Before I started the luxury tableware brand Kaunteya, I had no prior experience in the luxury or art industry. Having worked in advertising and event management previously, I had an eye that could recognise market needs. I have been deeply fascinated by Indian art forms, architecture, culture and heritage since a young age, especially the native art forms, like Gond, Madhubani, Phad and Pattachitra, and traditional arts, like Pichwai, miniatures and murals. This passion took me across the length and breadth of India. During these journeys, I explored luxury palaces, verdant nature and wildlife. I also attended art festivals, and even experienced village life. I even travelled abroad to Russia and Europe, capturing magnificent pillars, domes, and intricate floorings, walls, doors, etc. Nothing artistic missed my kohl-rimmed eyes. 

When I returned from all those journeys, my artistic soul was craving to do something with the imageries that had filled my consciousness. Soon, I realised that a lot of people shared my love for Indian art and that there was a need for a brand that could combine premium goods with indigenous art forms. This long-accumulated artistic cognition became the core inspiration for the novel designs of Kaunteya, the brand that has caught the fancy of discerning patrons.

The seedlings were already there. All it took was chiselling of thoughts, a few pangs of failure, and I had my own startup project — Kaunteya. My first brush with high-end tableware happened during my childhood; my grandfather used to have pieces from Royal Albert China series. Since I wanted to present the brilliance of Indian art to the world through a widely accessible medium, tableware became the obvious choice. 

What sets Kaunteya’s aesthetic apart is the rich tapestry of heritage depicted through exquisitely rendered evocative art. Unlike the competitors, I was clear from day one that Kaunteya would showcase designs from Indian art, history or architecture, and would be my ode to the motherland. All this zest, passion and patience paid off when the first four series of the brand were simultaneously launched in 2018.

Kaunteya brings a slice of history, heritage and mythology, combined with fine craftsmanship and superior quality, on a platter to its patrons. The contemporary finesse and sophistication it exudes makes it fit for homes anywhere in the world. With its unparalleled offering, the brand took off on a high note and is now being retailed online and offline to both domestic and overseas markets. 

The carefully crafted collections are adorned with intricate designs that are silkscreen printed and hand-decorated. The vibrant colours on the dinnerware are a result of precise firing to achieve its accurate flamboyance. Finished with a touch of 24-karat pure gold, Kaunteya collections are precious heirloom to be passed on to the next generations. By combining art, luxury and grandeur, Kaunteya adds a regal touch to special occasions, making them cherished and treasured forever. The brand’s Byah series has become a cult favourite among the wedding gifters. The brand is also a big hit among corporate clients. 

Having presence nationally and internationally, Kaunteya has seen tremendous success in its short journey of two-and-a-half years. Our designs have played a central role in this success. We believe in the story-telling abilities of art and this belief forms the basis of our brand. 

Being a design entrepreneur is quite satisfying and fulfilling. The designs one creates gives one a sense of satisfaction for having created an object of timeless beauty. However, the journey of entrepreneurship, especially in the design industry, is tough and very time-consuming. One has to experiment more to learn more and do more to achieve more. Women these days are playing a vital role in this industry, which is a manifestation of their empowerment.

The biggest challenge that I see facing women entrepreneurs are the enormous societal expectations that we face and the guilt that we feel in not being able to meet them. I think it is okay not to excel in all facets of life. We should be proud of ourselves for who we are. Women entrepreneurs are doing well and will perform even better in future. More and more women today are getting into entrepreneurship. I am hopeful the small and big-scale industries started by women will soon contribute to the country’s GDP in a significant way.