguably because we are shaped in that way so it’s a normal thing for a woman. But I was different and so I thank my in-laws, especially my mother-in-law who encourages me and always lends her expert advice to keep me going.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
My future plan is to create a platform where all the best quality Indian handloom products are available and we create much awareness about them. We want to establish fashion with a purpose rather than a product catalogue. Also, we are working towards the betterment of weavers’ lives by allocating a fund to sponsor their bright minds.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
I will say it’s a risk but it’s worth it. Be brave, be creative, and I think you are good to go!
Describe yourself in a few words. A woman with endless dreams.
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." a boon.