Hailing from the land of crafts, India, Saloni Shrestha, founder of AGAATI Foundation has always been an admirer of indigenous cultures of the artisan communities. Their creativity, heritage & skills made her take a deeper dive into the world of artisanal production by starting her own label.  AGAATI began by creating womenswear collections which have been showcased at many occasions such as NYFW and San Francisco Fashion Week. Despite the milestones the organization achieved, what kept the team driving is their quest to make the artisan partners visible and valued in fashion ecosystem, to make it inclusive and fairly waged for all. Why are the owners of legacies treated as mere labourers? What is the cause of the marginalization of the craftspeople? 

Pandemic has been successful in showcasing how defunct our current systems are and thus an urgent need to rethink about making structures resilient, long lasting and equitable. Artisans, like most others, had the toughest time during covid-19 outbreak. With many workshops being shut down, raw materials left unused, finished products remaining idle, and no income, it's important to ask why crafts need to be sustained, supported and loved. While the artisans have the chance to leave their heritage for other job opportunities, what has kept them going despite the pandemic? Crafts for more than preserving our heritage, need to be conserved for the skill, eco consciousness and identity it brings to a society. 

Saloni was curious and at the same time disappointed to see the reduction in the patrons of such mindful communities. Global Eco Artisan Awards in 2021, was thus born as a hope in the face of adversity. It aimed to support the artisans by providing a global platform and celebrate the beauty of communal cultures. The awards invited craftspeople from across the world to showcase their creations which are both responsible and creative. Saloni, little by little built an organization to rejoice the beauty of local knowledge by an international audience.

AGAATI Foundation was thus born with the purpose to be a force to Connect, Collaborate and Champion for this incredibly talented and important community and to be their voice in the global fashion and sustainability movement.