By Hand started as more than just a creative endeavour—it was a personal journey, a way to reconnect with the joy of making something with my own hands. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of handmade craftsmanship, the feeling of raw materials transforming into something meaningful. But in a world that moves so fast, where mass production has become the norm, I found myself craving something different—something slower, more intentional, and filled with heart. That’s when I discovered ‘meraki’, a Greek word that perfectly captured what I wanted to create: work that was infused with love, passion, and soul.
I was the only one in my immediate family to branch away from academia and research and go down a more creative route. In that respect, perhaps I always felt like the black sheep because my affinity towards learning as a whole leaned more to doing and making rather than studying and literal learning. I chose to go to design school and I specialised in Textile Design. Coming from India, this meant I was tapping into a rich source and history of Indian textiles and craft techniques and it made me feel as though I was carrying a legacy on my shoulders rather than being a creator in my own identity. I don’t necessarily see this as a negative - having grown up in India, handicraft was a part of my every day. So I understood and appreciated the beauty of it, but also used it in and around myself all the time. Handicraft for us isn’t reserved for novelty special occasions - we use hand crafted objects to eat off, to clothe ourselves in, to decorate our homes, as daily use in our kitchens and as a part of our every day habits. But it also meant I felt I was a small part of a much larger tapestry and I wasn’t sure what my role was supposed to be. I was barely out of college, just 22, and it was a large world to be standing in. I ended up turning toward illustration and drawing the world as I saw around me in my way to process it, and making went hand in hand with that as my personal refuge.
What began as a personal passion though, has now turned into a mission. I wanted to craft pieces that weren’t just functional but told a story—bespoke interior accessories, lifestyle pieces, pet products, and art prints, all made with care and attention to detail. I wanted to focus on creating with intent, where each piece held a story and a memory of a moment, or an emotion using technique passed down through generations. Something that could stand as a pocket of proof of its existence in its time, and as a witness to the lives we live. Every item I create carries a part of me, from the inspiration behind it to the choice of medium used to bring it to life - whether in the form of visual art or utilitarian pieces. Handmade work has a certain magic, an irreplaceable character that machines can’t replicate, and I wanted to share that magic with others who appreciate the beauty of the imperfect, the soulful, and the truly one-of-a-kind.
As the concept of Meraki By Hand has grown, I realised it isn’t just about the products—it’s about the people. I want to build a space where fellow makers and creatives can come together, learn, and be inspired. That’s why I started The Maker’s Chronicle, a blog dedicated to sharing techniques, stories, and insights from the world of handmade artistry. And for those who love hands-on learning, The Maker’s Studio is a place for video tutorials and workshops, where I can share my knowledge and passion with others who, like me, believe in the beauty of creating something from scratch.
This journey is an ongoing one and I am eager to see where it can go and how I can build a community of like minded people through it. I am so fortunate that since its inception, the road travelled thus far has been one of love, learning, and endless creativity; and I’m so grateful to have you here. Whether you’re shopping for a unique handmade piece, looking for inspiration, or diving into the world of making yourself, welcome to Meraki By Hand. This is more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, passion, and the stories we create with our hands. And I can’t wait to share this journey with you.
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