An interview with Nishant Malhotra, founder of WeaverStory, Authentic handloom and handcrafted sarees, dupattas, fabrics and accessories
In this interview, we sit down with Nishant Malhotra, the visionary founder of WeaverStory, a brand dedicated to reviving authentic handloom traditions.
With a focus on handcrafted sarees, dupattas, fabrics, and accessories, Nishant has created a platform that empowers artisans while offering timeless, sustainable fashion. Join us as we explore his journey, values, and the impact WeaverStory is making in the world of textile craftsmanship.
What inspired you to transition from a corporate career to founding WeaverStory, and how has this journey shaped you as a person?
Nishant Malhotra: As someone with a background in the Banking & Financial Services sector, I often travelled to rural areas and smaller cities while working on financial inclusion projects.
These experiences brought me face-to-face with the challenges faced by local communities and the complexities of creating meaningful programs for their benefit. A momental trip to Varanasi truly transformed my perspective.
I met a weaver who had given up his craft due to low income and the need to support his family. He had taken up a job folding sarees in a retail shop.
This encounter stayed with me. When I returned to Delhi, I realized there was significant demand for handloom products, but people lacked access to authentic sources.
What began as a simple initiative to provide access to a genuine source of handlooms eventually evolved into WeaverStory—a brand dedicated to preserving this timeless art and empowering artisans.
Working closely with artisans has given me a profound understanding of the true spirit of entrepreneurship.
Each artisan embodies the essence of an entrepreneur, mastering their craft through years of dedication and perseverance, identifying sustainable sources for raw material, dedicating time and effort for developing products, finding markets for their craft and often in the face of immense challenges.
Their knowledge, passed down through generations without formal texts or documentation, is a testament to their resilience and ingenuity.
This enduring legacy of Indian craftsmanship is a reflection of our rich cultural heritage, which has transcended time and generations, standing strong against the forces of change.
It fills me with immense pride to say that we, as a nation, are the true torchbearers of a civilization that values artistry, community, and tradition
Your latest collection is being praised for its intricate craftsmanship. Could you share the thought process and inspiration behind it?
Nishant Malhotra: Our latest collection Abhisarika is designed for those who prioritize comfort and effortless style. It blends functionality with understated sophistication.
Featuring suits and sarees in delicate and breezy Mul Chanderi fabrics, this collection offers ensembles perfect for everyday wear, embodying femininity with dainty charm.
The minimalist yet intricate Aari and Pittan embroidery adorns the garments, creating subtle highlights that capture the essence of traditional artistry.
With the success of Abhisarika, we are now ready with our new collection called ‘Ghazal.’ The collection celebrates the poetic celebration of the delicate yet powerful bond between the poet and his muse, where tradition, artistry, and elegance converge.
Each piece, whether for men or women, is crafted with a sense of timeless beauty, intellect, and grace, drawing inspiration from the quiet strength and creativity that define the poet’s world.
As someone deeply connected to the heritage of Indian textiles, what does preserving traditional art forms mean to you personally?
Nishant Malhotra: Preserving traditional art forms is about so much more than just keeping a craft alive—it’s about honouring the stories, the heritage, and human ingenuity that shaped them.
Personally, it’s like being a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that generations to come can feel the soul of our culture through these art forms.
Working closely with handwoven textiles, has taught me to stand up for the artisans who pour their heart and skill into every thread, giving them a sense of pride and dignity in their craft.
It’s not just about preserving techniques; it’s about preserving the emotion behind them—the love, patience, and history that make each piece unique.
On a personal level, it brings a deep sense of fulfillment to know that our work celebrates India’s cultural legacy while also adapting it to modern sensibilities.
It’s like gifting the world a piece of timeless beauty, one that carries meaning beyond trends and fashion, carrying meaning and soul in every weave.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to enter the artisanal or heritage sector?
Nishant Malhotra: Personally, I believe it’s a journey that combines purpose, passion and future impact. The key factors the entrepreneurs in this sector need to focus on are:
1.Respect the Craft and the Craftsperson: At the heart of this sector is the timeless connection to craftsmanship that has survived centuries of change—through invasions, pandemics, and challenges that even AI cannot replicate.
Building trust with artisans is crucial. This means creating partnerships rooted in respect, fair wages, and complete transparency. When you honour the craftsperson and their skill, you contribute to preserving something truly irreplaceable.
2. Passion with Purpose: The heritage sector thrives on authenticity. Your purpose should extend beyond profits—whether it’s reviving a dying art, empowering artisans, or India’s rich culture with the world.
While preserving the craft, it is essential to adapt it for contemporary needs and tastes. Whether through innovative designs, modern silhouettes, or marketing strategies, the challenge is to ensure the product appeals to today’s customers without losing its authenticity
3. Sustainability: the heritage sector and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Ensure your business practices are eco-conscious, and encourage your customers to choose quality over quantity. From material sourcing to crafting timeless products, sustainability should be embedded in every aspect of the business.
Looking back, what has been the most rewarding moment of your entrepreneurial journey so far, and why?
Nishant Malhotra: That’s a beautiful and introspective thought. Well, there are many but a few things I would like to mention. Starting from- for many entrepreneurs, the most rewarding moments are deeply tied to their purpose and the impact of their work.
Since we are deeply passionate about reviving Indian crafts and celebrating the artistry of handwoven textiles, one of my most fulfilling moments could have been seeing how our efforts have impacted artisans’ lives and working on revival of styles and crafts.
Equally heart-warming are the milestones our customers have celebrated with our creations—like the joy on a bride’s face as she drapes a saree from our collection, and the stories of countless women who chose our pieces to honour their traditions on special days.
For me personally, perhaps the most meaningful moments are when someone shares how wearing a WeaverStory piece made them feel connected to their roots, and when we became a trusted name for women who cherish the perfect blend of tradition and luxury.
And then there are internal moments, where our team overcame a significant challenge, validating your vision and leadership. It’s these moments, big and small, that make this journey so rewarding.
Nishant Malhotra’s passion for preserving India’s rich handloom heritage shines through in every piece created by WeaverStory.
His dedication to empowering artisans and promoting sustainable practices not only strengthens the craft but also offers consumers a deeper connection to tradition. As WeaverStory continues to grow, it is clear that Nishant’s vision will leave a lasting impact on the world of fashion and culture.
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