OUR ARTISANS

We’re proud to have built a strong community of artisans.

From sourcing to packaging - hear from our talented group of artisans who make our world more beautiful each day with their delicate handicraft. Across generations, South Asian artisans have developed systems of making that are deeply rooted in ecology, ritual, and cultural memory. These objects were never designed to be fleeting trends; they were designed to accompany daily life with patience, beauty, and meaning.

Sarla protects this lineage. We work directly with generational craftspeople in Madhya Pradesh, India, whose knowledge cannot be replicated by machines. We ensure our partners, including master woodcarver Jeewanlal Vishwakarma, set their own pricing, earning fair-trade compensation that sustains their communities and preserves ancestral woodworking traditions.

  • A man with gray hair and a mustache squatting in a woodworking workshop, surrounded by wood pieces and tools, holding a piece of wood in front of a lathe machine.

    Jeewanlal Vishwakarma, Woodwork Artisan, Entrepreneur

    “I am proud to continue my family owned business, which has been in our family for several generations. We work with different kinds of wood - Sagoon, Shisham, Beeja which we source from the forest depot. We specialise in handmade intricate designs - so anything that requires heavy machinery or is mass produced is something we don’t produce. We believe in carving each piece with perfection, love and care. ”

  • A woman sitting at a sewing machine in a fabric shop, holding green fabric, with shelves of fabric and sewing materials around her.

    Rukmani Sharma, Small business owner, Tailor.

    “I have been working as a small business owner, Mangalam boutique, for 30 years now. It is my passion and livelihood. I am an expert in all clothing designs and alterations - if you bring me a design I will be able to customise it for you. ”

  • Indian woman in traditional attire receiving a diploma or certificate from Indian man in a white suit during a formal ceremony, with military personnel in uniform in background.

    Bhuri Bai

    Bhuri Bai belongs to the community of Bhils, the largest tribal group of India. She has won many awards including the highest state honour accorded to artists by the Madhya Pradesh government, the Shikhar Samman. She was awarded India's fourth highest civilian award the Padma Shri in 2021.

  • Two men sitting on the floor in front of a blue wall, engaged in traditional painting, with colorful artwork and supplies in front of them.

    Sher Singh Bhavor, National Award winning artist

    “I am proud to be the son of the Padma Shri awardee, Bhuri Bai. She and my father inspired me to become and artist, just like them. I would watch them create designs on the walls and in courtyards during festivals. It inspired me to come up with my own themes like wildlife - peacock, cows, birds; scenes from everyday life and mythological tales.”