A Journey from Escape to Creativity and Growth
'The name “Tuntuni” originates from the Bengali word for tailorbirds, known for skillfully weaving cozy nests from found scraps. My mother gave me this nickname after a lively, mischievous tailorbird character often featured in Bengali fables, and I later adopted it as part of my artistic identity'
Can you share the story behind the beginning of your journey?
'I discovered knitting, crochet, and sewing in sixth grade, thanks to my grandmother. In high school, I embroidered abstract patches on scrap fabric, sending them as gifts to internet friends. I loved crafting odd little pieces for people, turning the images in my mind into tangible forms. Though encouraged to start a shop, I only took it seriously during the COVID lockdown. With my mother, a doctor, working through the pandemic, our home felt tense. Seeking stability, I launched Tuntunipaakhi—first as an escape, then as a space for creativity and growth'
It’s always the little things that bring me the most joy!
The Garden of Eden ruffle hat is my current favorite piece because it required assembling many individual elements. I love how small details add uniqueness to a piece, and even though this kind of work is time-consuming
In today's social media-driven world, how do you find running a brand?
I’m happy with the space I’ve created for myself, even though my following hasn’t grown much since I started. Keeping up with algorithm trends feels impossible—the rules for “blowing up” change so often that I wouldn’t even know where to begin, and forcing it would drain my passion. To stay sane (or at least what’s left of it), I need to focus on creating things that bring me joy—and hopefully, bring joy to others too.
We’ve observed that you create only a limited number of designs. What’s the reasoning behind that?
As a student, I can’t create at a faster pace without risking burnout. On top of that, my designs are entirely original, and I craft knit and crochet garments without pre-existing patterns, which naturally takes more time. Making something unique and long-lasting is important to me, but as a one-person operation, my capacity is limited.
With customization being popular, why do you choose not to offer it?
Customization is a delicate process for me, as it requires someone trusting me with their vision. Right now, I don’t have the capacity for custom orders—they demand a lot of time and back-and-forth communication, which I can’t keep up with. I also value creative freedom and control over my work, which wouldn’t align well with custom projects.
How do you manage moments when you feel overwhelmed?
Honestly, I cope by having a good cry—it clears my mind and feels great. Then, I remind myself that I’m just a person working with thread and pointy sticks, and even if no one else thinks I’m doing great, my mom does, and that’s what matters. Putting yourself out there is tough, but I try not to get too caught up in it. I’m also lucky to have talented friends who face the same struggles, and leaning on them helps.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Artistically, I want to create more, experiment without hesitation, make things I can’t part with, and even things that don’t turn out well. I hope to reach a point where I no longer measure my worth—both as a person and an artist—by comparing myself to others. I also aspire to become a teacher, helping children feel safe and excited about going to school. I’m eager to balance that with my creative pursuits—a thought that both excites and terrifies me.
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