Since 2005, I have been a freelance design consultant. My speciality is in textiles and other crafts made using linear materials. It could be paper, grass, bamboo, cane, palmyra etc. My years of experience helps me understand the ever-changing markets and cater to them. I have worked with artisans, NGOs, stores and corporates over the years. Sometimes, it is as an advisor and at others it is pure design work. I have worked with NGOs like MRMRM, Streeshakti, Porgai, MESH, Khamir, Okhai, AIACA, Nandadevi Women weavers association, SEWA Lukhnow, Earthy Goods, SASHA and many many more. I have also worked as a consultant with Fabindia, Mela artisans, Jindal CSR and IL&FS. I have worked directly with many artisans conducting training programs for skill upgradation or as a design consultant.

I would like to talk a little bit about my work ex with Mela Artisans. This is an online store based out of the USA . The reason I am expanding on this experience is because for the first time I was learning about products made from materials like bone, horn, resin, wood, ceramic, stone, wax and metal to name some. It was a fabulous experience and I learnt so much. My primary role was to realise the ideas from the designers in Mela USA, and work with the correct artisan to prototype the same. I was also required to document the various processes and ensure that the orders were produced and delivered on time, with full quality checks. I also worked closely with the other team members of Mela and the various artisans to convert an idea into a product that could be produced consistently. I was required to share design ideas from time to time.