Profiles

Celebrating Friendship Day in a sustainable, handmade way

Arundhati Mukherjee

Perhaps a thundery downpour might bring some respite to the first ever heatwave red alert warning in the UK, but for how long! This summer in most parts of the UK strongly resembles Indian cities like Chennai and Kolkata, known for their summer heat and humidity. Words like 'climate pledge' and 'sustainability' are not and should not only be limited to research papers and seminars. They should be immediately implemented in every small and big way possible.

Climate Pledge

With Friendship Day around the corner (July 30), it's a good time to join Paulomi Debnath in pledging an ever-lasting bond with nature. Although her venture to create handmade, sustainable jewellery doesn't only limit to wristbands alone. Debnath's wide range of trendsetting earrings and statement necklaces can easily make the wearer talk of the town and speaks volume about her creative spirit and ethical entrepreneurial skills.

Debnath founded 'Handmade by Tinni' in 2020 to address the lack of colourful, fun biodegradable jewellery for fashionistas who love expressing their personality with unusual, statement jewellery pieces.

"My brand is all about sustainability and joyful colour. I believe that doing business ethically is the only way of doing it. I am dedicated to creating a legacy of change for a cleaner, greener planet. Fundamentally every piece I create is made by hand, without using any machines or electricity (except lighting and heating!), and therefore with minimal environmental impact," said Debnath.

MORE LIKE THIS…

Female entrepreneurship

Owner of sustainable jewellery brand 'Handmade by Tinni', Paulomi Debnath, has been named the UK's most inspirational female entrepreneur in 2022 by the f:Entrepreneur by Small Business Britain.

"Small Businesses are the backbone of our thriving economy, and we have the power to bring change much quicker than larger industries. I am a huge supporter of 'Small Business Britain', and as a #iAlso winner of 2022, I have the pleasure of receiving world-class training, mentorship, community support and collaboration from the Small Business Britain team.

Winning the F:Entrepreneur title has been my proudest achievement so far. It is a true celebration of female entrepreneurship, and I am so excited to meet the other winners and share mutual support, friendship and inspiration," said Debnath.

Creativity & climate

Passionate about protecting the planet and creating ethically made jewellery & other products, Debnath has teamed up with Ecologi, a beautiful ethical organisation dedicated to the essential reforestation of our planet.

"One of the most impactful things we can do to reduce our impact is to reduce our waste. My zero-waste collection showcases unique items made from leftover ropes. By using every scrap of material, it is possible to transform every offcut into a treasure," Debnath said.

Debnath uses natural fibres like organic cotton to make all her jewellery sustainable and comfortable to wear.

MORE LIKE THIS…

India, the muse

Born and raised in Kolkata, India, and now a mother of an 11-year-old boy, Debnath draws her creative inspirations from the bright and rich colours and heritage of the various parts of India she has travelled.

"I specialise in the art of traditional rope knotting crafts and processes like macramé, which has been my art medium from the start. I fell in love with Rope knotting during my trekking expeditions in Himalayas. I am also very drawn to the art of repetition. I love the feel of knotting, the comfort of making the same movement over and over, and the oozy happiness when you create something with it. Combining my love for statement jewellery and rope knotting craft, my art form was a natural choice. I take great pride in making modern wearable pieces of art using this traditional craft technique," she said.

Avant-garde designs

Debnath let us peek at her upcoming Diwali and Dussehra collections.

"Currently, I am working on three new designs for the upcoming festive period. One of them will be a twist to my all-time bestseller, the 'Love Necklace'. This is of gold, glamour, and glitter.

Next would be a new pair of earrings inspired by the roses in my garden. Smaller & lightweight, these Rose Earing will be perfect for 'Day to Night' wear at ease.

Finally, I am also working on a new design based on one of my oldest designs, the Lara Necklace. This one would also be part of a Festive Collections, and I will add evening glamour to these designs," she said.

MORE LIKE THIS…

Creative Mantra

There is a growing trend seen across society for men & women to create new ways of working and new measures of success for entrepreneurship. Debnath thinks that most of us are now moving from the single job career to a world where it is possible and encouraged to do many things, often interconnecting, simultaneously across the work and personal spectrum – and be passionate about them all.

"We only have one life. Let's make it count! Let's not make it into a life of missed callings and dreams. Rather than focussing on 'what if it fails!' let's focus on 'what if it goes right!'

"The only difference between success and failure is lack of passion and conviction. When you have these two traits in abundance, you will find ways to make your dream launch. Also, I do not think there is one definition of success. To me, what makes us truly happy and content is 'success'," advised Debnath.

MORE LIKE THIS…

SCROLL FOR NEXT