My Story

My story of becoming part of the Indian Textile journey has been quite like an Indian 'Jalebi' with its winding paths and not knowing where it's going to turn, though it did end up becoming sweet like the 'Jalebi' inspite of its twists and turns!

I started as an Electronics engineer in 1993 in a company called IIGM where I trained people on the CAD/CAM system. My company sponsored me a course in Fashion Design from Pearl Academy of Fashion to help me understand their client's needs better. This was the era of Art and Technology coming together which would change the fashion industry forever.

But soon I had a daughter and had to give up my job as those days maternity leave or work from home was not an option. Today women have it even tougher as they become jugglers juggling so many things unless they can pull a trick or two from the multiple hats they are wearing!

So then with a cute daughter and no job, travelling once a month to the rural villages of India which were a treasure house of weaving and printing techniques came to my rescue. I worked with artisans in designing and creating beautiful textiles using ancient techniques and then stitching them into very wearable and comfortable garments. My first company SAMSARA was born and then offers came in for exports of patchwork quilts. We did the most creative and beautiful patchwork quilts which were sold in the same range as DONNA KARAN's quilts and we got featured on the front cover of magazines in the United States of America.

Well, that journey again took a turn and INDIE COTTON ROUTE came into being which was a more evolved version where sustainability and ethical practices became the focus. We have decided to be a small company as small companies do not have to indulge in unethical practices as we do not have huge white elephants to feed but have the know how and the experience of any big company.

Especially in today's times after the Pandemic where small staff works in hygenic conditions is of prime importance. Also the citizens have become more conscious of supporting small entrepreneurs as they ensure equal distribution of wealth across craft clusters rather than concentrating it in the hands of a few!

Well, that's been my journey and if you would like to become part of this Indian Heritage then do enjoy our products!

I would like to thank you all on the behalf of all the artisans for supporting us !

Shalini Saluja

+91-9871383910