Kottravai on Brown Living™

Kottravai

Essence of mother's love in every creation

Kottravai is a purpose-led brand empowering rural women artisans by turning traditional craftsmanship into sustainable livelihoods. Rooted in heritage and social impact, we connect age-old skills with modern markets through authentic, eco-friendly handcrafted products. Beyond commerce, Kottravai nurtures skill, dignity, and inclusive growth—ensuring every creation carries pride, purpose, and progress.

About Kottravai

Kottravai is a purpose-driven social enterprise empowering rural women across Tamil Nadu by transforming beedi rollers into skilled artisans. Through six specialized Skill Hubs, from coconut shell crafts and banana bark design to weaving, pottery, electronics, and EV assembly, we create meaningful livelihoods while preserving India’s traditional crafts. Founded with the vision of bridging ancient wisdom and modern opportunity, Kottravai connects artisans to global markets through sustainable, high-quality handmade products. With over 1,000 women empowered across 25+ rural villages, we stand as a movement for economic independence, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

Brand Story

Kottravai began with a mission to transform the lives of rural women in Tamil Nadu - empowering former beedi rollers to become skilled artisans. By blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable innovation, we create eco-friendly, handmade products that preserve culture, uplift communities, and inspire global impact.

Mission Statement

To empower rural women through skill development, sustainable design, and market access.

Impact Created

We have successfully transformed the lives of 13 former beedi workers by providing hands-on training in coconut shell and terracotta crafts. Through skill-building, fair income, and continuous support, they have achieved financial stability, improved health, and newfound confidence as independent artisans.

Impact Metric	Value
Overall employment created	18
% of Women Employees	75%
Number of Artisans Empowered	13

What are the causes you support?

Artisan Livelihoods, Women Empowerment, Women-Owned Business

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What is the manufacturing process?

We source our raw materials from farms and also from Nearby sources, then we remove and choose the raw shell which can be used for specific product then we sand them and Grind them, and cut into desired product and polish them.

What are the ingredients/materials you use?

We craft our products from raw coconut shells, using tools like bench grinders and sanding paper to shape, smooth, and refine each piece — blending natural materials with skilled craftsmanship.

How do you source your raw materials/ ingredients?

We source raw coconut shells from nearby farms, ensuring sustainability and community support. With a network of 10+ trusted local vendors, we maintain a steady, eco-friendly supply of quality shells ready for production at any time.

During its life and beyond, can your products be repurposed or composted at home?

Yes — most Kottravai products are made from natural, biodegradable materials such as coconut shells, banana bark, clay, and natural fibers. These materials are designed to return safely to the earth at the end of their life. Many of our products can be repurposed creatively — from planters and storage to décor and crafts — extending their usefulness and beauty. When disposal becomes necessary, they can be composted or naturally degraded without harming the environment. Our commitment to circular design ensures that nothing goes to waste — every product, from creation to completion, contributes to a cleaner planet and a sustainable future.

Founded by Karunya Gunavathy

A purpose-driven social entrepreneur empowering rural women artisans by transforming traditional craftsmanship into sustainable livelihoods. Passionate about preserving heritage, building ethical brands, and driving inclusive growth.