Kimaya Mandrekar's deep-rooted belief in the power of unity and her passion for supporting women entrepreneurs inspired her to establish Aikya. The brand's logo, featuring many intertwined hands, symbolizes diverse talents and art forms coming together. Initially launched in Belgaum, Aikya found its true home in the vibrant state of Goa after a year and a half.
Kimaya's story began with the birth of her brand, Aikya, which drew its name from the Sanskrit word meaning "together" or "harmony." This name perfectly encapsulated the essence of Aikya, as it brought together the work of numerous women artisans under one collective platform.
The idea behind the start-
The story of Aikya began even before the brand's inception. Kimaya had been involved in managing her family's resort in Belgaum, which had been built on a quarry site. Instead of forgetting the workers and staff involved in the quarry's operations, Kimaya and her family decided to uplift them. They provided training and upskilling opportunities to the workers, with a particular focus on women. In doing so, they uncovered these women's hidden talents and arts, nurturing their skills and creativity.
From this endeavor, Kimaya realized the importance of providing a common platform for these talented women to showcase their products. She encountered many women who were skilled in producing various items but lacked the means to sell them in the open market. This realization sparked the idea of creating a brand that could bridge the gap between these artisans and potential customers. Thus, Aikya was born to develop their art and provide a channel for their products to reach a wider audience.
Aikya’s mission-
Kimaya's mission was clear: to connect with as many women entrepreneurs as possible and provide them with a platform to showcase their handcrafted products. It all started in Belgaum, where Kimaya initiated her brand and supported local artisans. However, after a year and a half, she felt the pull of Goa, her native place, and decided to relocate there, expanding the reach of Aikya.
The specialty of Aikya-
The heart and soul of Aikya lay in its commitment to hand-woven and handmade products, with every item crafted by talented women artisans. In the beginning, Aikya focused on small locally-made products, such as jute bags, cotton handicrafts, and jute cloth. But as time went on, the brand diversified its offerings. They ventured into the realm of handlooms, starting with Lakhnavi chikankari handlooms and later branching out into hand-block printed fabrics and sarees. Aikya now offers a wide range of handicrafts and handloom products, including sarees, linen, and more.
Aikya’s Vision-
Despite the humble beginnings and the initial goal of supporting artisans, Kimaya's vision expanded beyond geographical boundaries. She aimed to connect with women entrepreneurs from different states, bringing them together under the umbrella of Aikya. This inclusivity and collaboration became the driving force behind the brand's growth.
What does Aikya offer?
Aikya's services are primarily focused on providing customized products and catering to bulk orders. However, the brand aimed to keep its market open and accessible to everyone. They reached out to various boutiques and outlets in Goa while also exploring online platforms, utilizing social media handles like Instagram to showcase their products. Although they hadn't yet established a website, Aikya embraced the evolving digital landscape to reach a wider audience.
Kimaya's emotional attachment to Aikya stemmed from her desire to uplift and empower the artisans. For her, the financial aspect was secondary; it was the sense of upbringing and empowerment that resonated deeply. Each step she took with Aikya was driven by this emotional connection and the belief that every artist deserved recognition and opportunity.
The strategy of Aikya-
In terms of strategy, Kimaya followed a simple approach. The challenge lay in effectively communicating and guiding the artisans, as they often faced various personal challenges in their everyday lives. Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic presented additional hurdles, such as disruptions in the supply chain and increased costs for materials like jute. However, Kimaya's determination and adaptability allowed her to navigate these challenges and find solutions.
As Aikya continued to grow, Kimaya found herself in a position of immense satisfaction. Despite the setback of having to close down their physical outlet in Goa's prominent Mall De Goa due to the pandemic, Aikya swiftly shifted its focus to online platforms. The change in consumer behavior, with more people embracing online shopping, worked in their favor. Kimaya and her team adapted to the new trend, ensuring that Aikya's products were readily available to customers through various online channels.
Aikya’s message to you-
Reflecting on her journey, Kimaya humbly offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and dream pursuers alike. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing endeavors wholeheartedly and with unwavering commitment. Through her own experiences, she has come to believe that one can achieve their goals and dreams with genuine dedication and passion.
To Contact-
Instagram: https://instagram.com/aikya_by_kimaya?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Aikya-100063595250226/
For In-store shopping: Mathias ocean park, Dona Paula, Goa 403004
The future of Aikya-
As for the future of Aikya, Kimaya envisions further growth and expansion. She hopes to reach even more women artisans, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and products. While Aikya remains a small brand, it continues to learn and evolve, constantly striving to fulfill its mission of empowerment and upliftment.
To Conclude-
Kimaya's story with Aikya is a testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and the belief in individuals' inherent talents and creativity. Through her vision, determination, and unwavering commitment, she has created a brand that brings together artisans from different states and fosters a sense of togetherness and empowerment. With each handcrafted product, Aikya tells a story of resilience, artistry, and the transformative power of supporting women entrepreneurs.
“Together We Can” ~Aikya
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