Meet women-entrepreneur Meera Ramakrishnan - Reviving India’s Traditional Crafts

Early Inspiration: From Corporate Corridors to Clay Pots

When Meera Ramakrishnan left her 23-year corporate career at Honeywell, many wondered what could pull her so strongly toward a completely different world. For her, it wasn’t a leap—it was a return to roots.

In 2016, along with her co-founders, Meera began Zishta, a for-profit social enterprise with a simple but powerful vision: to revive the ancient crafts of India and make them sustainable for generations to come. “We didn’t want to be an NGO,” she recalls, “because when you depend on funding, your growth becomes dependent too. We wanted artisans to grow with dignity, through a sustainable market.”

The journey began with a field trip to Tamil Nadu, where the team discovered that entire clusters of artisans were vanishing. “In Sengottai, only one craftsman was still making the traditional dosakkal,” Meera remembers. That discovery—and the realization that these ancient traditions were on the verge of extinction—became her catalyst. “When we sold out our first batch at an event in Bangalore, I knew there was hope. There was a market. We just had to create it.”

Meera in conversation with Gayatri

Early Barriers: From Luxury to Lorries

Leaving a plush corporate job for a startup meant an enormous mindset shift. “In corporate life, everything is taken care of—travel, logistics, finance, HR. Suddenly, as an entrepreneur, you are the HR, finance, and logistics team rolled into one,” Meera laughs.

Her cousin had given her a piece of advice before she started: ‘If your help doesn’t show up, you should be ready to pick up the broom and clean your own office.’ That stayed with her. “And that’s exactly what it takes—humility and resilience,” she says.

The early days were rough. There were no established supply chains, and artisans were skeptical. “We used to drive our own cars to Cuddalore or Kumbakonam, load the materials ourselves, and bring them back to Bangalore. Sometimes artisans would send goods by train, and we’d pick them up personally,” she shares.

Beyond logistics, there were emotional challenges too—working purely on trust, without legal documentation. “These artisans didn’t know who we were. They trusted us blindly to take their products and pay them back. That kind of faith was new to me,” she says.

The transition from corporate luxury to grassroots authenticity wasn’t glamorous, but it was grounding. “The first two years were very tough,” she admits. “But the beauty was in the connection—with the artisans, with the craft, and with the purpose.”

Impact: Dignity, Livelihood, and Legacy

Nearly a decade later, Zishta has partnered with over 650 artisans across 15 states, reviving traditional kitchenware and utensils made from stone, clay, iron, brass, bronze, and copper. Each product is steeped in science and heritage—designed exactly as it was hundreds of years ago, tested for purity and safety.

The impact is tangible. “Many artisans have seen their incomes rise by 20 to 40 times,” Meera shares proudly. “One of our artisans in Punjab built a ₹50 lakh house entirely from his earnings through Zishta. Another in Sengottai now runs his own team.”

But beyond financial transformation, Meera emphasizes the emotional impact—the pride artisans feel in their craft. “They tell us, ‘You treat us like artisans, not laborers.’ That means more than any revenue number,” she says.

Zishta’s impact isn’t limited to the artisans. Over 1.5 lakh consumers across 22 countries now use Zishta’s handcrafted kitchenware, reconnecting with India’s heritage in their everyday lives. “For our customers, it’s not just cookware—it’s a part of their story, a return to something authentic,” Meera explains.

The revival has also brought back the next generation. “The sons and daughters of artisans who once wanted corporate jobs are now coming back to continue their family’s legacy. That’s when you know the ecosystem is working.”

The Next Five Years: Deepening Roots, Expanding Reach

When asked about Zishta’s next chapter, Meera doesn’t hesitate. “We’ve built a strong base in kitchen and dining. Now it’s about strengthening that and taking it global.”

Their roadmap is threefold:

1. Strengthen Channels and Quality: Zishta plans to expand its retail presence and maintain its strict quality standards. “If we can’t do good, at least let’s not harm anyone,” Meera says firmly. Every product is lab-tested to ensure it’s free from lead or harmful metals.

2. Expand Geographically: With loyal customers in the US, UAE, Singapore, and Malaysia, Meera hopes to create local hubs for easier access. “We want customers abroad to experience our products without prohibitive shipping costs.”

3. Diversify Customer Segments: The team aims to explore new markets—hospitality, gifting, and decor—without straying from authenticity. “Every time we see a beautiful craft, it’s hard to say no,” she laughs. “That’s how 25% of our portfolio became home décor.”

Zishta’s purpose remains unwavering—to revive, sustain, and celebrate the crafts of India while creating livelihoods that last generations. “We may not have plans to make clothes or textiles yet,” Meera smiles, “but who knows? When you work with something this beautiful, your heart always finds the next craft to save.”

Advice to Women Entrepreneurs: Start Small, Stay Committed

As the conversation draws to a close, Meera reflects on her entrepreneurial lessons. “Don’t start a business because everyone else is doing one,” she cautions. “Do it because you truly believe in it. Entrepreneurship is not a trend; it’s a long-term commitment.”

She also recommends piloting ideas before going all in. “Start small, fail fast, and learn fast. Once you take the plunge, stay committed. If you treat it like a side project, you’ll be swept away by competition.”

Her final words are simple, yet profound:

“The other side of the grass always looks greener. But only when you walk that path do you realize how much grit, sacrifice, and joy it holds. And if you’re ready for all of it—welcome to entrepreneurship.”

Conclusion

Every great journey begins with a single, often uncertain step. Meera’s story reminds us that success doesn’t come from sweeping leaps but from small, consistent strides taken with conviction. For every woman dreaming of building something meaningful—start small, learn deeply, and keep going even when the path feels steep.

At Sangatna Angels, we believe that perseverance turns passion into impact. We’re here to support women entrepreneurs who dare to dream differently—those who balance purpose with patience, courage with care. Together, let’s build businesses that don’t just grow, but endure.