Our Story
Jitendra Kumar | Founder
Jitendra Kumar leads the social enterprise with a profound commitment to preserving India’s ancient art of handloom weaving. His mission is dual-focused: to ensure the economic empowerment of local artisans and to foster stronger bonds between artisan communities and the global market.
A Textile designer with over 15 years of rich experience working with skilled artisans and craft industry professionals, Jitendra has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between weavers and international buyers, designers, and partners. He has already collaborated with esteemed global luxury brands such as Maiyet, The Row, Behno, Kitx, and Dior, alongside a network of designers worldwide working on sustainable collections, developing a vast variety of fine silk fabrics. His deep understanding of the Indian craft industry makes him an expert in handloom jacquard fabrics.
He is involved at every stage of the craft—from initial concept discussions and guiding designers on jacquard weaving techniques, silk yarn qualities, and metal thread possibilities, to the final realization of their vision in the form of a sample—all achieved through the skilled touch of hands alone. All of this technical mastery, combined with his passion for the craft, makes him uniquely skilled at understanding client aesthetics and needs, and translating them into the language of handloom.
Sara Otto | Advisor
Sara has been a foundational pillar and guiding force for Loom to Luxury since its inception alongside founder Jitendra Kumar. A strong believer in Indian culture and the spiritual concept of *moksha* in Varanasi, she found not only a profound sense of belonging in the sacred city but also the love of her life, her now husband.
Graduating from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in Arts Management and Marketing, Sara is an expert in bridging art and business with over 20 years of experience. She intimately understands the specific needs and challenges faced by artisans, which allows her to develop sustainable solutions for craft-based industries.
Professionally, she spearheaded Loom to Luxury's early marketing, cultivated lasting buyer relationships through exceptional transparency, and was instrumental in establishing the fair-wage ethos that empowers every artisan and defines the brand's soul.
A dedicated photographer and traveller, she continues to follow her heart, which belongs to creating social impact, preserving craft, and driving change that brings smiles to the faces of artisans.
Journey
The foundation of Loom to Luxury was built upon the goal of overcoming the three biggest challenges faced by weavers to sustain their livelihood –adhering to tight lead times, high standards of quality and efficient management of decentralized artisan clusters. One of Kumar’s cornerstone ideas to solving these issues for the weavers was the creation of a centralized weaving facility where weavers could work together, share ideas and bolster a renewed pride for the incredible work do.
During his first summer break from university and with only Rs 5,000 in his pocket, Kumar traveled to Varanasi with a mission to learn how to weave and to understand every aspect of the weaving culture in the area. After continuously being turned away by weavers who were fearful that he was trying to steal designs, he finally crossed paths with a young weaver at his morning chai stand who agreed to take him into his home. Under the guise of being a journalism student, Kumar was able to spend 2 weeks with the family intimately understanding their skill and embracing the myriad challenges they faced in the rapidly changing industry.
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