“I’m Kalaiyarasi Ramachandran, a 36-year-old, mother of two, and now an entrepreneur. My journey into the world of handloom began during my second maternity leave when I returned to my hometown, Salangapalayam, from Erode District. I have seen the challenges faced by traditional handloom weavers – an experience that deeply moved me. I realized that to truly make an impact with my education knowledge, I needed to modernize handloom weaving, not just to preserve it, but to create value rather than relying on sympathy to sell these beautiful crafts. Our production unit is in Salangapalayam, so I live in Erode for my business, whereas my family is in Chennai.

This led me to quit my IT job in Chennai and dedicate myself to this mission. I founded Raatai Handloom, “Raatai,” which is the origin of “Moolathara,” for any handloom fabric weaving. Our mission is to make weaving accessible to everyone – from a 3-year-old child to a senior citizen. Our looms aren’t just tools; they are instruments that improve hand-eye coordination, reduce screen time, and boost creativity in kids. For special children, they enhance motor skills, and for seniors, they offer a fulfilling hobby. Our looms are also perfect for gifting, combining tradition with a personal touch.

We offer three levels of DIY portable loom, and spinning tools. Our products are made from teak wood, and we use natural dyes to make yarns, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

We’ve been fortunate to receive support through grants from StartupTN (TANSEED) and NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore), which have been instrumental in our growth. Each challenge we’ve faced has been a stepping stone, and I firmly believe in starting small, growing steadily, and never giving up, no matter what obstacles come your way.

You might have heard different handloom stories, but my vision towards building the handloom empire is different – we aim to create values with love, for everyone.

I’m the same person who came to Madras in 2008 in search of a job, and now, this city – known for welcoming and nurturing everyone – has given me the platform to share my journey.

What I’ve learned through this journey is simple: always start small. Take those first steps, make improvements, and grow steadily. Don’t fear the challenges; embrace them, learn from them, and let them shape your path.”