Manvee is the founder of TerraKlay, an artisanal brand based in Chicago that offers handmade home goods and decor. Her background in Fine Arts, combined with over a decade of experience working with folk and tribal artists in rural India, has given her a deep understanding of indigenous arts and crafts. In 2016, she established TerraKlay, initially showcasing handmade black clay pottery from Manipur, India. The brand was born out of a desire to create meaningful opportunities for women artisans with generations of craftsmanship. TerraKlay has since expanded its range to include more global artisan-crafted products beyond pottery. Manvee's journey with TerraKlay has been enriched by meeting diverse and talented craftspeople, and the challenges of 2020 have inspired her to focus on resilience and collaboration. She is dedicated to curating a collection of simple, enjoyable, and responsible items for the home, true to the TerraKlay ethos.
Jen is the Sales Manager at TerraKlay, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record in building successful relationships and managing teams. Before joining TerraKlay, Jen held the position of General Manager at Greenheart International. Her eight-year tenure at Sobremesa was marked by significant achievements, showcasing her exceptional skills in driving success and establishing impactful connections. Jen's background is diverse, with foundations in teaching and sales. This unique combination has equipped her with excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of customer needs, and the ability to connect with people from various walks of life. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful relationships make her an invaluable addition to the TerraKlay team.
TerraKlay is partnering with Himalayan Naari, a women's self-help collective, to revive traditional woolen crafts in northern India. We hope to revalue traditional textile techniques such as handlooming and hand knitting with an international focus through design collaboration, marketing, and sales efforts. Himalayan Naari is a non-profit and fair trade organization that aims to improve the lives of approximately 100 artisan women.
TerraKlay founder Manvee Vaid is an advisor to Himalayan Naari and a member of the Himalayan Education Foundation board.
Refined living does not need to come at the cost of hurting the planet or the people who craft the products. We want to put nature and people at the center of everything we do.
Buy better, buy less: As a small business we recognize that conscious commerce can champion for sustainability in both consumption and production of everyday lifestyle products. Responsible consumerism means buying products that are made to last. You won’t see any disposable or one-time use products from TerraKlay.
Bring recognition, and respect to the artisans community: What we will never change is our passion for craftsmanship as well as our commitment to building collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships with the artisans we work with.
We work with quality materials and conscious processes that preserve our planet and craftsmanship culture. We take great pride in sourcing sustainable materials as well as recycling and reusing every inch of our fabric.
We use premium quality cotton, fine wool, upcycled banana fibers and fabrics colored with natural plant dyes, making each ingredient completely natural and safe. Priority is placed on energy and water efficiency. Products are handmade with love and care that do not harm the environment leaving you feeling empowered by your purchase.
