Noida-based NGO person and special educator, Sumedha is no artist, she claims. She took to painting and arts and crafts in an attempt to engage a bunch of (about 40 of them) children with special needs. Together, they run a brand called Hastkari that sells hand-painted trays, shoes, bookmarks, coasters, lamps, bags and more.
The NGO, called Aarambh - The Children's Workshop, is what takes up most of Sumedha’s time right now. Hastkari though, is a creative pursuit where she and her children (yes, she calls them that and is surrounded by them from 2pm onwards) play with colours to de-stress. Oh, and through all of this, she’s got her man Friday AKA Sonu, who runs the show.
So far, she has done Warli art on coasters, Kathakali planters, cabinets, bottles, key holders, and earrings. Goes without saying that no two things are the same here. She creates something and puts it up on her social media and before you know it, they get lapped up.
So, start shopping before everything is gone.
