Our story didn't start yesterday. Its foundation was laid nearly 40 years ago by our father. We grew up amidst the gentle rhythm of needles and threads, the exquisite craftsmanship on fabrics, and our father's unconditional love for Lucknow's traditional Chikankari. He dedicated his entire life to preserving this art and giving it a unique identity. For us, Chikankari is not just fabric—it is our father's hard work, his sweat, and his pride.
Times changed, we grew up, and following the conventional path, we completed our education. After graduation, I stepped into the corporate sector and started a well-paying job. Everything was going great on the surface, but there was a constant tug at my heart. On one side was the glamor of corporate life, and on the other was our father's 40-year-old legacy, waiting for a new direction.
That's when a question sparked in my mind: "Why should a father's lifelong hard work and legacy be carried forward only by sons? Why can't daughters do it?" This wasn't just a fleeting thought; it was the turning point of my life. I made the bold decision to quit my stable corporate job to give our father's dream a new pair of wings.
I wasn't alone in this journey. My sister, who is currently working in the corporate sector with a Multinational Company (MNC), stepped up to stand by my side. She joined me in this mission to honor and elevate our father's legacy. Combining her corporate acumen with my dedication and our father's timeless wisdom, we co-founded our dream brand.
When it came to naming our brand, we wanted something that held the ultimate emotional value for us—something that represented the pillars of our lives. Thus, Grika Chikankari was born. The name is a soulful blend of our mother and father's names:
Bringing Gita and Chandrika together created 'Grika'. This name is a reflection of our deepest emotional attachment, a constant reminder of the love, values, and blessings they showered upon us.
The traditional hand-embroidery of Lucknow is our identity, and we want to bring it to the modern world without losing its authentic essence. At Grika Chikankari, our vision is clear—we do not want to limit this brand to the national level. We aim to take it to the international stage, showcasing the true elegance and value of authentic Lakhnavi Chikankari to the entire world.
We are bringing Chikankari that is deeply rooted in tradition yet designed for the modern, global woman. Thank you for being a part of our beautiful journey!