The Journey of Kanchan Vaidya: Founder & CEO of The Original Knit- Entrepreneur
Journey of Kanchan Vaidya:
Kanchan Vaidya grew up in Himachal Pradesh, where she
witnessed the beautiful tradition of women knitting woolens in her hometown of
Mandi. Inspired by these memories, she found herself searching for quality,
hand-knit woolens for her newborn son in 2009. Frustrated by the lack of
options, Kanchan realized that many new mothers must be facing the same
challenge. This sparked the idea for her entrepreneurial journey.
From Corporate to Entrepreneur
Before diving into entrepreneurship, Kanchan had a
successful career in human resources, working with several well-known
companies. As the first woman in her family to leave home for a corporate job,
she broke new ground. However, her desire to create something meaningful and
impactful led her to leave her corporate role and establish her own brand.
Launching The Original Knit
In 2015, Kanchan founded The Original Knit in Gurugram, with
a mission to provide beautiful, handmade woolen wear for babies and toddlers.
She envisioned a business that not only offered quality products but also
empowered women in her home state. This vision combined her personal
experiences with a commitment to social impact.
Connecting with Village Women
Kanchan knew that to turn her vision into reality, she
needed to involve local women. She embarked on a month-long journey through the
remote villages of Himachal Pradesh, where she met women who had the skills but
lacked opportunities. With great determination, she began to explain how
knitting could provide them with a sustainable income.
Journey of Kanchan Vaidya: Founder & CEO of The Original Knit- Entrepreneur /startup/age/net worth/handmade woolens for babies/Original Knit story/
Building Trust and Community
Initially, Kanchan faced skepticism from these women, who
were accustomed to earning meager wages. However, she persisted and gradually
convinced ten women to join her. By highlighting how their craft could support
their families, she began to build a community around The Original Knit,
creating a network of empowered women.
Innovative Business Model
Kanchan implemented a hub-and-spoke model for her business.
She employed designers who shared knitting patterns through WhatsApp, providing
materials and support to the women. This innovative approach allowed for
flexibility and creativity, enabling the crafters to work from home while
earning fair wages for their contributions.
Immediate Impact on Lives
One of the most rewarding aspects of Kanchan's venture was
the immediate impact on the lives of the women involved. By ensuring they
received timely payments for their work, many women became financially independent
for the first time. This newfound stability transformed not just their lives,
but also their families’ futures.
A Growing Family
As word spread, more women joined The Original Knit. The
organization grew from ten to over 300 women across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab,
Haryana, and Delhi. Each woman brought her unique skills to the table,
contributing to a diverse range of handmade products, from baby clothing to
toys and accessories, all crafted with love.
Meet the Makers
Among the talented women behind The Original Knit are Shama,
who has been part of the team since the beginning, and Parvita, a core member
known for her perseverance. Other remarkable team members like Simpy and
Mukhwinder highlight the inclusivity of the initiative. Each woman’s story is a
testament to resilience and empowerment.
Supporting Each Other
Kanchan’s leadership fostered a sense of community among the
crafters. They encouraged one another, shared experiences, and celebrated
successes together. Women like Hemlata and Reena, who joined later, also
thrived within this supportive environment, showcasing how The Original Knit
became more than just a business; it was a family.
Breaking Barriers
The Original Knit has become a beacon of hope for many women
in these communities. By engaging in this initiative, they have shattered
societal norms and stepped into roles as breadwinners. Their achievements
inspire others and contribute to a broader movement toward women's empowerment
and economic independence.
A Vision for the Future
Today, Kanchan Vaidya’s journey with The Original Knit is
not just about selling products; it’s about creating a movement that empowers
women and uplifts communities. With each handmade piece, the story of
resilience, creativity, and independence continues to unfold, knitting together
a brighter future for all involved.
Timeline for "The Journey of Kanchan Vaidya and The
Original Knit"
2009: Kanchan searches for quality hand-knit woolens for her
newborn son.
2015: Kanchan founds The Original Knit in Gurugram, focusing
on handmade woolens for babies.
2015: Kanchan travels to Himachal Pradesh to connect with
local women for knitting.
2015: She convinces ten women to join her initiative,
building a community.
2016: Kanchan implements a hub-and-spoke model for flexible
work.
2018: The Original Knit expands to over 300 women across
multiple states.
2020: Kanchan’s leadership fosters a supportive environment,
empowering more women.
2023: The Original Knit evolves into a movement for women's
empowerment and community upliftment.
