An enterprise launched with the philosophy of providing employment to unskilled rural homebound Indian women by equipping them with skills that would generate a source of income for them.
Ohrna attempts to not just train and facilitate this growth, but also be the bridge that connects them with an appreciative market worldwide, where their efforts can find both value and validation.
The journey of Ohrna from the interiors of rural India to the glittering streets of New York has of course been one paved with challenges. From convincing conservative families, reluctant to have their women acquire financial independence to ensuring the quality of the products to finally getting to a right market for them, it’s been an uphill task most of the way. But then transformations require time and tenacity.
We love being at NY NOW, meeting and connecting with people who value our work and products. And today as Ohrna stands here showcasing that journey, we feel every stumbling block was well worth the effort it needed to overcome it and move on steadfastly.
Ohrna believes in responsible design. Our focus is fourfold: use of sustainable materials, employment of rural and home-bound women, preservation of rich craft traditions and packaging in up cycled materials. We train for free and often employ women with minimum skills. We design to customers' needs and also constantly adapt our designs for ease of making, for our makers.