(May 25, 2026) After studying digital marketing at York University in Toronto, Saina Takkar returned to India with a renewed appreciation for the country’s handmade traditions and artisanal heritage. In 2022, she co-founded Ardhi Looms with her sister Kanika, a Gurugram-based home-grown carpet brand that works with artisans from Banaras to create handcrafted pieces rooted in sustainability, natural materials, and contemporary design.
Saina is part of a growing generation of returnee entrepreneurs bringing global exposure back home to build brands rooted in Indian identity. Through Ardhi Looms, she is reinterpreting heritage through a modern lens while creating a design language that bridges India and the world.
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Saina’s early years were shaped by movement, both literal and emotional. Growing up between a competitive boarding school environment and the vibrant energy of Mumbai, she was exposed to discipline, creativity, and storytelling from a young age.
“I grew up in a fairly competitive environment where art and extracurricular activities were always encouraged,” she recalls in a chat with The Global Indian. “Storytelling and creativity naturally became areas I gravitated towards.”
Her time at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where she studied Mass Media and Journalism, became a crucial turning point. It was here that she began to understand the power of narrative—not just as expression, but as connection. “It taught me how powerful narratives can be in creating emotional connections,” she says. “That understanding of storytelling continues to influence everything I do today.”
But it was her move to Toronto that truly transformed her perspective. Living independently in a new country brought both challenges and clarity. Surrounded by diverse cultures and global design sensibilities, Saina found herself becoming more observant, more open, and more experimental in her thinking. “Living in a completely new environment taught me adaptability and confidence,” she shares. “It also made me much more open-minded and aware of different ways of seeing and creating.”
Yet, paradoxically, it was this distance from India that deepened her connection to it. “Being away from India made me appreciate Indian craftsmanship on a much deeper level,” she says. “You begin to realise how rich and emotionally rooted our handmade traditions truly are.”
The birth of Ardhi Looms
The idea for Ardhi Looms didn’t arrive as a sudden epiphany: it evolved organically, shaped by shared passions and a growing desire to create something meaningful. Founded around four years ago, the brand emerged from a simple but powerful vision: to celebrate Indian craftsmanship in a way that feels relevant to modern living.
“We always knew we wanted to build something within the creative world,” Saina explains. “Over time, that naturally led us towards promoting Indian artistry.” The name itself, Ardhi, derived from “earth”, reflects the brand’s philosophy.
“It represents grounding, authenticity, and a connection to natural materials and handmade processes,” she says. What started as an appreciation for textures and materials soon evolved into a full-fledged design practice. Ardhi Looms today creates handcrafted carpets that range from contemporary abstract designs to heritage-inspired pieces—each one carrying a story.
“What began as a shared appreciation for materials slowly became something much bigger,” she reflects. “We wanted to create pieces that feel meaningful yet luxurious.”
At its core, the brand is about balance—not just between aesthetics and function, but between past and present. “We don’t see heritage and modernity as opposites,” Saina says. “The idea is to let traditional techniques evolve through newer forms and perspectives.”
The human story behind every piece
At a time when fast production often overshadows craftsmanship, Ardhi Looms takes a different approach: one that values time, skill, and human connection. Each piece begins with inspiration, drawn from architecture, nature, emotion, or even everyday textures. This is followed by a meticulous process involving sketches, colour palettes, material selection, and finally, hand weaving.
“Every collection begins with a story or emotion,” Saina explains. “From there, it slowly transforms into a finished piece through the skill of artisans.” Working closely with Indian craftsmen has been one of the most meaningful aspects of her journey.
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“While we bring the design vision, it’s truly their skill and generations of craftsmanship that bring each piece to life,” she says. “In many ways, it feels like their stories are what get woven into the carpet.”
But this commitment to handmade artistry comes with its challenges. “One of the biggest challenges is helping people understand the value of handmade craftsmanship in a fast-paced market,” she admits. “These pieces take months to create and involve immense skill.”
Beyond market dynamics, there is also the question of preservation, ensuring that traditional techniques continue to thrive in a rapidly modernising world. “Encouraging newer generations to continue these crafts is crucial,” she says. “Because what makes handmade truly special is not just the product, but the human story behind it.”
Building a global brand
Saina’s background in digital marketing has played a pivotal role in shaping Ardhi Looms: not just as a design label, but as a brand with a clear voice and identity.
“From the very beginning, we wanted Ardhi Looms to feel more than just a carpet brand,” she explains. “We wanted it to feel artistic, thoughtful, and emotionally connected.” This approach is reflected in everything—from visual storytelling to how the brand communicates its process and philosophy.
Her entrepreneurial journey, however, has not been without its challenges. “Building trust and authenticity in a highly competitive market has been one of the biggest challenges,” she says. “We’ve always wanted to stay true to craftsmanship rather than just follow trends.”
Balancing creativity with business realities is another constant learning curve. “It’s about finding that balance between artistic vision and operational demands,” she admits.
Looking ahead, Saina envisions Ardhi Looms expanding globally while staying rooted in its core philosophy. “We’re excited to explore new collections and collaborations,” she says. “The goal is to continue creating pieces that bring together Indian heritage and contemporary design.”
Even outside of Ardhi Looms, creativity remains central to Saina’s life. Whether it’s painting, pottery, baking, or writing poetry, she gravitates towards experiences that allow her to slow down and reconnect with herself.
“I think I’m most inspired when I’m surrounded by experiences that feel artistic and immersive,” she shares. This holistic approach to creativity: where work and personal expression seamlessly intertwine, is perhaps what defines her journey the most. Because for Saina Takkar, design is not just about objects or spaces. It is about emotion, memory, and connection.
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