After nearly 100 days of forced self-isolation, now that we are all gradually but cautiously trying to press the “restart” button of life, we all have a lot to share with each other as we move into a “new normal”. Just like for most of you, this period has been one of ‘self-discoveries’ for me. And one of the things I felt is that I must share the story of Hathi with all of you who have given us so much love and appreciation – hoping this story would inspire you to “never give up on being yourself”! :)
Hathi and Me
Remember how Rachel in Friends said "It's like all of my life everyone has always told me, 'You're a shoe, you're a shoe, you're a shoe, you're a shoe.’ And she actually wanted to be a ‘purse’ or a ‘hat’. Well, Hathi is a result of a similar conversation between the left and right sides of my brain!
I studied Sociology, went to work in advertising and moved to working with an Architecture/Interior Design firm, so it’s safe to say I couldn’t decide on whether I wanted to be a shoe, a hat or purse or a lamp!
However, at some point I realised I had got caught up in being more of someone I was ‘supposed’ to be and less of who I was. I struggled to find ways to express myself - there wasn’t always time to indulge in activities where I could. I had always felt that what you wear says a lot about you and a great way to express one’s individuality.
I started to rely more on my wardrobe to make a silent statement, to bring out my authenticity. I still felt the options I had fell short.
Enter a bee who on a particularly unkind day, did me the kindness of stinging me on my finger (middle finger, no less).
I doodled the bee and on my mother’s insistence got it printed on some fabric and stitched a dress and after a to “bee” or to “bee” moment, Hathi was born. A merging of Art and Fabric to create unique stories.
Hathi's Way of Life
The ethos of Hathi is to be a means for individuals who believe in the creative life to express their wonderfully unique selves, through our original prints. We see beauty in the ordinary and the mundane and take inspiration from it. Our prints transform the everyday into something illusive and interesting. Each of our capsule collections brings a fresh print story to fun, refreshing and unique products. We create wearable and contemporary fashion and accessories because we feel clothing has a visceral connection with who we are. We also work with home furnishing for the same reasons, spaces in our opinion acquire the unique identity of people who inhabit them and bring a sense of comfort and peace.
To be your own authentic self, everyday, in a world that is constantly working to consolidate everyone is a tough task and we don’t always win. Hathi is your statement to the world of your unique personality and reminder to yourself, to be you. Whether you choose the Dragonfly as a subtle reminder on an uninspired day, that dreams come true or to make a bold statement to the world with El Toro that you are a force to reckon with.
It is our differences that make us interesting. At Hathi we work to emit love, thoughtfulness, and acceptance through our products to move a step closer to a world where we can all be candidly ourselves.
I’d like to leave you with a quote by Emerson that I love -
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
We'd love you to share your incredible stories. Share them with us at info@thehathistore.com