Walking on the path of sustainability has become unquestionably important for all of us. Yet, are we achieving that? Are our sustainable choices actually leading to transformational change?
The answer may be a resounding YES. Shreya Patel and Axi Patel, co-founders of Raas and Tanisi, have given us a glimpse of what can happen when we put our values into action. The two are the founders of this socially sustainable clothing company that’s hailed as the first brand to make all products in India. There is no doubt that the outfits are designed in Chicago, but they are manufactured in India.
In 2016 Shreya launched E-comm, Raas, and was sourcing South Asian outfits. As the company continued to flourish, something that constantly kept nagging her was her limited control over the sustainability and ethical aspects of manufacturing. To overcome this problem, she decided to take control of production by starting her own design house in 2020. Thus she says, "Social sustainability led to the inception of Raas and Tanisi, and that is what continues to inspire us. We value every one of our artisans, as they are the key to our brand’s existence."
Adding further, Axi says, "As the brand grows, Tanisi will continue to positively impact every employee that we rely on and those who rely on us. Our aim is to build robust supply chains that can cater to desirable working environments, foster growth, and advocate for wellness. #GrowingTogether."
However, starting a company from scratch that also supports sustainability wasn't a cakewalk. It meant having a good grasp of design concepts and setting up a functional manufacturing unit. To acquire the necessary skills, Shreya Patel enrolled in certificate courses at Parsons School of Design. In 2020, she launched Raas and employed artisans looking to earn. Later in 2021, her daughter, Axi Patel, joined her on her journey, and they launched a new line called Tanisi, which focuses on western casuals.
Together, with their dedication, they have come a long way. They make designs that can positively impact the lives of the employees and artisans. Raas is employing time-tested manufacturing techniques and using high-quality cloth and embellishments.
Many celebrities, like Masoom Minawala, Lauren Gottlieb, Adaa Khan, Sunny Leone, Talia, Zheel Patel, Shivani Bafna, Emily Shah, Kompal Matta Kapoor, Steph, Asta Darling, Hamel Patel, etc., have loved Raas for their unique collection and for making sustainable fashion affordable. We hope that this brand continues to reside in the skies of successs.