When we began Taarabai, it was just me—the first and only employee.
We had two tiny offices in two different cities: a small open space under a staircase at Bliss Lane in Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, and a 100-square-foot dispatch office in Besant Nagar, Chennai.
Those early days were a whirlwind of responsibility.
I handled everything—housekeeping, logistics, herb selection and buying, fabric research, marketing, and even the hands-on craftwork.
I did the hand block printing, kalamkari hand painting, bleaching, tanning, mordanting, dyeing, and pressing, all before taking the finished pieces to our quaint little store in Rishikesh.
It was exhausting, but it was also exhilarating.
With sheer hard work and an enormous creative capacity, I poured my heart into every step, turning raw materials into beautifully hand-painted, hand-block-printed fabrics that told a story of tradition and innovation.
Fast forward just two years, and Taarabai has transformed remarkably.
We are now a team of ten, operating an art house and three vibrant stores in Rishikesh, India, alongside a dynamic website, where we create fresh, handcrafted fabrics every day.
What began as my solitary endeavor has blossomed into a powerful collaborative effort, fueled by passion, perseverance, and a shared love for artistry.
Together with my extraordinarily talented team of women, we continue to push boundaries, honor tradition, and weave beauty into every piece we create
This marks the beginning of a series of blogs where I’ll take you behind the scenes of Taarabai, introducing you to each of the fabric artistry techniques we cherish—from hand block printing and kalamkari hand painting to the meticulous processes of bleaching, tanning, mordanting, and dyeing.
I’ll also explore the ayurvedic herbs we use in our dyeing process, revealing not only their role in creating our vibrant fabrics but also their significance in ayurvedic medicine.
Along the way, you’ll meet my gurus and the incredible individuals who’ve shaped our Taarabai journey.
Each person brings their unique skills, stories, and boundless creativity to our craft, and together, we’re committed to growing, innovating, and honoring the traditions that define us. Stay tuned to discover how we’ve transformed, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the dreams we’re chasing next.
Join me as we celebrate the art, the heritage, and the heart of Taarabai.
For anyone out there starting with just a vision and a lot of grit, know this: your hard work can build something extraordinary. Taarabai is proof of that.
Ciao, until we meet again, with more pages to fill and stories to share. 🙂
Yours Artfully,
Swagatha S. Krishnan
Founder/Diretcor/Chief Artisan
Taarabai