Our story

In 2022, two textile scientists quit their cozy jobs in the US and set on a journey to clean up the fashion space.

There began a tale of travelling continents and then countries. 19,000 km, 200+ cities, and hundreds of traditional heritage arts across India. 

They believed in the power of regenerative material and the magic of the human hand. They created an entire fashion supply chain- 100% plant-based. They also succeeded in persuading 150+ artisans to adopt their plant-based raw-material production model.

The idea of Jiwya took form - Plant-based, Handcrafted, Luxury fashion that’s good for people, planet and animals.

 

Meet the Founders

Aishwarya Lahariya:  Co-Founder

Aishwarya is a textile scientist, a second-time founder and first-gen entrepreneur with a decade’s experience in the textile space. She is an alumna of Cornell University and Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. She aims to fuel a sustainability revolution in the fashion space with JIWYA, an absolute planet-friendly luxury brand. At JIWYA, she heads the technical team, production, she is the chief designer, head of creatives and marketing! Her love for nuances of Indian textile arts became part of every JIWYA design.

Adhiraj Shinde:  Co-Founder

Adhiraj Shinde is a textile scientist on a mission to disrupt the global fashion industry through JIWYA, the startup he recently co-founded. He is an alumnus of North Carolina State University and Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. Adhiraj is passionate about streamlining the techno-commercial aspects of the startup and exploring avenues for outreach and collaboration. At JIWYA, he heads the technical team, logistics, financial operations, and is the primary people person to the network of 100+ artisans.

Redefining sustainable fashion

Jiwya - derived from Sanskrit for ‘Jeev’ means life, soul spirit. It stands for respecting every life through the soil-to-soil life cycle of our 100% plant-powered creations.

Jiwya was born as an answer to our quest for sustainable fashion. We are weaving the future of fashion where:

  • Fashion doesn’t come at the expense of our planet, people or animals
  • Rich Indian artisanal heritage is in the spotlight
  • Experiences, stories & timeless fashion are cherished, to buy better

From fabric to finish, every step we take is a dedication to ethical fashion that honors the Earth and the Hands that shape it.

We are dedicated to better fashion: that empowers grassroots artisans and protects the planet.

Respect every hand involved

150+ generational Indian textile artisans are part of our family. Each Jiwya piece carries with it a story of rich heritage and handmade artistry. The heirloom pieces on our website are made with fabrics that are ethically sourced with a transparent and easily traceable supply chain.

These artisans store generational knowledge that Jiwya is reviving in native forms. At Jiwya, we aim to uplift these artisans while showcasing the intricacy of their art on a global stage.

Know the award-winning artisans behind the raw materials of Jiwya, celebrate them & bring traditional arts to the limelight.