ONCE
UPON A
Bead!
Can you describe Rata in one line or a word?
Magic.
Rata, a brand that transforms the traditional art of bead-making into modern, wearable art. With a love for nature and passion for vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Pratiksha crafts everything and each piece reflects her unique style and meticulous attention to detail. Through Rata, she brings together a community of art enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless beauty of hand-beaded creations, celebrating craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.
What is the meaning behind 'Rata'
We call our brand as Rata.
And it is derived from the Sanskrit word 'रत'
The name reflects the joy and fulfillment found in creating these pieces. It also coincidentally includes letters from my first and last name, adding a personal touch.
How did you get introduced to this craft?
'The craft is best described as bead weaving. It was introduced to me while working under someone. I began with minimal knowledge, but through research and practice, I developed a deep understanding. Eventually, when production demands grew too high, I took a break. During COVID, I reignited my passion with a personal project, a beaded portrait that I made for my father's birthday, and began creating custom bead art pieces.
Initially, I focused on 2D surfaces, but gradually, I began experimenting with organic forms like flowers. Because travel wasn’t an option, so I drew from my surroundings, which is why my early work with Rata was heavily inspired by the natural elements I could observe daily. As people appreciated my work, I decided to start a business. Now, I not only sell art but also teach artisans who are new to this craft, making it a mutually enriching experience'
What are the steps after finding inspiration for a piece?
Once I have an idea, I first decide on a color scheme, often using nature as my guide and we sketch different combinations on graph paper, like the old-school method. Next, we determine the best bead weaving technique to achieve the desired form, testing various methods to find the most suitable one. Afterwards, we assemble the pieces, ensuring each design is functional and durable by testing it ourselves.
'we've started experimenting with other forms, like we came up with rata doll where we experiment with some body & geometrical forms'
It’s fascinating how you transform ordinary objects into art.
What makes your perspective unique?
'Every artist views things differently. For instance, I might focus on a flower's centre and petal formation, while someone else may see it simply as a flower. My goal is to capture the unique essence and detail of everyday objects through my beadwork'
How do you determine the pricing of your products, beyond the cost of raw materials?
Pricing is mainly based on the hours of manual labor required to create each piece. Unlike mass-produced metal jewelry, our beadwork involves different artisans, and their experience levels can affect production time. We keep the process transparent, asking artisans to estimate the maximum time needed. Their wages are aligned with industry standards, ensuring fair compensation.
Our products range from INR 1,000 to INR 50,000. For example, a custom piece—a collar necklace inspired by a client's love for roses, Garden of Roses, was created without a set budget, allowing for a lot of creative freedom. It took over a month to create this piece. This is the reason why my pieces are on the expensive side!
Initially, Pratiksha, when you were a one-woman team, did you make the pieces by yourself?
Yes, I created the initial range of jewelry by myself. To attract artisans, I needed to showcase a collection that demonstrated what could be achieved. I wanted to prove that this new venture was worth their time, even with the uncertainties they faced. Seeing my creations motivated them to learn, understanding that patience and persistence are key. It was crucial for them to feel they were part of something meaningful, beyond just the monetary aspect.
For small businesses like yours, especially those in handcrafted goods, it's common for established brands to replicate designs without giving credit. How do you believe independent artists like yourself can safeguard their creativity?
It’s challenging, but essential to speak out when it happens. Keeping evidence of your original designs and sharing your story transparently can help. While there may be risks in confronting bigger brands, remaining silent encourages more such behavior. Building a supportive community and seeking platforms that amplify your voice are also crucial. We need to protect our creative integrity and encourage ethical practices in our industry.
We recently saw your collaboration with VegNonVeg. Could you share how that came about?
'It was quite an unexpected collaboration. A stylist working for VegNonVeg had seen my work at the NorblackNorwhite studio in Chattarpur, where my pieces were stocked. We connected there, and after a few months, he approached me to be featured in a series highlighting artists and small businesses. They gave me a pair of shoes to wear for the interview.
When I got the shoes, I just felt like doing something around it, incorporate our signature elements. It turned into a beautiful, organic collaboration'
Given that your products are quite delicate, how do you approach collaborations with brands?
On days when you're feeling overwhelmed, how do you deal with them?
It's about constantly reworking and improving. I take a step back and reflect on what went wrong and how we could have done things differently. We have open discussions within our small team and revisit any feedback or failures. It's crucial to support the team emotionally and mentally because our work requires clear-headed focus and attention to detail. I believe in taking things one day at a time, finding solutions, and taking action instead of getting stuck in the problem.
Over time, we have developed a set of policies for collaborations to safeguard our interests. Initially, I handled everything myself, but after receiving damaged pieces back from brands or stylists who didn't take responsibility, I realized the need for clear guidelines.
We now require agreements on our terms, such as crediting our work and covering shipping costs. We also provide detailed instructions on handling our pieces to ensure they are cared for properly, helping both parties feel secure in the collaboration!
Do you have any advice for someone starting out, especially if they're handcrafting their own products?
Stay authentic to your voice and true to your inspiration. Don't worry about whether your work is too different or if people will accept it. Consistency is key—refine your craft daily and keep learning. It's essential to stay adaptable and open to new skills, as it helps you manage multiple aspects of your business independently. Even if it takes time, staying true to your art will eventually resonate with people. Lastly, manage your resources wisely and grow step-by-step without overextending yourself.
Eventually, if you're authentic, you will stand apart from the crowd because we also know in today's time, there are so many brands doing similar sort of, work. It's very important to, stand apart from them, from their work. People will notice you.
You can find Rata on Instagram