Bagging it right with jute

If there was one thing that has been a common passion for Sobna and Gayathri since their college days, it was the love for earthy and organic accessories. It was this environment-consciousness that led them to come up with Jucoholic in 2011. 

“After graduating in Commerce, I was pursuing jewellery designing and Gayathri started working with a private firm. But we went together for a city exhibition and found that they were using super-cool jute bags. Then the idea struck and we decided to venture into it. Back then, not many people were familiar with the concept,” recalls 28-yearold Sobna. 

The versatility of the fabric motivated them to explore the possibilities and they decided to establish a small start-up with which they hoped to contribute to a greener environment. So they started out by going back to their alma mater, Ethiraj College For Women and set up their first stall for an event. 

“We gave out our custom-made jute goodie bags and received excellent feedback. That’s how Jucoholic as a venture began. Till about three years ago, we were just trading the jute bags, purchasing from wholesale dealers and selling it. But over the last three years, we have created our own brand, where we do everything – from designing to selling the jute and cotton bags,” says Sobna. Elaborating further she tells us that they take up customised orders from corporates and wedding planners. 

“The best part of the fabric is, it’s completely handmade and hand stitched, hence there is a lot of room for customisation; our customers can bring out what exactly they need in terms of colour, size, print, design and handle, thereby making it more interesting,” she adds. 

Currently, they have their workshop-cum-office in Triplicane. “Over the last two years, people have got environmentally-conscious. Post the floods, we have received many enquiries from corporates and individuals. It is definitely encouraging,” says Sobna.