Hy Local Guides,
As April is Earth Month 
and Earth Day is around the corner, I am glad to discover a Handcraft and Sustainable Woman Owned Business to show support for Let’s Empower Women Owned Businesses on Google Maps by @Globe_trotter_Ish.
Let’s meet Maanas Salim.
Maanas Salim, Founder of Niram Neela and a graduate of NIFT Mumbai, stumbled upon the world of handwoven textiles and has successfully managed her physical store since 2017, in addition to her online presence, established in 2023. Niram Neela is an all hand-made clothing store, with its core focus on handwoven sarees and textiles. When she says handloom in Kerala, we instantly think about Kasavu but her store offers a variety of handloom weaves from all across India. Their collection features approximately thirty exceptional weaves, including Kunbi, Gollabhama, Himroo, and Tangaliya, among others.
Let’s hear what she has to say about her store:
- What inspired you to start a business focused on handmade clothing?
Answer : I recall being fascinated by the exquisite pieces of textile made in compact 100 sq ft rooms in remote villages of Kachchh, during a brief textile craft documentation visit to Bhuj. However, if you step out in the market to get fabrics, you rarely get to see these for sale, and most importantly, the customers are unaware of the quality and craftsmanship involved in a fabric. I always wanted to do something on my own, and this led to the conception of Niram Neela.
At Niram Neela, the craftsmanship and techniques involved in the making of a saree is meticulously explained, promoting transparency and cultivating trust among our clientele.
- As a woman owner, how do you support other local women owned businesses around you?
Answer : I support other women business owners by helping spread the word around, about their product or service.
- How has Google Maps helped you to grow, both in store and online?
Answer : Google Maps brings in visibility and more walk-ins to our little store and helps get us more leads for our website. To be able to connect our store with the right hand-picked audience amongst the lot is a great advantage.
- How sustainable is your business as it is a handmade clothing store?
Answer : We are an environmentally conscious brand and choose sustainable practices on a daily basis. While stringently following ethical practices, we work hard to leave as little a trail as possible. Our little store runs plastic free with eco-friendly packaging and upcycle paper and cloth waste.
- Do you have any message to new women entrepreneurs who are looking to start clothing stores?
Answer : Try to learn about the business you are stepping into, upgrade your skills, and stay committed in the long run.
Thank you Maanas Salim for giving such wonderful insights to your business and for running such a wonderful clothing store on Google Maps.
Share such Inspiring stories of sustainable women owned businesses to show support and be part of Earth Day.
#Mapsforall
#earthday
