Kolkata (West Bengal), [India], 21 June 2024: As the monsoon winds sweep through the City of Joy, a homegrown leather goods brand is set to celebrate a remarkable milestone. On 29 June 2024, Maheejaa Bags will mark its seventh anniversary, cherishing a journey that has redefined the landscape of Indian craftsmanship and women’s empowerment.
Since its inception in 2017, Maheejaa Bags has been more than just a brand; it’s been a movement. Specialising in affordable leather bags adorned with exquisite handcrafted embroidery, the company has beautifully blended traditional handicrafts with contemporary designs, creating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
“Each Maheejaa bag tells a story,” explains the founder, an award-winning designer recognised by the Central Leather Research Institute. “It’s a story of cultural heritage, artisanal skill, and most importantly, of women uplifting women.”
The brand has breathed new life into fading craft traditions by reimagining them for the modern market. By providing smaller, quicker-to-complete embroidery projects, Maheejaa Bags has transformed the lives of over 50 rural women artisans. These skilled craftswomen, who once faced uncertain incomes, can now produce up to 500 embroidery patches daily, ensuring prompt payment and steady earnings.
The impact has been profound. “Before Maheejaa Bags, I struggled to support my family with my embroidery skills,” shares Lakshmi, one of the artisans. “Now, I have a stable income and pride in seeing my work appreciated worldwide.”
With over 500 international orders delivered and a 70k Indian customer base, the brand has successfully taken Indian craftsmanship globally. By year-end, it aims to touch the lives of 100,000 customers and expand its artisan base to 100.
But Maheejaa Bags isn’t resting on its laurels. As part of its anniversary celebration, the brand is launching an exclusive collection that pushes the boundaries of its craft even further. “Our new line combines age-old Kantha embroidery with cutting-edge leather treatment techniques,” reveals the founder. “It exemplifies how traditional crafts can evolve and thrive in the modern world.”
Maheejaa Bags’s customer base is as diverse as its designs. From corporate professionals in Mumbai to teachers in Bengaluru and from NRI families to small business owners across India, the brand has struck a chord with women aged 25-55 who value both style and substance.
“Carrying a Maheejaa bag makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger,” says Priya Sharma, a long-time customer from Delhi. “It’s not just an accessory; it’s a statement of support for our incredible artisans.”
As Maheejaa Bags looks to the future, its goals are ambitious yet grounded in its core values. “We’re not just aiming for growth in numbers,” the founder emphasises. “Our true measure of success is how many more artisans we can support, how many more traditional crafts we can revive.”
This seventh anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s an invitation. Maheejaa Bags calls on conscious consumers to join their movement, to carry a piece of India’s rich heritage, and to be part of a story that empowers women at every step.
For those looking to celebrate this milestone with Maheejaa Bags, the brand offers special anniversary collections and exciting offers throughout June. To explore their range or learn more about their impactful journey, visit their website or reach out to their dedicated customer service team.
