The story of House of Chikankari is one of resilience, vision, and purpose. In the midst of the 2020 lockdown, a heartfelt conversation between Poonam Rawal and her daughter Aakriti Rawal sparked the idea of building a brand that would not only preserve India’s artisanal heritage but also empower the communities behind it. What began as a modest venture with two women juggling multiple roles soon transformed into a thriving enterprise that celebrates craftsmanship and culture.

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Organizing the Unorganized

The Indian crafts market has long been fragmented, with authenticity often compromised by middlemen and disorganized supply chains. House of Chikankari sought to bridge this gap by directly partnering with artisan clusters, ensuring fair wages, authenticity, and quality.

Once considered a craft for older generations, Chikankari embroidery from Lucknow was reintroduced in a modern, accessible way—appealing to younger audiences while staying true to its roots.

The Founders

• Aakriti Rawal – A graduate of King’s College London and Imperial College London, Aakriti was drawn to meaningful work during the pandemic. A conversation about an artisan struggling to survive introduced her to Chikankari. Despite having no prior experience in the textile industry, her passion for empowering artisans and preserving heritage gave her the courage to build House of Chikankari. For her, it was never just about selling products—it was about celebrating stories and building a family of artisans.
• Poonam Rawal – A textile connoisseur with years of experience, Poonam co-founded the brand at the age of 48. Her deep love for ethnic wear and commitment to craftsmanship shaped the brand’s focus on quality, sustainability, and artisan welfare. She envisioned House of Chikankari as a platform to revive traditional crafts and bring them to a global audience.

Together, mother and daughter combined heritage and modern marketing expertise, creating a brand rooted in purpose.

Empowering Artisans, Celebrating Heritage

While Chikankari remains the soul of the brand, House of Chikankari has expanded to support diverse crafts such as:

• Kashmiri embroidery
• Ikat weaving
• Hand-block printing

Through initiatives like HOC Crafts, the brand collaborates with artisans across India, ensuring their skills thrive and their stories are preserved for future generations.

Growth & Community

Four years on, House of Chikankari has grown into:

• A community of 2 lakh+ supporters
• A network of 10,000+ artisans
• A team of 80+ members united by a shared vision

This growth reflects not just business success but also the impact of empowering artisans and preserving heritage.

Shark Tank & Beyond

In 2023, House of Chikankari gained national recognition on Shark Tank India Season 2, securing a deal from Aman Gupta (boAt) and Peyush Bansal (Lenskart).

By 2025, the brand raised a seed round from prominent investors including Peyush Bansal, Manoj Meena (Atomberg), Ankit Nagori (Curefoods), Hitesh Dhingra (The Man Company), Alluvium Capital, Tudip Ventures, and Aurinko Partners. These funds are being strategically used to expand marketing, strengthen the team, and bring handcrafted Indian crafts to a global audience.

Conclusion

The journey of House of Chikankari is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. Founded by Poonam and Aakriti Rawal, the brand has transformed from a lockdown idea into a thriving movement that uplifts artisans and celebrates India’s cultural heritage.