For many generations, women from four Tamil Nadu houses have used natural fibers such as jute, palm leaves, and river grass to create Thamboolam bags, which are presented as wedding return gifts and often contain betel leaves areca nuts, bangles, fruit, and coconut. These handcrafted bags were sold in local stores, but the ladies were unaware of the possibilities of eco-friendly handicrafts. They could not sell the products outside of the local market, and sales were primarily limited to the wedding season.
“Their potential was untapped.” All pieces were created using natural fibers, and no artificial colors were used. However, they were only used for a few occasions. “These artists also had no aspirations to sell it outside of the local markets,” adds Levis, creator of Kottanz, which offers eco-friendly products handcrafted by women in rural South India
Exploiting an eco-friendly potential
“We recognized a lot of potential in the wedding business, so we decided to sell handcrafted wedding hampers to customers outside of Tamil Nadu.” “Over time, the range expanded, and the work now provides year-round employment for these artists,” she continues.
Over the past nine years, the business has established itself as a destination for eco-luxury handmade gift hampers ranging from raw silk printed potlis and river grass laptop bags to Channapatna woodwork artefacts bridal trunks, masks, and more.
Kottanz, also known as the GIFTS OF INDIA, was founded in 2012
Kottanz, also known as the GIFTS OF INDIA, was founded in 2012. Each of its products is individually created and produced from natural materials, resulting in products that are Beautiful, Premium, and Elegant. When you purchase a Kottanz, you are contributing to the development and empowerment of countless women in rural India. Kottanz is now closer to you than ever before, with locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada. Kottanz Wows aims to empower 1001 women from rural India by 2025, with over 250 goods sold every day and thousands of weddings and other occasions made extra wonderful.
The custom selected wedding hampers include Haldi, kumkum, blouse pieces, matching bangles, tea and spice fillers, and other items. They also sell home décor and utility products such as wooden trays and light metal holders.
Levis’ first foray into entrepreneurship came in 2010 when she founded luxury handbag manufacturer FIBERKRAFT. “We encountered numerous hurdles when developing the brand, and we were unable to enter the export market.” “Also, not many people were able to appreciate the craft,” adds Levis, who bootstrapped FIBERKRAFT, which later became Kottanz.
