Meet Manvee Vaid | Founder at TerraKlay, mother and a learner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manvee Vaid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manvee, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
March 8, 2020. I was in India, celebrating my parent’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, completely unaware of the looming announcement of a global pandemic that would shut down the world. It was an exciting time and much awaited. COVID-19 seemed like a distant worry, only a concern in far east Asia. No need to be concerned over here in India, right? Wrong. Just four days after landing in India, I had 24 hours to leave. After hearing the phrase “global pandemic” thrown around on the news, it was a frenzy of rebooking tickets. This was real, and it was time to mask up in all the chaos. As it turns out, my family vacation was not the only thing interrupted in the wake of COVID-19. The whole world shut down. With the pandemic in full force and many out of work for the foreseeable future, the world focused only on the essentials. So, the panic buying began and toilet paper shortages ensued, and many small businesses struggled to stay afloat — mine included. I put my business on hold, considering closing it and focused on my family, who were all at home, including some additional family members – a total of eight during that initial uncertain period. Taking all my newfound free time, I started helping a friend to transition her business to the world of e-commerce during our shutdown. My passion for my own business was reignited, and I began to rebrand and restructure TerraKlay. Giving it another chance was the most important and terrifying decision I’d ever made. The fear of having to close it again and losing money kept me awake many nights.
Handmade craft production is often a necessity for Indian families. The aforementioned shift towards the “essentials” in the global economy did not take artisan livelihood into consideration. Artisans are the backbone of India’s non-farm rural economy. Behind agriculture, handicraft is the second largest employed industry — a workforce primarily made up of women. So, naturally, when artisans suffered, it meant that women suffered.
In the year 2020, the problems that artisans faced in practicing their craft came to a head. Even before the pandemic, many artisans had a hard time securing sales, one reason being market’s favoring large-scale production business. COVID-19 quickly exacerbated these already-present challenges: a complete lack of materials due to closure of factories, broken supply chain, curfews and lockdowns and artisans suffered a loss of both local and international orders. The vast majority of artisans operate in informal work settings, like backyards of their homes, or community spaces. So, the little socialization during the workday was sacrificed at the cost of staying safe. Of course, meeting financial needs is a universal problem that year — and artisans are no exception. Many lived through periods of no food and no work, all while struggling and fearing death by this mysterious and dangerous virus.
It all started with a small group of women in North India who traditional handloom wool textiles. Introduction emails led to phone calls. Many hours of phone calls led to developing product samples. Together, we created something we could look forward to on the days where social distancing felt a little lonelier than usual.
What started out as work calls turned into deep conversations where I exchanged family stories, big ideas and life aspirations and fears with these women. It was at that moment that TerraKlay became more than a company; TerraKlay became a community.
The connection I felt to these ladies is just what I needed to stay motivated in these tough times. We formed a sisterhood. All of it made me realize that miles are only a measurement, and it is possible to connect no matter the distance. (Of course, as long as you’re willing to work with time differences!)
I underestimated that businesses could help women halfway around the world at a time when it is most needed. TerraKlay is my story of hope and determination, a story of working across borders to connect and believe in something larger than myself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
TerraKlay is a handmade home goods brand. We work and collaborate with many artisan groups in rural India. Sustainability remains a major focus of the collaboration. TerraKlay and its partners are committed to using natural ingredients in their products, whether it’s cotton, banana fibers, or natural dyes. This includes focusing on processes that conserve water and resources. In terms of product design, we want to bridge the gap between modern and traditional.

Starting a business in Illinois is not easy. I was naive and unprepared for the challenges when I first started. I’m still struggling, but I have a better community of mentors to whom I can seek advice.

What I’ve learned is that as a business, you must constantly adapt and change. Determine what is and isn’t working, and don’t be afraid to change gears and abandon what isn’t. Recognize that you will not know everything and seek advice and help.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Art Institute. The Van Gogh show. OMG can’t miss that.
Navy Pier
The Bean, Millennium Park
The Lincoln Zoo
Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Tours
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle and then to try some spicy Indian cuisine in Naperville, IL.
The Blues Bars and for shopping The Magnificient Mile.
Bahá’í House of Worship
The Swami Narayan Temple

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Would give a shout out to the non profit organization Himalayan Naari, Kathleen Bollerud for her trust and mentorship and my life partner Vivek Vaid who supported and encouraged me to restart, rediscover my passion.

Website: www.terraklay.com

Instagram: instagram.com/terraklay

Facebook: facebook.com/terraklay