Shops / Sustainability
The sustainable Bristol brand empowering work by women
A passion for environmental sustainability is the driving force behind a new company based in Bristol.
Selling products from the Himalayas created by female artisans, Eesh is an environmentally friendly brand created by Bradley Stoke-based Anurita Chandola.
Anurita founded Eesh after working in the fashion industry and noticing how harmful the trade is for the planet.
Born in India, Anurita spent summers in the Himalayan mountains as a child, which inspired her to showcase the work of the female artists that live there and the rich resources of the area.
The name Eesh is derived from Sanskrit and incorporates the company’s values: “Ethically sourced”, “empowering women”, “sustainable futures and ”handmade with love”. The company offers items such as coasters, blankets, baskets, and mats.
A jute floormat from the collection. Photo: Eesh
“We thrive to provide a centre stage to every woman who carves our products with their beautiful and talented hands.” Anurita says. “Each product has a story behind it and we honour the rich Himalayan heritage with an eye for the future.”
A close up of the woolen blankets on offer. Photo: Eesh
The collection is made from natural plant fibres and cruelty-free sourced wool, making them completely biodegradable so they can be fed to plants as compost once they come to the end of their usable lives.
12 per cent of the cost of goods goes to the women who make it and this support has been crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic, as many men work away from their families and are unable to travel home or send financial help.
“That’s when I had the idea to do something for the Himalayan artisans so that they could continue to support their families while their husbands were away,” Anurita says.
“I have always been a feminist, by helping my fellow women support their families, spreading happiness and having a world where men and women enjoy equal rights.” Eesh giving back to the community allows the women to provide regular meals for their family.
“Eesh is very personal to me as it talks about the two most important things for me: sustainability and women empowerment” she says.
“Our long-term objective is to help employ women artisans in the UK and across the world, break the cycle of poverty and highlight every woman who makes the products.”
Main photo: Eesh
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