Showcasing The Real TREASURE

SURBHI AGARWAL’s endeavour to support craftsmen and help preserve the country’s vast cultural heritage is putting India on the global map, finds Kalwyna Rathod

- Kalwyna Rathod

Entrepreneurs who work to truly empower others are few and far between. And for a woman to rise above the challenges herself in doing so is certainly worthy of praise! Jodhpur-based Surbhi Agarwal, founder of The Art Exotica, has not only been socially conscious and passionate about women’s empowerment, but she also relentlessly works for the same. In the process, she has also made her niche in the Indian business ecosystem with her sustainable Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles enterprise.

Established in 2016, The Art Exotica is a platform that works towards bringing together stakeholders who can effectively contribute towards taking sustainable, recycled organic crafts from local to global. With the vision to create authentic, timeless, elegant and bespoke products, the aim is to move towards a zero-waste lifestyle, converting trash to treasure. Previously a healthpreneur, Surbhi was instrumental in setting up Jodhpur’s super-speciality Agarwal Hospital, catering mainly to orthopaedic, paediatric and dentistry needs. She says, “I have always been a self-learner, and, as an entrepreneur, a highly determined person. The experience I gained from my family venture further propelled me into setting up my own start-up in the handicrafts sector.”