Our Team

Founder, Samoolam

Usha Varia

Usha Varia is a social entrepreneur and inspiration in the world of Indian craft and design. With over 15 years of experience, she creates sustainable enterprises in rural India and believes in compassionate leadership skills. She is a graduate of NID, has a Master's (International Development and Social Change) from Clark University, and is a Ford Foundation International Fellow. She founded Samoolam, which empowers over 100 women in Gaya.

Our Advisors

We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable advisors who guide us in various aspects of our work. From design and product development to marketing and financial planning, they provide valuable insights and support. Their expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping our brand and expanding our reach.

Nidhi Banthia Mehta

Founder & Head of SelfAchievers

Nidhi is a successful serial entrepreneur and founder of SelfAchievers, an entrepreneurship coaching organisation. She advises women-led startups and works on refugee entrepreneurship.

Payal Nath

Co-Founder & CEO, Kadam Haat

Payal is the founder of KADAM, a social enterprise promoting a harmonious, poverty-free society. KADAM HAAT supports 50,000 rural lives through a handmade basketry brand.

Uma Prajapati Haimavati

Founder & Creative Director, Upasana

As a fashion designer, activist, and entrepreneur in Auroville, Uma heads social projects, teaches conscious fashion, and promotes sustainable fashion for India's textile and craft industry.

Dr. Skye Morrison

Educator, Researcher & Designer

Dr. Skye Morrison is a Canadian educator, researcher and designer, known for her work on traditional crafts, textiles, and kite-making in India. She is also a volunteer for community projects.

Anuradha Patni

Partner Director Xylem Papercraft Pvt. Ltd.

Anuradha Patni is a passionate and driven entrepreneur who co-built Xylem Papercraft into India's leading handmade paper craft company. She deeply values ethical practices in design and business.

Shuchi Mathur

Designer & Educator, Co-Founder, Ekadha,

Shuchi is a design strategist and her design firm Ekadha provides services in the area of Social Design, Virtual Reality, and Metaverse design for multinational corporates, and government organizations.

We represent our name ‘Samoolam’ = ‘collective origins’.We believe in ‘giving back to the roots’. We connect souls using the art of crochet. We make hearty products dancing with love.We empower over 130 rural women artisans.We create 1000-watt smiles as part of our ‘profit’.