The True Characters Behind Our Collections

There is a great deal to tell about the character and personalities of the artisans we work with. We embarked on a fantastic project last year travelling the length and breadth of India interviewing over one hundred of the craftspeople behind our collections; discovering their personalities and aspirations. We will share their stories over time, on our website and through our email campaigns and hopefully bring to life the people and the places where the cup you may have your early morning coffee from, or the rug you walk over every day was made.

There is always a bubble of excitement visiting the artisans who make our collections, you fully appreciate the pure skill and ability that is invested into each product. Our braided hemp collection of rugs and baskets is beautifully woven; employing the same methods and patterns used for centuries. It is totally absorbing watching a craftsman or woman nimbly weaving and braiding simple hemp rope into a gorgeous and tactile rug, or basket. They work so quickly and with such precision.

Shagihad Khan is a master ‘stitcher’, and using an old ‘Singer’ sewing machine he stitches the braided hemp rugs, this is the final part of the process. Our braided hemp rugs are one of his favourite Nkuku products. Shagihad is happily married and recently became a father. He loves old Hindi songs and his favourite singer is Lata Mangeshkar. Shagihad’ s favourite film is the Hindi comedy “Dhulhe Raja”. He enjoys relaxing and watching television, particularly movies and comedies. Like many of his countrymen, he also loves cricket; his all-time favourite player is Sachin Tendulkar. Shagihad has been a ‘stitcher’ for four years. He has some great ideas for a new bag styles made from jute. To read more about the Artisans we work with visit Meet the Artisans.