Looms of Ladakh
“A few kilometers from here there’s a big boulder- right at the border. It’s kind of a magic boulder. During the day we leave on this rock cheese, wool and cooked food and boxes and when we return the next day we find chinese notes, candy and sometimes even cigarettes…”
These are the kind of wild stories I was told when I visited the many supremely talented artisans living near the looms of Ladakh centres in Changthang, Ladakh. I was there at that point to conduct a fair election (along with members of the tehsildar’s office) for the next governing body of our women’s textile craft cooperative- Looms of Ladakh.
At Looms, I was Head of Operations — a title that meant doing whatever was needed. From fundraising and partnerships to planning events and building community infrastructure, my role spanned it all.
Skills
Client
Industry
Operations Management, Fundraising & Partnerships, Community Building, Brand Storytelling
My Role and Impact
Conducted elections around seven centers spanning 215 kms and 400+ artisans. Ensuring for the first time- representation across geography and tribes
Raised 4Cr+ in collaboration with NCF from ICICI bank for our Pashmina “farm to fashion” project.
Managed partnerships with major design houses in the country including the likes of 11.11 clothing, Pero and more fostering collaborations to promote textile craft in Ladakh.
Negotiated and planned the inception of a wool research, spinning, and weaving centre in
Changthang.Planned, budgeted for and designed events that resulted in the highest units sold in that year, driving revenue growth by 2400% in some the Shawl category.
Outcome
Users could easily track their health metrics, set wellness goals, and receive personalised health advice, all within a seamless and intuitive app experience.
