Two sisters, one weave, and twelve years of quiet, stubborn belief that India’s most exquisite handloom deserved to be seen by the world
A Passion Before It Was a Business
In 2014, when my sister Kavea and I started Kalaneca, nobody was talking about Uppada. There were barely any internet saree brands, let alone brands specialising in niche weaves from a tiny village in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh. What we were building wasn’t a business strategy — it was a belief. That the feather-light, impossibly luxurious Uppada Jamdani saree deserved its place in the world.
When we started, just our friends and family shopped from us. Our first post went up in August 2014. Our visibility increased slowly. What I remember the most from those early days are the questions: what is Uppada? Where is Uppada? That curiosity was exactly what we had set out to create.
Twelve Years, One Weave
Over the last twelve years, Kavea and I have worked to take Uppada out of its village and into the consciousness of saree-lovers everywhere, one saree at a time. Through our CEO Club Collection and customised Jamdani work, we championed the versatility of this weave while keeping its traditional craftsmanship completely intact.
The weavers were always at the centre of everything we did: 135 artisans from Uppada whose families have perfected this feather-light Jamdani technique across generations. Getting their work the recognition it deserved was always the real mission.
The Moment That Changed Everything
And then came Shobitam. India’s most celebrated D2C ethnic wear destination with a global community spanning from Chennai to California and an icon like Vidya Balan as brand ambassador — has now acquired Kalaneca. With it, the story of those 135 weavers is about to reach saree-connoisseurs and luxury-craft-lovers around the world.
When the conversation began, what struck me first weren’t the numbers, it was their ethos. Their passion for Indian handlooms, their commitment to the weavers. The way they spoke about craft, not just commerce. It matched our outlook so well that the decision felt less like a transaction and more like a recognition.
“When Kalaneca started, it was with a simple belief — that the beauty of Uppada sarees deserved to be seen, valued, and remembered. With Shobitam, this vision finds new wings. I am elated that they will take the story of Uppada to the world while staying true to the hands and hearts that created it. Exciting times ahead.”
The Beginning, Not the End
Looking back, what began in Uppada is now travelling the world faster and being loved by handloom connoisseurs who didn’t even know this weave existed till a decade ago. The acquisition is just the beginning.
At Lavenderoom, we believe stories like this are exactly what the world needs more of. Two women. One weave. Twelve years of building something rooted, real and now global. We are rooting for Ramya, Kavea, and every weaver in Uppada whose handiwork made this moment possible.
Also Read:
Twin Tales: The Story of Kalaneca’s Founders and Their Craftsmanship Journey
The Rise of Indie Beauty: 10 Niche Brands That Are Finally Having Their Main Character Moment
Perfume, Memory, and Legacy — Reimagined by a Gen Z Brand Strategist
