Sustainable Crafts
Future of Handicraft: Direct from the Artisans to the Consumers
Valentine’s Day Crochet Gifts – Handmade Collection
CraftsAQ
CraftsAQ has been set-up with the sole purpose to incubate our artisans who are tucked away across the country, in the remotest of areas, away from the visibility that they so rightly deserve.
Our mission is to curate and bring to the customers some of India’s finest products that have been exquisitely handcrafted by our immensely talented artisans who have proudly carried forward our ancestral heirlooms.
CraftsAQ has been set-up with the sole purpose to incubate our artisans who are tucked away across the country, in the remotest of areas, away from the visibility that they so rightly deserve.
Our mission is to curate and bring to the customers some of India’s finest products that have been exquisitely handcrafted by our immensely talented artisans who have proudly carried forward our ancestral heirlooms.
TESTIMONIALS
Archana Gupta
Zardozi Artisan
Monku
Madur Grass Artisan
Surenderi Devi
Moonj Artisan
Sushma lives in Ashrafnagar village, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. Once, she saw her mother weave a Dalwa to gift to her niece for marriage. She found it interesting and decided to learn the technique of basketry. Since then she has been weaving and experimenting with the Moonj Grass products.
She takes out time for Moonj Craft work from her daily busy schedule to support her family and fulfil her wishes.
Sushma Gautam
Moonj Artisan
Aarti is 32 years old and hails from Bihar. She initially learned crochet from her mother and was well versed with the craft when she joined the group.
Her skill of being natural in this art form has helped her to reach the level of a trainer, where she now trains beginner artisans group.
Aarti
Aarti
Crochet Artisan
Sarita Devi is from Sheikhpura Zila in Bihar. Driven by the need to support her family, Sarita transitioned from unemployment to effectively managing both her craft work and household chores, gaining her husband's full support as she balanced these responsibilities.
Her newfound purpose has also inspired five other women to join her, as she continues to treasure the freedom and community connections she has gained.
Sarita
Sarita
Crochet Artisan
Balancing a demanding job as a school peon with household responsibilities, Anita joined the foundation's Tulsi batch, the first ever batch. After her mother-in-law’s death, she had to move to her village in Bihar but remained connected with Mon Ami Foundation. During visits to Noida, she returns to Mon Ami with enthusiasm.
Anita’s ability to manage multiple roles and maintain her commitment to her craft reflects her perseverance and the strong bonds formed with the foundation.
Anita
Anita
Crochet Artisan
Asha Pathak, a 38-year-old mother of two from Madhubani now in Delhi NCR, joined Mon Ami Foundation in 2020, enhancing her crochet skills through online training.
Balancing household duties and support for her driver husband, Asha has marketed her products at Sharda University and Dilli Haat, gaining confidence and significantly contributing to the foundation’s mission.
Asha
Asha
Crochet Artisan
Madhu Thakur, moved from Madhubani to Delhi 20 years ago, she joined a group with no prior experience. Learning crochet via tutorials and mastering marketing, she now leads a self-help group, teaching crafts and digital skills.
She has empowered her peers to use mobile phones, manage social media, and create YouTube channels. Madhu Didi’s journey from unemployed to skilled artisan and mentor is truly inspiring.
Madhu
Madhu
Crochet Artisan
Sujeet Kumar, a 23-year-old from Madhubani who moved to Delhi in 2005. After his father’s death, Sujeet took various jobs to support his family before joining Mon Ami in 2021.
Starting as a cleaning helper, he excelled in sales and marketing, now earning a good salary and sponsoring his brother’s education. Sujeet’s journey from hardship to success exemplifies the power of determination and opportunity.
Sujeet
Sujeet
Sales Member
Ritu Jha, from Madhubani, Bihar, transformed from a novice to a skilled craftswoman with Mon Ami Foundation over the past year. Embracing sewing, she crafts coasters and adorable items, supporting her family and children.
Through her journey, she’s gained confidence, built a supportive network of women artisans, and embodied Mon Ami’s mission of enablement and thriving families.
Ritu
Ritu
Crochet Artisan
Hailing from Hoshiyarpur, Pooja Bansal turned her crochet passion into a career. Despite setbacks like her self-help group's disbanding, Pooja's determination saw her transform her hobby into a primary income source.
Balancing crochet with family duties, she proudly bought gold earrings for her daughters and herself, symbolizing her financial independence.
Pooja
Pooja
Crochet Artisan
Sunita, 34, from Rajasthan, now lives in Delhi with her family. Previously working long hours at Motherson Technologies, she sought a better work-life balance. Embracing new opportunities with flexibility, Sunita now dedicates 3-4 hours daily to her craft while managing household duties and caring for her children.
Her commitment to exploring new designs and techniques highlights how resilience and support can transform lives and inspire others.
Sunita
Sunita
Crochet Artisan
Samodra, 37, from Rajasthan, now lives in Noida and thrives as an artisan. With her husband's support, her increased income covers school fees and household expenses.
Dedicating 2-4 hours weekly to Mon Ami, she creates popular crocheted flowers and coasters. Her journey from boutique tailor to skilled artisan is truly inspiring.
Samodra
Samodra
Crochet Artisan
Moving from Darbhanga to Delhi 10 years ago, Ranjana Devi joined Mon Ami Foundation five years ago, overcoming initial fears and unsupportive surroundings. Starting as a hesitant homemaker, Ranjana now leads a self-help group of 12 women, conducting online training sessions and supporting her family financially.
Her journey from homemaker to leader is a powerful testament to courage and transformation.
Ranjana
Ranjana
Crochet Artisan
Jyoti Mishra, 45, from Madhubani, Bihar, is a proud grandmother. Joining Mon Ami Foundation transformed her basic crochet skills into a sustainable income, contributing to her family's financial stability and covering her youngest son's college fees.
Jyoti's journey proves it's never too late to pursue dreams, showcasing how hard work and perseverance can turn aspirations into reality.
Jyoti
Jyoti
Crochet Artisan
Rachna, from Aligarh and now in Noida, joined Mon Ami Foundation two years ago with no prior sewing experience, driven by a passion for crafting and community. Quickly mastering her skills, she now creates and sells handcrafted items while balancing household duties and her children’s needs.
Rachna’s journey highlights Mon Ami’s mission of skill development and personal growth.
Rachna
Rachna
Crochet Artisan
Shankar Halder, 26, from West Bengal, moved to Delhi just before the lockdown and joined Mon Ami Foundation in December 2023. Despite no prior experience, he eagerly manages daily operations, supports events in various cities, and fosters a strong, supportive community.
His dedication and punctuality reflect his commitment and newfound sense of purpose.
Shankar
Shankar
Valued Member
Pramila Didi, a 38-year-old artisan from Madhubani, joined Mon Ami Foundation during the COVID-19 lockdown. Mastering her craft, Pramila is now completely independent, managing her own stalls at exhibitions and handling all aspects of her work. She supports her family, funds her children’s education, and leads a self-help group. Her journey highlights how support and training can foster complete self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Pramila
Pramila
Crochet Artisan
Originally from Bihar, Bebi Didi moved to Delhi NCR 13 years ago was a housewife with no crafting experience. After a 15-day training, she now creates crochet flowers daily, balancing household chores and supporting her children's education.
Her transformation highlights Mon Ami’s mission of providing sustainable opportunities and fostering equal partnerships.
Bebi
Bebi
Crochet Artisan