“Staple East exists because I could not stand by while centuries of skill and artistry went unseen.

I’m Bharati Bajaj, the founder and curator of Staple East, a brand that began during the lockdown, not as a business plan, but as a promise. A promise to the kaarigars I grew up around, whose extraordinary skills were suddenly at risk of being overlooked. Workshops had shut, markets froze, and talented hands that had been shaping beautiful things for generations were left without a way to sustain themselves during Lockdown. Watching this unfold, I knew I couldn’t just stand by. I started spending 8–9 hours a day in their workshops, sitting beside artisans in their homes, listening to their stories, witnessing their daily struggles, and learning how they live. It broke my heart, but it also sparked a realization, if someone didn’t step in to bridge the gap between their age-old craft and the modern world, these traditions could disappear. That was the moment Staple East stopped being just an idea and became a calling.

Studied color harmony and design principles, accountancy & finance, and a master’s in retail fashion management from NIFT, Shillong, along with eight years across luxury retail, social media, and brand management, I’ve explored many paths. Yet nothing has felt as meaningful or fulfilling as working with these artisans, learning from them, and figuring out how to help their craft thrive. Behind the scenes, I run every aspect of the brand myself and share my experiences as a guest lecturer and speaker, inspiring students and artisans across India to embrace design, sustainability, and ethical practices.

Through Staple East, I celebrate the kaarigars of Northeast India and beyond, reimagining materials like rattan, kauna, water hyacinth, bamboo, cane, pine needle, and indigenous grasses into timeless, functional works of art. When we invest in artisan-made pieces, we are not just buying décor - we are honouring a living continuum of creativity and heritage. I invite you to see your home as a personal gallery, where each object is chosen for its story, craftsmanship, and its ability to enrich your daily rituals.

Staple East reminds me of the beauty and resilience behind every creation - and I am endlessly grateful to be part of it.”