Neetu Sharma & Ranu Sharma: Weaving Rajasthan’s Heritage into Vastra Potli, a Women-Led Brand Empowering Artisans

India’s handicrafts and handmade textiles industry is a vital pillar of the country’s cultural and economic landscape, contributing over $4 billion in exports annually and employing millions of artisans, a significant number of whom are women. With increasing demand for sustainable, handcrafted, and culturally rooted products, the sector is expected to grow steadily as consumers shift toward conscious and heritage-driven fashion.

Amid this revival, brands like Vastra Potli are blending tradition with entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for women while preserving India’s rich textile legacy.

As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 special series, celebrating women who are turning passion into purpose, we spoke with Ms. Neetu Sharma and Ms. Ranu Sharma, founders of Vastra Potli, about their journey of building a women-led brand rooted in Rajasthan’s craftsmanship.

The Beginning: A Shared Passion Turned Purposeful Brand

StartupTalky: Vastra Potli is described as a brand rooted in tradition and made by women in Jodhpur. Can you tell us the founding story, what inspired the two sisters-in-law to start this brand, and what does Vastra Potli mean to the women who create its pieces?

Ms. Neetu Sharma & Ms. Ranu Sharma: Vastra Potli began as a shared passion between two sisters-in-law who were deeply inspired by Rajasthan’s vibrant textiles and traditional craftsmanship. Growing up around rich fabrics, colours, and handmade artistry, we realised that every stitch carries a story of heritage.

What started as a simple idea to celebrate these traditions gradually turned into a meaningful entrepreneurial journey. Our aim was not just to create handcrafted accessories but to build a platform where traditional craft and women’s empowerment could come together.

For the women who create these pieces, Vastra Potli represents dignity, creativity, and community. Every potli carries the spirit of Rajasthan and reflects the hands and stories behind it.

Women Supporting Women: Building a Community of Artisans

StartupTalky: Vastra Potli is built on the principle of women supporting women in business. How do you work with women artisans in Jodhpur, and what kind of economic and social impact has this created for them so far?

Ms. Neetu Sharma & Ms. Ranu Sharma: Vastra Potli is built on the belief that when women support each other, stronger communities are created. While our journey was inspired by the incredible craftsmanship of artisans in and around Rajasthan, our vision has always been to support women more widely.

We work closely with artisans who carry forward traditional techniques passed down through generations. Many of them work from home or within small community groups, allowing them to balance family responsibilities while earning an income.

Alongside this, we also encourage women in our wider network to sell Vastra Potli products through referrals within their circles. This creates a simple way for women to participate in the brand’s journey while taking small but meaningful steps toward financial independence.

Balancing Heritage and Modern Identity

StartupTalky: Vastra Potli beautifully balances tradition with modern identity. How do you ensure that the brand stays rooted in its Rajasthani heritage while also appealing to today’s modern, confident woman?

Ms. Neetu Sharma & Ms. Ranu Sharma: At Vastra Potli, tradition is not just a design element — it is the soul of the brand. Rajasthan’s rich textile heritage inspires everything we create. We consciously incorporate traditional fabrics and techniques from across the state. For instance, Block prints from Jaipur, Bandhani and Leheriya from Jodhpur, and Kota Doriya and Kota Leheriya from Kota.

These crafts represent generations of skill and cultural identity, forming the foundation of every Vastra Potli creation.

At the same time, we reinterpret these traditional fabrics into designs that suit modern lifestyles and wardrobes. Our products are created to complement both ethnic and contemporary styles, allowing women to carry a touch of heritage while expressing their individuality.

We also include a small complimentary gift with every order, which acts as a visual representation of tradition and a token of gratitude — our way of sharing a piece of Rajasthan’s culture with every customer.

Milestones and Meaning: Growing with Purpose

StartupTalky: This International Women’s Day 2026, Vastra Potli represents the spirit of turning passion into entrepreneurship. What has been your most proud milestone as women founders, and what message would you like to share with women who dream of starting their own ventures?

Ms. Neetu Sharma & Ms. Ranu Sharma: One of the most fulfilling milestones for us has been seeing how a small idea driven purely by passion has grown into something meaningful. When we started Vastra Potli, it came from a simple desire to celebrate tradition and create something of our own. Over time, the journey has made us more confident, more creative, and more determined to keep building something that supports women and handcrafted heritage.

The most rewarding moments come from seeing how people connect with our work and how the women associated with us feel proud to be part of the journey, whether they are artisans creating beautiful pieces or women helping share and sell our products within their networks.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates deeply with us. When women support and uplift one another, everyone grows together.

Our message to aspiring women entrepreneurs is simple: start with passion, believe in your ideas, and take the first step — confidence and creativity follow along the way.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Beyond Rajasthan

StartupTalky: What are the next steps for Vastra Potli in 2026, are you looking to expand your artisan network, launch new product lines, or enter new markets? And what advice would you give to women in smaller cities who want to build businesses around traditional crafts?

Ms. Neetu Sharma & Ms. Ranu Sharma: Looking ahead to 2026, Vastra Potli aims to grow while staying deeply connected to its roots in traditional craftsmanship. The first step for us is expanding ourselves, strengthening our network, introducing new designs, and bringing more women into the Vastra Potli ecosystem.

The next step is expanding beyond Rajasthan. While our foundation lies in Rajasthani crafts, we hope to collaborate with artisans from other craft-rich states, starting with Gujarat, and gradually exploring more regions across India.

The vision is to build Vastra Potli as an umbrella platform where customers can experience the diverse textile traditions and handcrafted varieties from different parts of the country.

At the same time, we aim to reach wider audiences through digital platforms and collaborations that celebrate India’s rich craft heritage.

Final Takeaway: Crafting a Future Rooted in Heritage and Empowerment

As part of StartupTalky’s International Women’s Day 2026 series, Vastra Potli’s journey highlights how tradition, entrepreneurship, and women empowerment can come together to create meaningful impact.

By preserving India’s textile heritage while enabling financial independence for women, the brand is not just selling products, it is weaving stories, livelihoods, and a stronger community for the future.

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