“Damini”–The artisans of India. It began with an exhibition of bags in Kuala Lumpur 8 years ago.

Parveen Sikkandar is a young widow, who used to review about 10 restaurants every month and loved to explore new and old restaurants and, street food. This freelance journalist now has a new passion.

Parveen has recently launched ‘Damini’ –The artisans of India. It all began with an exhibition of bags in Kuala Lumpur 8 years ago, and her stall was sold out in 20 minutes. It provided an international platform to poor artisans. She now has her designers and craftsmen in the North and makes one gram jewellery for exports. What makes this handmade Jewellery unique, is its specialized “burnishing and heat treatment” that gives it the appearance of gold, offers durability and boasts of an excellent finish.  The Jewellery is made of brass, silver and 1 gram gold. Anklets, amulets, chains, jhumkas, finger rings, toe rings, necklaces, wedding jewellery and kadas are the hot favorites with her clientele.

She stocks leather diaries, pottery, accessories, etc. but the main business is wholesale, and they offer some great ideas for corporate gifts. The store also promotes the cost to cost counter whereby a single artisan is promoted every month and the products are sold at cost price. This has gained popularity with college and school students and also people who are looking for unusual gifts.

Party bags, Kalamkari jewel boxes, miniature pottery, glass art, Ravi Varma pendants and designer hair clips and bands are other things on display. Damini supplies over ten up-market stores across the world. Damini was the first to give a brand name to gypsy jewellery and officially export it to New Zealand and Singapore.

Parveen has total faith in and relies completely on her team of 17. Her dream is to make this store self-sufficient, and eventually offer franchises. Taking Indian craftsmanship to new heights and making the dreams of Indian artisans come true, Damini has come a long way! Well worth a visit.



Damini- Artisans of India

20 Arunachalam Road

Kotturpuram

Chennai -600085

Tel: 42188774 Mobile: 9884161039