Vini Tandon Keni shares her journey from a home-maker to a business woman who founded her own boutique ‘Saree Speak’ last year to encourage the weavers in different States of India and promote Indian handcraft including Goa’s own weave ‘Kunbi’ saree
It’s a warm, cosy and spacious studio space at Miramar where the women get lost finding themselves amidst hundreds of cottons, silks and tussers in vibrant and subtle colours to choose from... and once entered, they don’t step out without pampering themselves with a saree or two. Running the place, ‘Saree Speak’ studio for the past 18 plus months, Vini Tandon Keni, is more than happy with the kind of response and feedback she receives from her customers.
Sharing her own love for the saree, Vini admits that the saree gave her a unique identity, and has become her USP now. “I adore wearing sarees myself and am keen to promote it as a day-to-day outfit. Do not reserve it only for festive occasions, I tell the ladies. And I want our youth to wear it with ease and pride, and elders to drape it lightly. At ‘Saree Speak’ I keep weaves from all the States in India, including Goa’s very own Kunbi sarees. I want to make Goa a prominent part of the saree map of India by promoting Kunbi sarees,” says Vini, a popular saree influencer for the past five years with 68.3 k followers on Instagram.
This graduate in English was a homemaker till 2022. She launched her saree studio on January 26 in 2023 and chose Panaji as she lives here. “I must admire Goan women who have showered so much love and support to my studio though it’s my first venture. Women frequently drop in whenever they think of having a unique saree for themselves or gifting one to someone. I have around 300 sarees for display and over 100 blouses along with some matching petticoats too. And fall-bidding is offered free for the saree you buy. Hence, my customers walk away with a ready-to-wear set. I even teach girls to drape a saree, and also pre-arrange pleats, if requested,” shares Vini.
Vini doesn’t have any specific brand of her own. Her shelves are full with handloom sarees from the weavers across India. “I showcase uncommon sarees too, to promote those weaves. They are from all States, and each is a rare piece of art, not what is easily available. Sometimes I procure customised saree of my customer’s choice. I don’t prefer to assign my designs to the weavers, but buy what they create, as my aim is to promote their authentic work. Talented, these artisans need support and it can be offered only when we buy what they create. The weavers are happy that their sales have increased, and their art is being appreciated. It’s my way to offer tribute to Indian art and promote our artisans, and also the saree, which is a part of our rich culture. It represents our ‘Indianness’.”
Vini’s journey in the world of sarees unfolded when she realised that both her mother and her mother-in-law shifted from saree to salwar suits. A thought came to her mind that if this happens to all women, saree will eventually vanish. Rolling out ideas, Vini began to wear a saree, post her saree-clad photos on social media. She started a Facebook group ‘Saree Speak’ eight and half years ago to allow other women to share their pictures with sarees. On April 14, 2024 ‘Saree Speak’ Facebook group celebrated its birth anniversary. Currently it has 1.70 lakh members all over the world. A theme is rolled out every month. Only sarees are promoted in the group which is not used for commercial purposes. It is a platform where thousands of women get connected with each other, spreading their love for saree.
Vini’s videos on Instagram speak of sarees, their beauty and simplicity. She uses comedy to attract attention towards her sarees and conveys a message that sarees are not serious wears; they are casual and fun. Women love the idea of wearing a saree irrespective of age. Most enjoy this graceful Indian outfit and are thrilled to showcase it too. “Sarees were never considered fashionable, but today, it’s a fashion statement,” asserts Vini who wears sarees everyday. Sarees can be worn day in and day out, any day and every day. It is a sober daily outfit, displaying Indian culture, and very easy to carry. A woman feels very comfortable in saree, once it becomes an everyday affair, a habit. “I wear sarees regularly, and even travel in sarees,” says Vini whose own wardrobe has a collection of not less than 500 sarees. She is approached by brands to promote their sarees.
Ganesh Chaturthi is on and ‘Saree Speak’ is wearing a festive look, though there is no peak season for saree sales. There are footfalls all year round. Apart from walk-in customers, Vini indulges in online sales too. Open from 10 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, Sunday is an off day, but Vini willingly opens the studio on request if customers come from far away and call her. “Anything and everything for the love of a saree!” she exclaims.
