Phutari’s journey began some 12,500 kms away in New Zealand!!

Where Rohan and Surbhi were living comfortably, living the kiwi dream. They both were super successful in their jobs, but there was always a pull towards India, their homeland. They always wanted to give back to their country, contribute to society, and bring a part of their culture, their expression to the world. 

The song “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera” from Swades was played on loop in their headphones wherever possible, it somehow struck a chord with them. It wasn't just about being abroad anymore; it was about reconnecting with the country that shaped them, given them an identity & the desire to give back and make a meaningful impact in India became stronger with each passing day, pushing them even harder to turn their dreams into reality.

In August 2019, with their hearts full of hope and dreams in their eyes, they made a life-changing decision. Not only were they expecting their first child, but they also knew that it was the time to take a leap of faith. Using all their savings, they cofounded Phutari, a 100% made in India, online store to showcase & sell India’s rich handicrafts to the global audience.

Phutari became their second child, born in the same year as their son Zohaan. As he took his first steps, so did their dreams, growing alongside him, nurtured with love and determination. But just as they began to find their footing, the world was struck by COVID-19. Everything stopped, and their dreams seemed distant. Yet giving up was, is and will never be in their DNA!!

With a newborn and everything on their shoulders, they worked harder than ever. They worked from home, became a team of three—juggling responsibilities, building from scratch, and pushing forward. While Surbhi handled packaging and design, Rohan took on marketing, and their mother Sonal, ensured the quality of every piece is top-notch.

They were lucky to witness their son’s first steps while building Phutari, a reminder of how their dreams and lives are intertwined. There were sleepless nights and moments of doubt, but each time they looked at their son, they knew it was all for him and for India.

Today, Phutari is more than a business—it’s a testament to resilience and following your heart. they didn’t just create a brand; they built it with love and passion, believing that no obstacle is too great to overcome. This journey, fuelled by their little family and love for their roots, turned dreams into reality, one handcrafted piece at a time.

P.S. Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week.