You think you know India. You think you know its art, history, and culture, most of it anyway. However, Gayathri KK knew that our knowledge was just skimming the surface, so she made it her mission to explore India’s rich tapestry of culture through textiles, one region at a time. Weaving a tapestry of culture […]
When you have an idea, a spark of creativity, or a solution, your brain, more often than not, goes “ting!” The Ting team took the idea quite literally. Their spidey senses were tingling Sudarshan Anandkumar, co-founder of Ting, along with his college friends, started Ting as an unofficial passion project in 2007. In 2009, after […]
The making of a businessman Kuuraii is the Tamil term for roof, a thatched roof under which generations of rural families built and strengthened relationships and nurtured traditions. Kuuraii, the company that C A Velmurugan founded, is an endeavour to revive and rekindle parts of Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage that are in danger of fading […]
Have you ever looked at what goes into your detergents or soaps? It’s more than likely that the claims on the label do not match the ingredients’ effects. Vibhooshana Lakshmanan sought to make a difference. Setting a daily intention Vibhooshana, now 25, has been running Daily Daily for about 3 years. She has dabbled in […]
The first beginning This is a story with two beginnings, both beautifully intertwined and then traverse together as they emerge as a simple, yet heartwarming tale that spans two generations. Mr Chinnasami lived a quiet, happy life with his three sons and wife in a little village called Kanakagiri Malayadivaaram, about 30 kms from Salem, […]
Your kid likes chocolate milk, but one day, you see the ingredients list. You know the mix isn’t healthy, and you’re faced with two choices—buy it anyway, or break it to your child that they can’t have it anymore. With DGard Naturals, the choice is made for you. All-natural, preservative-free milk mixes that everyone can […]
It was the year 2013. Kern Agrawal and his wife, Ranjini, had completed their MBA and MCA degrees, respectively. The couple landed jobs at Standard Chartered Bank, and it looked like the future was set. It was not exactly what Kern’s father, a Gemstone merchant, had in mind for his son, but it was a […]
Why are Mumbai and Delhi the first cities that come to mind when people think about things to do or shops to check out? Nivedita Ganeshram, upset at how people thought there was nothing cool in Chennai, started Madras Finds to promote local talent. Chennai’s got talent! Nivedita Ganeshram, the founder of Madras Finds, started […]
If you want skincare that is gentle on the skin and is made with naturally derived actives, think Vilvah. The Coimbatore-based brand mainly focuses on the beauty and simplicity of milk when used on your skin. She dairy(ed) to be different Krithika Kumaran, the founder of Vilvah, calls herself an ‘accidental entrepreneur’. Married at 21, […]
Picture this: cosy evenings with the family. To set the mood for a relaxed time, you turn on your lamp. The smell of the scented candle you light wafts through the house. You crack open the wooden box full of childhood games. Every product from Sthalam evokes a sense of nostalgia and allows you to […]
Do you know where your food comes from? Do you know the conditions in which the rice you eat daily was grown? Do you know the names of those who harvested the grains in your pantry? Pragathi Nallasamy started Erode-based GROXE in 2025 to answer the questions you may have never thought to ask. Rice-ing […]
Birthday of a businesswoman Prerna Asrani came to Chennai after getting married, from Bangalore, her home of 20 years. With a Diploma in Interior Design, this BCom graduate soon settled into her role of homemaker and didn’t think much about a career, much less a business. Until her daughter’s birthday party came around, and she […]
Be honest. How often do you reach for shorts in your wardrobe, only to find that they are too loose or too tight, but never just right? Durga Chiranjeevi, the founder of The Short Store, wanted a solution for this problem to allow more women to wear shorts comfortably and in style. To cut a […]
You want to plan a trip. You want the best hotels, convenient flights, reservations, tickets to shows, and the most unique experiences. Who should you call? Footprint Holidays! Nothing plane about this business Vish Gopalakrishnan, CEO and Director of Footprint Holidays, chatted with us about being one of India’s biggest luxury travel curation companies. “Footprint […]
We talked to Bagawati Prasad, the CEO and Founder of Takeoff Media, about his rollercoaster of a career and his journey with AI media production. Taking off with AI Takeoff Media is an AI-powered media production studio based in Chennai, which launched in 2024. They create AI influencers, make ad campaigns, and do long-term branding […]
Following three years of groundwork, research, and a lot of trial and error, Tuhil launched as a brand committed to preserving Tamil heritage through fabric, which is what ‘tuhil’ translates to in Tamil. A stitch in time… From 2019, Varsha and Jayakumar worked tirelessly to build Tuhil until its launch in 2022. Working at the […]
Old Madras Baking Company started with one simple idea: to make fresh, preservative-free breads accessible daily to consumers. No fuss, no nonsense, just fresh, honest baking. Loaf at first sight The first Old Madras Baking Company outlet opened in TTK Road, Chennai, in 2014 to an unexpectedly great response, Sweta Garapati, the co-founder, says. “At […]
You can find management gyan notebooks or quirky coasters. You can buy sticky note holders, keyholders with moustaches, or funky tote bags that scream Namma Madras! And the twist? This line of products is made by neurodivergent children, women from rehab centres, and neglected artisans who are trying to keep their art alive. Founded by […]
Pooja Nagaraj started May Six in 2023 as a hobby first, and eventually, turned it into her profession. She makes artisanal soaps, handmade in small batches, using clean, fresh ingredients. Ri(n)se and shine Pooja explains the brand’s name, May Six, as a culmination of her family’s birthdays. Her and her husband’s birthdays are in May, […]
Roopavathi Kumaravel worked as a Software Developer for years, even after two maternity breaks, but at the back of her mind, she had a different calling: she was an aspiring educator. The art of a creative space During COVID, with new work hours for her and classes for her children, she decided to take a […]
Of Pagir and sharing Having traversed careers and continents, childhood friends Archana Mohan and Anjana Raghavan returned to Chennai and founded Pagir in May 2024. During their stints abroad—Archana in the US and Anjana in the UK—they understood that a cohesive neighbourhood is the foundation for a healthy and compassionate society. “Pagir means to share […]
Karthik Narayan, a medical doctor trained in geriatrics, started Athulya Senior Care in 2017. He finished a business course in the US, lived there for 10 years, and worked in a hospital’s geriatrics department before returning to Chennai. A noble cause Karthik’s main reason for relocating back to India was to start a professional geriatric […]
Pollachi in Tamil Nadu is known for the sweetest tender coconut water in India. The produce is exported to countries far and wide, as are the byproducts of tender coconuts. The coconuts are known for their high water content (350-700 ml/ nut), large sizes and rich nutrients. Realising the potential and capitalising on his roots […]
BodhBridge is a Chennai-based education and training institute which empowers school and college students through their journey to employment. Their products are innovative and available to students from class 9 through graduation and beyond. Founded in 2008 by a group of like-minded IIT graduates, BodhBridge’s goal is to bring quality education to India’s youth regardless […]
Rajeswari Ravi, the founder of Studio Cadambari, is an architect, turned academician, turned entrepreneur. She launched the brand on 8th March, 2024, to commemorate Women’s Day. She, along with her team, recycles scrap fabrics and transforms them into products for everyday use. A thread of an idea Rajeswari was an architectural educator for over 15 […]
Atulya is a design studio set up by three mothers to encourage their kids’ creativity. The three designers create calendars, paper products, wooden home decor, and tote bags, to name a few. When inspiration strikes We got to talk to Rashmi, one of the three mothers who founded the brand, the other two being Sridevi […]
Aamena Millwala started tinkering around with stained glass as a hobby. Friends and family members’ interests were piqued. She started to customise them, gradually taking orders, and the rest is history. Glassy-eyed beginnings Aamena started Studio A 12 years ago, converting her balcony into a small home studio, once word spread about her work. “Stained […]
Extreme hunger pangs hit you. You’d do anything for some good, wholesome food. Actually, forget wholesome, you’d kill for any food. That’s what ‘Kolapasi’ translates to in Tamil—that feeling where you’d do anything to feed your hunger. Santhosh Muruganantham came up with the idea for a chefless, quick-service, global restaurant chain in 2013, serving hot, […]
Maria Niveditha, the founder of Zhalkesi, started the brand as a way of staying rooted to her Tamil heritage while channelling her passion for art. Now, the brand is synonymous with traditional Tamil motifs translated into wearable art. Not just clay-ing around Maria worked in IT for five years as a Data Engineer, but eventually, […]
Prasanna Vasanadu started Tikitoro out of a personal need. She was on the hunt for personal care products for her 5-year-old son, but found only two extremes: the ‘fully safe’ products were not effective, or the ‘effective’ products were not fully safe. She sought to solve this gap in the market by herself and built […]
Two sisters, Kasturi, an auditor, and Lakshmi, a graphic designer, started Madras Design Story as a way to channel their passion for art into something tangible. What began as an ode to their Karaikudi roots evolved into a store that designs all things Tamil. Two sisters, one dream Kasturi Ramanathan, co-founder of Madras Design Story, […]
Vanipriya Jayaraman, formerly a Chief Technology Officer, reflects on her transition into building Aarla, a culturally-rooted creative brand. What began as a deliberate return to consistent art practice during her second pregnancy gradually evolved into a brand built with intention and care. Necessity: the mother of creativity “When I started Aarla, it was simply to […]
Chennai-based Darshitam began as a small effort to offer people eco-friendly, beautiful home essentials and utilities. Curating and sourcing the highest quality bed linens, towels, and clothing from across India, Sarenya Dhevi’s Darshitam aims to gently nudge people towards a sustainable future rooted in heritage. Backed by eye-opening research A four-person team handles everything at […]
Legend has it that the Chinese Empress Leizu was sitting in the shade of a mulberry tree when she saw a little cocoon fall into her cup of hot tea. As she picked it up, she noticed that it unravelled into a fine thread. She unwound the string and was intrigued by how long and […]
Hindustan Trading Company (HTC) has been a part of the cityscape long before Madras became Chennai. The rather mercantile name doesn’t disclose the veritable art treasures it holds. Artists great and small, established and fledgling, have always approached HTC with hope, reverence, and anticipation. The shelves are stacked with virtually everything an artist could dream […]
Sundari Silks: a trusted name for silk sarees and a landmark in Chennai. Started by K. Rajaram, it now has Manmohan and his brother Shankar Raman at the helm. As difficult as it is to establish a brand, it is as difficult to maintain its position at the forefront. Talking to us is Manmohan Ram, […]
Chennai-based NGO Nizhal was founded in September 2005, when a small group of tree lovers came together to make a difference in Chennai by working with communities toward sensitive greening practices. Branching into care With Nizhal, Shobha, and her team set out to heal both lands and minds. In busy cities and fast-paced lives, minds […]
Shobha Viswanath, co-founder of Karadi Tales, has built one of India’s most beloved children’s publishing houses. Almost 30 years and 350 books later, the company remains just as warm and nostalgic as it was in 1996. Dreams of inclusivity Books sold along with audiobooks in the form of cassettes and CDs, tidily packed into a […]
Being a pet parent is a lifestyle that more people are leaning towards today. Pets of Paradise is a Chennai-based brand that sells healthy, gourmet-style food for your fur babies, improving pet health one day at a time! Building a brand, one paw at a time We got to sit down with Hari Shankar, one […]
Gentle on the skin, better for the environment. That is Idham’s philosophy. Akin to the Tamil meaning of Idham—soothing, calm, and comforting, much like nature. Mindfully handcrafting small batches of skincare, Bharathi Aravind has formulated products that soothe, nourish, and balance your skin, fortified by the goodness of nature. Healing as a calling Bharathi Aravind […]
You’ve heard the phrase: trust your gut. How are you going to trust it when you don’t take care of it? More often than not, people tend to ignore their gut health. Abha Appasamy strives to help people take charge of their health and make a positive change. How care turned into a passion Abha […]
Ardor Biomed, founded by Vivekanand Kamaraj, is a Pollachi based company that uses mature coconut water to produce wound and skin care products. This waste to wealth enterprise has been duly recognized and awarded by none other than the Honorable President of India Droupadi Murmu. Kalpavriksha, the Coconut Tree People debate on the ubiquitous coconut […]
A thread of an idea Sannjana started Vaagai in 2023 with a simple thought: people shouldn’t worry about the technicalities of saree draping; they should be able to wear a saree with ease when they want. The idea of Vaagai stemmed from her not being able to drape a saree at her own wedding. She […]
Kathiresan, co-founder of EVtron, talked to us in an insightful interview about electric vehicles, where the industry is going, and how the company strives to influence people to make the switch to EVs. A Spark of an Idea Co founders Kathiresan, Mani, Manickam and Sabarinath The founders of EVtron started the company with a mission: […]
The Kraft Faktor is a brand that promotes the art of crafting as a means to thoughtful, slow living. Deepa Sam and Nabeela Rahman’s goal is to encourage more adults to take up crafting as a practice in their day to day, a simple escape from the rat race of everyday life. Crafting with care […]
Vinod Gopal, the founder of Red Chariots, spoke candidly with us about his journey, company origins, and his generational love for advertising. He established Red Chariots in 2009 and has taken it upon himself to capitalise on the ‘happiness industry’ as he calls it. Crafting spectacles Vinod introduces himself as a ‘second-generation event manager’ and […]
The Golden Wrap is a gifting company born out of Sapna Koshy’s passion for creativity. Founded in 2012, the brand has become a go-to choice for corporate, wedding, and celebration gifts. Sapna began as a ‘one-man army’ and has now grown the company to a team of seven. The art of gifting memories After the […]
For Hari Janarthanan, the dream began as a child playing with ‘helicopter seeds’ on his family’s farm. The toy plastic planes were endless wonders to the little boy, who was determined to do something meaningful with his fascination for these ‘flying things’. And he did. Birdscale is a deep-tech start up that integrates drones, robots, […]
Tirunelveli-based No Na Me creates androgynous, modular, statement jewellery that celebrates individuality. With bold, gender-neutral designs, the brand aims to push the boundaries of wearable art, offering minimal yet timeless pieces. A vision for all ages Smruti Mathisekaran, the founder of No Na Mé, had always wanted to start a brand of her own. Initially […]
Karthick Shanmuga Sundaram, the founder of Gusteau Foods, talks about his entry into the food industry and supplying to the B2B sector. Calling his B2B venture a ‘COVID start-up’, Karthick explains how he switched careers from a corporate R&D job to establishing Gusteau Foods. He holds an MTech in Packaging Technology from the Indian Institute […]
The necklaces and chains are made of colorful beads and laid out neatly on white pieces of cloth. In the shade of a banyan tree or the pavement of a bus stand or on the temple steps, the Narikuravars sell their wares. Often ignored, many a time swatted away in annoyance, and sometimes avoided, this […]
A mother-daughter duo stands out In 2019, Jayadevi Cholayil decided to sell mangoes from their 81-acre farm in Vengal near Red Hills. The main idea was to prevent waste. Her daughter, Susmera Cholayil, gave a helping hand at the shop in Anna Nagar, Chennai. What began as a small shop is now a daily fresh […]
Solinas Integrity, founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, has been working tirelessly to inspect, maintain and digitise underground assets such as water & sewer pipelines, septic tanks and other hidden infrastructure, using state-of-the-art technology. We bring their story to light. While most of us don’t spare a thought to the world under our feet, […]
