I began my career in 2011 after completing a degree in Civil Engineering and joining a reputed multinational company. It was a proud milestone — my first step into the professional world. Those early months were spent learning the ropes, adapting to responsibilities, and finding my rhythm in a fast-paced corporate environment. But as the days went by, I began to sense a quiet disconnect. The world of concrete and design did not quite speak to my creative instincts. I enjoyed the structure and logic of engineering, yet something in me longed for a deeper connection — one that blended creativity with purpose.
After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to step back and return to my hometown. I continued briefly with a smaller organisation, which allowed me to experience a more grounded professional environment. Then life shifted again — marriage, motherhood, and a five-year career break that became a different kind of learning curve. Those years were full of growth and gratitude, though they also left me wondering what shape my professional life might take next.
In 2018, with our young child, we moved to Australia — a new country, a new chapter, and another opportunity to rebuild from scratch. When my child turned five, I felt ready to resume work, but I wasn’t sure where or how to begin. Volunteering became my first step. It gave me valuable exposure to the Australian workplace, helped me build confidence, and reminded me that every new beginning starts with a single act of courage. I’ve always believed that when you’re unsure where to start, the best way forward is simply to start somewhere — the rest unfolds in its own time.
Just as I began my job search in earnest and my child started primary school, COVID hit. Like for many, everything came to a stop. Yet, in that uncertain time, an opportunity appeared. A well-known non-profit organisation had an opening, and I was fortunate to be selected. What began as a short-term contract turned into a permanent role, and even today, I’m proud to be part of their mission to support the education of underprivileged children. That experience grounded me deeply and reminded me how purposeful work can transform not just others’ lives, but your own.
During the lockdowns, when most connections happened online, I found myself drawn toward a community that felt like home — advocates and lovers of Indian handlooms. Their passion for traditional crafts sparked something within me. I wanted to do my part to support Indian artisans and share their artistry here in Australia. Without a background in business, the idea of starting something new felt daunting. But with my husband’s support and the easily accessible online guidance, we began exploring what would later become Nadhi .
The early days were full of small challenges and meaningful discoveries. Finding authentic artisans and weavers was not easy. Social media, often seen as a distraction, became my greatest tool for research and connection. Some artisans didn’t speak English, and many weren’t used to technology, so communication often required creative solutions — voice translators, patient conversations, and a whole lot of persistence. Every transaction happened across continents, bound by trust and shared purpose.
Before long, we had enough inventory to launch online, and to my surprise, the response was incredible. From the start, our goal was clear — to make authentic, affordable handloom textiles accessible to more people in Australia. Today, around 95 percent of our products are true handlooms, while the remaining power loom pieces still carry rich handwork such as embroidery to stay aligned with our focus on sustainability and craftsmanship.
About a year ago, our journey took another meaningful turn. I realised that India’s creative spirit extends far beyond textiles — from handmade crafts to traditional art forms, each carries its own story. That thought led to the evolution of Nadhi Artistry, expanding from handloom textiles to a wider range of handmade products sourced directly from Indian artisans. It became a place that not only showcases beautiful craftsmanship but also celebrates the people and stories behind it.
Looking back, I feel deeply grateful for the decision I made more than a decade ago to step away from the conventional path. It gave me the courage to grow differently — to find fulfillment in both my professional role at a non-profit and my creative venture that supports artisans back home.
People often ask how I manage to balance both worlds. My answer is simple — as mothers, we naturally learn to be resourceful and resilient. We may not achieve perfect balance every day, but we find ways to make it work. To me, that’s what harmony truly is — not the absence of chaos, but the grace to move through it with purpose.
Today, every product we showcase, every artisan we partner with, and every story we share through Nadhi is a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful journeys are the ones we never planned — the ones that grow quietly from curiosity, courage, and heart.
