Forming artisans of human dignity

The Anchal Project traces its beginning to a 2009 visit to India by Colleen, then a student at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her seminar class encouraged participants to devise ways to use their talents to help the poor of Indian society — applying, as Colleen explains, “creative solutions to systemic problems.”

She observed the desperate circumstances of women involved in the sex industry while visiting the red-light district of major population centers, and representatives of a local nongovernmental organization (NGO) told her the women’s most immediate need was for job opportunities outside of sex work. On the same trip, she was introduced to kantha, an embroidery craft popular in India, which is easy to learn and can be done at home.

INSPIRED ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Colleen returned to the U.S. determined to help her “sisters” in India. She and her classmates raised $400 by selling handmade notebooks and notecards. They used these funds to purchase a sewing machine and sewing instruction materials as well as to fund stipends so they could equip and hire their first collective of artisans. They began by making simple quilts, and then expanded to fashion clothing and items for the home, which could then be sold to buyers worldwide.
 
The new initiative was called The Anchal Project, after a Hindi word referring to the decorative edge of the sari, an article of clothing worn by Indian women.
 
“Women wrap their babies in it, so it is used to provide love and comfort,” Colleen explained. “Therefore, anchal also can mean ‘shelter.’”

Today, Colleen serves as CEO of The Anchal Project, overseeing a staff of nine in Louisville and working with a dozen-member board of directors who help her guide the organization. Sister Maggie, who has a similar creative background, has also played a key role in the organization.
 
As of August, The Anchal Project was on pace for nearly $1 million in revenue for 2022. Its items may be purchased online or through such major retailers as West Elm, Nordstrom, and Anthropologie, as well as 200 boutique stores nationwide.
 
“It has been an incredible way for me to use my creative talents and help others at the same time,” explained Colleen. “We’ve made a huge impact in the lives of many Indian women, and as we expand, we hope to help many more.”

RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

Assisting her on the ground in Ajmer is Vatsalya, an NGO that recruits and trains women ages 18 to 35 to become artisans. Before joining The Anchal Project, these recruits fell into sex work due to poverty and a lack of skills, education, and opportunity for women.
 
Vatsalya representatives go house to house recruiting potential employees, explained Shefali Modi of Vatsalya. They teach those who are interested basic stitching and kantha work, and they encourage them to become part of The Anchal Project. Each Indian woman who is recruited receives an income, health benefits, and opportunities to continue her education.
 
“Our artisans typically begin with little self-confidence, and many rarely set foot outside of their houses,” Modi said. “But once they have a regular income, they can move on to a new life; we see them building their own houses, buying vehicles, and saving their daughters from lives in sex work.”

Colleen tells the story of one former worker, Nazia, who was forced into the sex trade at age 14 when her husband left her. She began working with The Anchal Project, and her innate talent was immediately recognized. She was promoted within the organization and has since gone on to start her own business.

A current employee is Neetu, a mother of three who joined The Anchal Project in 2012. After four years of dedicated work, she was promoted to the role of senior artisan. She has since earned the money needed to buy a small plot of land on which to live, and she now can provide for her family’s basic needs. She has also been able to purchase previously unaffordable “luxury” items such as a television, smartphone, saris, and jewelry.
 
“We are pleased to be able to provide our artisans with safe and dignified lives,” said Modi.

MESSENGERS OF HOPE

Examples such as Nazia and Neetu help spread the word about The Anchal Project, Modi added, because “they become our messengers in the community. People see their success, and want to have it in their lives, too.”

Items produced by Neetu and her fellow employees include home products such as quilts, pillows, bedding and home décor, fashion items such as clothing, bags, scarves and hair accessories, and specialty items such gifts for babies, children, and weddings.

Colleen and Maggie are always on the lookout for opportunities to share The Anchal Project’s story. They desire buyers to be “conscientious consumers,” knowing how items they purchase are made and whether employees are treated ethically. They do fundraising to underwrite their nonprofit efforts “so we can hire more artisans and help more women achieve a brighter future.”

In October, The Anchal Project will receive much-needed exposure as its items will be on display as part of a larger exhibition at New York’s Guggenheim Museum in October, drawing further attention to the organization. “We’re excited,” Colleen remarked, “as it will be a wonderful opportunity to share our story.”

JIM GRAVES is a contributing writer for Legatus magazine.