Brick by Brick, how #places are built, Craft Village is testimony of that!
Today is an iconic day as we enter the 10th year at Craft Village!
Frankly when we started, we were not sure whether we would survive even next few months.
The #journey was full of challenges, but we kept walking.
Craft Village was never my idea, I had no interest in #Craft #Sector, it was my better half who wanted to do something for #artisans.
I was a #Fashion Man, but then one day she put her foot down, and said we have to do something for craft sector.
To start something new is not easy, you have put your resources, #time, and everything.
We had little savings, but that wasn't enough to build an acre center.
So we sold our house, and approached #bank as we needed more money.
The bank asked for a proposal? We submitted, but they could not understand anything!
They told us, there is no #business model, TRUE!
We were not building Craft Village to sell crafts, we wanted to build an social #innovation to help #ecosystem, that could change how #crafts were perceived then.
But the Bank being a financial institution could not look beyond numbers, and the struggle continued.
Finally, one day maybe they realized that we want to do something which they do not understand, and gave their nod.
So #funds were arranged, but then we had to build a place that is #sustainable!
We approached many #architects and asked them to do rammed earth construction, sadly they weren't even aware of that.
Also, most of them gave #construction time of two years. We didn't have that kind of time and money.
So we approached Hydraform, South African company, and sought help. After knowing what we wish to do they agreed to come on board.
Another challenge was, mason and labour did not know what rammed earth construction is?
So, we trained them on site. My wife (being a #trained #interior #designer) built the #masterplan and the work started.
In record four months we built the place ourselves, and started #operations.
The first Chairpersons of Craft Village were nominated as Romeo and Ruble (our pets).
As we always wanted to build a place where furry friends are welcome.
And rest is history! Today craft village (www.craftvillage.org.in) has taken many iconic initiative in past 10-years and created a global footprint.
We are working with the biggest global organizations on uplifting craft sector and #dignity of artisans.
All this would not have been possible without #people. On 10th year anniversary, I would like to thank each and everyone who worked with us to keep us floating, growing, walking and helped reached here.
And our journey continues!
Heading Plant Supply Chain Operations Green belt in Lean six sigma methodology, TPM,5S with 20+ years of experience. Ex. ITC-ILTD| ITC-PSPD | International Paper APPM |Andhra Paper Ltd.,
1wCongratulations