How SaltFlatStitches Began: A Chance Meeting in Mandvi, Kutch

How SaltFlatStitches Began: A Chance Meeting in Mandvi

Mandvi has always held a special place in my heart. As a student, I spent many holidays at my Dadi's house in Matani Delo, tucked inside Mochi Bazaar. Back then, I never imagined that this little corner of Kutch would one day be where my own brand began.

Years later, every time I visited Kutch, I found myself drawn to its artisans. I wanted to build something connected to the creativity I kept seeing all around me. The idea of an online shop was already in my mind. What I didn't know was how to begin.

Then, on a visit to Mandvi in 2025, I met Bhatia Uncle.

A tiny shop in Mochi Bazaar

I had walked into a little shop in Mochi Bazaar, the same bazaar where my Dadi's house stood, and came away with some samples. It was a tiny space, but it had a fantastic boho vibe I didn't expect. Among the outfits were a few unusual pieces that caught my eye straight away.

When I asked Bhatia Uncle about them, he told me about his wife. A passionate designer and a retired teacher, she had created the designs, and he supported her work by selling them in their shop.

That meeting was an eye-opener. I had the desire to build a brand but very little clarity about the next steps, and he felt like a godsend.

From an idea to real samples

From there, we began working through the details together: developing samples, discussing what might work, exploring colours and understanding timelines. Slowly, the idea in my head began to take shape.

Bhatia Uncle works with Bandhani artisans, tailors, the people who handle pressing, and many others who help bring an outfit together. His knowledge and support have been crucial in setting up SaltFlatStitches.

Today, I work with embroiderers, tailors, tie-dye artisans and the Khatri family in Ajrakhpur. Even our leftover fabric finds a new life as scrunchies and accessories, so nothing goes to waste. As I build the brand, I'm learning how much goes into each piece, and how many hands it passes through.

Why they stay offline

When I asked Bhatia Uncle why they hadn't set up their own website, he explained that, for now, they're happy working with people like me from across the globe. Managing posts, messages and an online presence takes time, and they would rather spend that time doing what they love.

They're at a stage of life when many people are slowing down, but their love for this work is still so strong. That's something I deeply admire.

Built on relationships

For me, the story of SaltFlatStitches is inseparable from these relationships. It began with a chance meeting in a tiny shop in Mandvi, and continues through conversations, samples, colours and the work we do together.

I honestly couldn't do this without them. Their ideas, experience and willingness to work through every detail have helped turn a wish into something real. SaltFlatStitches may be the shop I'm building, but Bhatia Uncle and his wife are such an important part of how it began.

Want to know more about the craft? Read about the Rai Dana Bandhani of Mandvi, or explore the collection.