Despite the rich heritage, many artisans struggle to keep their crafts alive in the face of modern commercial pressures. According to a 2013 study by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), over seven million artisans are engaged in craft production in India. But this number has been steadily declining as younger generations turn away from these time-honored practices.
This is where Ankita Jaiswal, an interior designer from Lucknow, stepped in with a vision to empower local artisans through her passion project, Brio Art House and Café. Launched in 2017, Brio Art House offers a platform for artisans to showcase their work, while the café, added in 2019, provides an immersive experience for visitors, blending art with sustainable living.
Sustainability Meets Tradition: The Unique Offerings of Brio
Located near Kanpur Road in Lucknow, Brio Art House and Café is a celebration of art, culture, and sustainability. The café embraces traditional dining practices by growing its own vegetables and using eco-friendly tableware like kulhads. But what truly sets Brio apart is its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Ankita emphasizes that their products avoid materials like bone china, which involve animal cruelty. She explains that everything they create is designed to offer an experience that resonates with being in harmony with nature.
The art house features unique home décor items, all crafted by local artisans using traditional techniques such as Zardosi and Chikankari. These pieces are not just products but stories, each reflecting the skill and heritage of the artisans who made them.
Art as a Lifeline: Ankita’s Journey and Connection to Craft
Ankita’s journey into the world of art and craft is deeply personal. Coming from a business family, she found solace in art and culture during her school years at St. Agnes’ Loreto and Avadh Girls’ Degree College in Lucknow.
Her passion for art led her to pursue a six-month sculpting course at Lalit Kala Akademi, where she discovered the importance of sustainability in art. “Being an artist is about observing and expressing through your work,” she shares. This connection to art became even more profound when she assumed the role of Chairman for Art and Craft at UP Hotels in 2016, giving her the opportunity to work closely with artisans.
Realizing the potential to uplift these craftsmen, she launched Brio Art House as a platform to support their livelihoods and preserve their crafts.
Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Roadblocks
Running Brio Art House has not been without challenges. The global pandemic hit small businesses hard, and Brio was no exception. Sales plummeted during the second wave of COVID-19, and the future seemed uncertain.
Ankita states, that people often worry about the durability of handmade products. Despite these doubts, she stayed committed to supporting the artisans and their families, making sure they had what they needed to get by. Even when sales were down, she was determined to keep them employed, showing her strong dedication to their well-being.
A Personal Touch: The Heart of Brio’s Success
What sets Brio Art House apart is Ankita’s personal involvement in every aspect of the business. From ideating and explaining the message behind each piece to the artisans, to managing sales and dispatching products with handwritten notes, Ankita ensures that every customer feels connected to the artisans’ stories.
This approach has helped Brio slowly build a loyal customer base, with people who appreciate not just the products, but the effort and passion behind them. Ankita believes in organic growth, allowing her work to speak for itself rather than relying solely on business tactics.
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The Road Ahead: Ankita’s Vision for Brio’s Future
As Brio Art House and Café looks to the future, Ankita’s vision remains clear: to continue supporting local artisans and expanding the platform to include more craftspeople.
Ankita’s dream is to see Brio become a beacon of hope for artisans across India, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents and sustain their livelihoods. Her story is not just one of entrepreneurial success but of a deep commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of India’s artisans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes Brio Art House and Café unique?
Brio Art House and Café is unique because it combines sustainability with traditional art, offering eco-friendly furniture and décor crafted by local artisans in Lucknow.
How does Brio support local artisans?
Brio supports local artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their handmade products, ensuring they earn a fair wage and their crafts are preserved.
What types of products are available at Brio?
Brio offers a wide range of products, including seeded pencils, planters, wall hangings, and unique furniture, all made from sustainable materials and traditional techniques.
How did COVID-19 impact Brio Art House?
COVID-19 led to a significant drop in sales for Brio, but Ankita continued to support the artisans, ensuring they had the resources needed to survive during the pandemic.
