Nestled amidst the serene lakes of Powai, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant florals, the first edition of Sarees and Sangrias at the Fame Garden (Powai) in Mumbai promises an enchanting celebration of homegrown brands and founder stories. In partnership with Lavenderoom, Kalaneca is set to showcase the true spirit of craftsmanship and community. At the heart of this event is a special, fun-filled interview featuring the twin sisters behind Kalaneca, who will be sharing their inspiring journey and the story of their brand.
Kalaneca Founders, Kavea R Chavali & Ramya Rao
Meet Kavea (Celebrity Anchor & Author) and Ramya (Certified Facilitator), the dynamic twin sisters who founded Kalaneca. Their brand is a testament to their passion for handcrafted and artisanal sarees. With a focus on preserving traditional craftsmanship while infusing contemporary designs, Kalaneca has become a beloved name in the world of sarees. The sisters’ journey is one of creativity, dedication, and a deep love for their craft.
Tell us about your childhood and how it influenced your journey into the world of sarees and craftsmanship.
Kavea: Our journey began with Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, where we performed in our mom’s silk sarees. This art of expression in sarees started then. In 9th grade, we were selected for the Republic Day parade representing Andhra Pradesh and had to learn to drape the contingent Pochampally saree quickly. We realized we could embrace the comfort of these pure handloom sarees because they were handmade by weavers.
Ramya: Our father was in the Indian Navy, and we experienced diverse cultures and traditions through our travels. When he retired and we settled in Kakinada, we noticed expats visiting our mother, who took them directly to the weavers to shop. We discovered the treasure trove of handloom weaving in Uppada and were enthralled by the vibrant, lightweight sarees. We wanted the world to experience this craftsmanship.
What inspired you to start Kalaneca, and how did you come up with the name?
Kavea: We wanted to create a brand that celebrates traditional craftsmanship and brings it to the modern world. The name ‘Kalaneca’ is derived from ‘Kala,’ meaning art, and ‘Neca,’ which signifies creation.
Ramya: It represents our mission to merge art and creation, honoring the artisans and their timeless craft. At Kalaneca, we believe in celebrating the art, the artist, and the artisan.
Can you share some of the challenges you faced while establishing Kalaneca?
Kavea: As first-generation entrepreneurs, we faced many challenges. From registering the company to educating people about authentic handloom and Uppada, everything was new to us. One of our parcels containing seven handwoven silk sarees worth INR 50,000 was lost, highlighting logistic challenges.
Ramya: Last year’s monsoon in Mumbai was unforgettable. Seeing our handmade sarees in a dismal state after a pop-up and struggling to transport them back was heartbreaking. That day is etched in our minds forever.
How do you ensure sustainability and ethical practices in your brand?
Kavea: From the start, we’ve maintained that Kalaneca sarees are handmade. Building relationships with weavers has been crucial. Conversations with them are not transactional, ensuring they follow our design guidelines. Our sarees are made on manual looms with zero use of electricity.
Ramya: Our mother would check the quality of the weave for our designs, and these guidelines are integral to Kalaneca’s DNA. While we can’t be 100% sustainable, we ensure sustainability wherever possible, like using handmade saree cloth bags.
What does partnering with Lavenderoom for Sarees and Sangrias mean to you?
Kavea: Lavenderoom blends intention, ethos, and purpose with fun. Their thoughtful curation leaves a lasting impact. With Sarees & Sangrias, we sought a partner to bring in guests and drive value aligned with our goals.
Ramya: Meeting Aparrna was like saying cheers to a fruitful partnership. We admire her calm yet assertive approach and the tremendous value she brings to everything she does.
What’s next for Kalaneca? Any exciting plans or projects on the horizon?
Kavea: One of our most exciting plans is taking Sarees & Sangrias to an international level, including Singapore, Dubai, and Cannes.
Ramya: We seek investments to take India to the world and bring the world to India. We plan to integrate technology with heritage and open physical stores across the country in the next 2-3 years.
To discover their latest collection, check out Kalaneca.
Also Read :
Health Coach Ananya Bhandare Shares 4 No-Fuss, No-Muss Smoothie Bowl Recipes To Try
#BeautyInsiderSeries Korean Skincare Routine For Your 40s
5 Life Lessons My Anchor-Turned-Author Journey Has Taught Me
