The Honest Hustle Collective’s Chennai debut features craft workshops, yoga sessions, and eco apparel

Sessions on art, mending wares, and seed sovereignty come together under one roof this weekend in Chennai courtesy of The Honest Hustle Collective 

If you have been inching towards the slow life, here is an event that brings together like-minded individuals in the space. Curated by Maithreye Rajagopal, The Honest Hustle Collective “aims to offer a platform for brands that truly makes a difference, encouraging everyone to make more conscious choices,” says the 34-year-old who switched from corporate marketing to marketing for social enterprises. 

The seed for the Collective was sown post her pregnancy, when Maithreye was looking for purpose-driven brands. “Chennai is often seen as a tricky market for sustainable brands, with Bengaluru being the preferred choice due to its more mature audience for ethical products. But I believe Chennai is just as promising. We, as a city, connect deeply with stories — the passion and purpose behind a product,” she says, adding how in today’s fast-paced world, “convenience often leads us to settle for what’s readily available, without considering the hidden costs”.

Participating brands comprise Tula, Avani, Porgai, Hastha, Upasana, and Manas by Manas Ghorai, among others. The brands will showcase apparel, jewellery and more. “I was intentional about curating a lineup that embodies the spirit of social impact. This meant including only social enterprises, NGOs, and brands committed to organic farming and farm-based products,” says Maithreye, who is also offering an organic lunch thali by Safe Food Focus. 

The schedule in the workshops segment comprises a session by Vignesh Babu, a self-taught clay artist on his journey, artist Padma Malini of The Plain Papers Page who will guide children to create postcards with oil pastels, and Repair Cafe Collective India which is all set to collaborate with participants to mend and repurpose their items. There is also a session by Yogavahini , a yoga collective known for their work with people with Parkinson’s and inner healing, that will focus on mindfulness and self-awareness. “And for music lovers, a surprise live performance awaits on Saturday evening,” she adds.

A highlight, however, is a session on the revival of Bengal muslin by Arup Rakshit from Mahatma Gandhi Gram Sewa Samaj, West Bengal. “He will share the remarkable story of Bengal’s muslin revival, an effort that honours traditional craft and works towards its preservation in modern times. This story of heritage and innovation exemplifies how traditional crafts can create social and cultural impact,” she says, adding how Arup’s work “focusses on promoting indigenous cotton fabrics and supporting the artisans who create them”. 

On November 30 and December 1, at CP Art Centre, Alwarpet.