HerSpace was born on a deeply inspiring day in Hyderabad’s Shilparamam, where I was captivated by the vivid colours of dyed fabrics, intricately woven baskets, and hand-painted pottery. The atmosphere was alive with the scent of clay and the soft hum of artisans, each showcasing the rich heritage of traditional Indian crafts. But what truly captured my heart were the women behind these creations. Their hands moved with practiced grace, stitching stories of their heritage into every piece. Their smiles were warm, yet there was a quiet strength in their eyes—a resilience born from years of overcoming challenges.
I felt an instant connection with these women and couldn’t resist starting conversations with a few of them. As they shared their stories, my heart grew heavy. Most of them had been denied the basic right to education because schools and colleges were too far from their villages. Their parents, struggling to make ends meet, had relied on them for household chores, farm work, or had married them off at a young age. They spoke of financial exclusion, inadequate medical care, the lack of sanitation facilities, and the constant pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Some even mentioned enduring domestic violence. Despite their immense talent and potential, these hurdles had kept them from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
I left the craft village deeply moved, my mother’s words echoing in my heart: “It is our responsibility to create opportunities in any small way for the underprivileged.” Determined to act, I made a personal commitment to only gift products from organizations that were actively working towards the sustainable empowerment of women. I spent hours searching through Instagram, carefully selecting products that not only showcased the exquisite craftsmanship of women artisans but also resonated with the youth in terms of design, quality, and appeal. Whether it was a vibrantly embroidered tote bag, a delicately stitched piece of clothing, a hand-painted coin pouch, or beautifully crafted stationery, I wanted every gift to be a symbol of support for these women.
As I continued this journey, I realized how financial dependence holds women back, preventing them from making choices that align with their true potential. This realization fuelled my deep commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment. I knew I wanted to do more than just buy and gift these beautiful items—I wanted to create a platform that could amplify the impact of these purchases. This passion led to the creation of HerSpace.
HerSpace is more than just a website—it’s a movement aimed at fostering empowerment and financial independence for women. The platform is specifically designed to support and promote organizations run by women, particularly those with a mission to uplift women artisans. These businesses are not only about creating beautiful products but also about crafting opportunities for women to earn a fair and sustainable income, giving them the power to make decisions that shape their own lives.
HerSpace is my heartfelt contribution to this cause. By curating a list of women-led organizations, I aim to make it easier for people to discover and support businesses that are making a real difference. With the festive season approaching, I encourage everyone to spend consciously and choose gifts that not only bring joy to the recipient but also empower the women who crafted them. Through HerSpace, you can quickly access a variety of unique and meaningful gifting solutions, each purchase helping to build a more equitable society.
Let’s make our spending matter by supporting women entrepreneurs and artisans, turning every gift into a step toward a more empowered and inclusive world.