We recently connected with Sanjana Srinivasan Sudarshan And Sangavi Sivanandam and have shared our conversation below.

Sanjana Srinivasan Sudarshan and Sangavi Sivanandam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

For us, inclusivity isn’t just about the workplace—it’s about the way we build relationships, collaborate, and ensure that every voice in the process is heard and valued. When we started Branded Brats, one of the biggest realizations we had was how deeply hierarchical the traditional fashion and textile industry can be. Designers often dictate, artisans execute, and credit is rarely shared. This approach didn’t sit right with us.

Instead of following that system, we built Branded Brats around partnership—where weavers are not just contributors but co-creators. Our design process is a conversation, not a set of instructions. We bring in ideas, and they bring in centuries of expertise, weaving traditions, and techniques that only they truly understand. By breaking down the hierarchy, we created an environment of trust, creativity, and mutual respect, where both sides feel empowered to contribute their skills and ideas.

This shift in approach made all the difference. When artisans are treated as equals, their enthusiasm, innovation, and investment in the work naturally grow. Instead of following rigid patterns, they share insights on weaving techniques, material choices, and even experiment with new ideas that elevate the final product. The result? More meaningful textiles, stronger collaborations, and a workplace that isn’t defined by power structures but by shared passion and respect.

Inclusivity, for us, means ensuring that artisans don’t just make a living—they thrive, innovate, and feel ownership over their craft. It’s about creating a workplace where tradition and modernity don’t compete, but complement each other, shaping a future where handmade textiles continue to tell powerful, personal stories.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Branded Brats was born out of a shared passion for design, heritage, and the artisans who bring centuries-old weaving traditions to life. As designers, we have always been drawn to the intersection of craft and culture, and over time, we found ourselves captivated by the rich but fading tradition of handloom weaving in Tamil Nadu.

Our journey started with curiosity—traveling to weaving villages, meeting artisans, and listening to their stories. What we discovered was both inspiring and heartbreaking: a craft so deeply rooted in history was slowly fading due to economic struggles, a lack of visibility, and changing market demands. Many artisans had abandoned their looms, believing there was no future in their craft.

This realization became personal. We didn’t want to just admire these weaves from a distance—we wanted to do something about it. But we also knew that true revival wouldn’t come from charity or short-term interventions; it had to come from equal collaboration—where weavers were not just suppliers but creative partners.

That’s why Branded Brats is built on co-creation. We design, they weave, and together, we create textiles that are both timeless and relevant. More than a brand, it’s a platform that bridges heritage and modernity, ensuring that artisans are not just sustaining their craft but evolving with it.

This mission is meaningful to us because it’s not just about preserving a tradition—it’s about honoring the hands behind it, making craftsmanship visible, and ensuring that weavers are recognized, respected, and empowered as artists in their own right. Through every thread woven, we are working toward a future where traditional weaving is not just a relic of the past but a thriving, evolving craft that continues to inspire generations to come.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My co-founder and I have been best friends since our architecture undergrad days. What makes our partnership special is how seamlessly we fit together—not just as friends, but as collaborators who share the same passion and commitment to weaving.

Since our college days, we have traveled from village to village, approaching weavers and trying to gain their trust. At times, we failed miserably, faced resistance, and questioned whether our vision would ever take shape. But through every setback, we held on, believing in what we were building.

This partnership has been the backbone of Branded Brats. It allows us to work across two countries—one of us in the US and the other in India—while staying connected through a shared purpose. Without this balance, persistence, and trust in each other, we wouldn’t have been able to create what we have today.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the biggest tests of our resilience has been our commitment to staying true to our vision. In a world that moves fast toward commercialization, we chose to prioritize craftsmanship—the beauty of working with hands and honoring the effort behind every piece.

As a new and small business, we’ve received plenty of advice on shifting toward mass production and focusing purely on profits. It’s tempting, especially when you’re just starting out and trying to establish yourself. But we knew that wasn’t why we started Branded Brats.

Sticking to our purpose, despite external pressures, has been a challenge, but it’s also been our strength. Choosing the harder path—one that values artisans, storytelling, and sustainability over quick gains—has only reinforced our belief that resilience is not just about holding on, but about holding on to what truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sanjanasudarshan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.branded.brats