Creating a business enterprise is like having a child. The founder acts as a parent, nurtures the organization as one would do, imparts knowledge and values and then eventually, takes a less participatory role in the hopes that their efforts will result in success.
My business has always been close to my heart as I sacrificed quite a lot to see it flourish. In addition to turning down a potentially stable job, I was shunned by the community and derided by family members. This meant that I had little in terms of support during the early years.
What I lacked in support was more than amply made up in passion and enthusiasm – personally and from the weavers who joined my quest. So, it goes without saying that Jaipur Rugs is really like a child to me and passing on the same insurgency mission that I had and still have to another person is quite challenging.
While caught up in this dilemma a question that kept on coming back to me is ‘Can something grow big and remain simple?’
As children when we grow up, we distance ourselves from our parents and family because we think their role in our life has ended. We grow up and learn a lot of things and during our journey, we realise something is missing. This missing leads to an emptiness in us which paves way for an imbalance in our life.
Similarly while establishing our business we go through this same phase. I have always believed that business should be infused with love. Therefore for me passing of the torch, the insurgent mission is about enabling my artisans to dream big by remaining simple. For when we grow big we need to make sure our roots are still intact on the ground otherwise it will lead to imbalance and ultimately break us down.
Rekindling insurgency is like going back to your parents and reestablishing the connection with them/watering the roots.
Today when I look back I feel closer to my purpose and it is my artisans who made me realise that something can grow big and remain simple.
Remember insurgency is like the color of cloth. The lustre fades eventually but the colour remains the same. So make sure to take the necessary measures to preserve the lustre.
