Our Story
Hello, I am Ruby, the founder of BANJAARA.
Creative Beginnings
Creativity has always guided my life. I studied illustration at university with the hope of making beautiful things and creating a positive impact at the same time. I worked on commissions and a range of creative projects, yet something important felt missing. My work lacked a deeper purpose and I longed for a clearer connection between what I was making and why I was making it.
Like many creatives, I often found myself taking on projects that offered financial stability but did not align with my values. I sensed that more meaningful work was possible, but the direction had not yet revealed itself.
Seeking Direction
Over time, this quiet desire for meaning grew stronger. In my mid twenties, I decided to step away from familiar surroundings and travel through the Far East. I hoped the distance would offer clarity, not just creatively, but personally.
Travel can reshape perspective by slowing the pace and allowing space for reflection. I wanted to explore new cultures, understand different ways of living, and find a path that balanced creative expression with meaningful contribution.
Discovering Traditional Craft
During a journey through Northern India, I experienced something that transformed my future. I spent time with a community of artisans who practised block printing, one of the oldest and most intricate forms of textile craft. The precision, the repetition, the sound of the blocks meeting the cloth, and the artistry involved felt unlike anything I had encountered before.
I stayed to observe, learn, and eventually take part in the process. Each block press was deliberate and grounded, and during that time, the idea for BANJAARA began to take shape.
Soul of the Brand
BANJAARA is named in honour of the historic nomadic trading communities of Rajasthan. Their slow, resourceful, and mindful way of life aligned effortlessly with the values I was beginning to embrace. They lived with the seasons and understood how to move with nature rather than push against it.
Their approach felt like a fitting symbol for what I hoped to create. BANJAARA was never intended to be just a clothing brand. It was the start of a business practice rooted in balance, intention, and respect for the natural world.
Business Philosophy Development
That period of travel gave me the space to rethink my understanding of productivity and success. I realised how easy it is to drift from personal values when caught in the pace of modern life. I wanted my work to reflect a steadier, more purposeful mindset.
I found comfort in ideas shared by thinkers who encourage slowing down, and I held closely to the belief that meaningful connections are formed when we take the time to notice our surroundings, our work, and our relationships. This perspective became a foundation for BANJAARA and shaped the way I approach every part of the business.
Returning with Purpose
When my travels came to an end, I returned home with a collection of fabric samples and a clear vision for my future. I did not have much financially, but I understood exactly what I wanted to create. I wondered whether the same intentional choices that supported me personally could also help others through the medium of handcrafted clothing.
Those fabric samples represented more than materials. They carried stories of the people who made them and evidence of slow, sustainable production that honoured both craft and culture.
Building the Business
Starting BANJAARA brought many challenges. Each day required decisions about resources, operations, and direction. There were moments of uncertainty, yet for the first time in my career, I felt truly aligned with my work.
Building this brand has given me the chance to create with intention and connect deeply with the people who support this vision. Every difficulty has taught me something useful and strengthened my commitment to creating fashion that contributes positively to the world.
BANJAARA is a reminder that clothing can be made more thoughtfully. It is a return to a slower rhythm. A celebration of heritage craft. A small step toward a gentler way of living.
What does this mean for your choices?
My journey shows that fulfilment often comes from bringing personal values into everyday work. BANJAARA stands for mindful creation, quality over quantity, and a fashion industry that moves with greater care. When you choose our pieces, you support artisans, natural materials, and the belief that clothing should carry meaning, intention, and impact.