Makers: Ayessha Gurung Sukumar, co-founder, Junekeri Homes

Written by Payal Khandelwal

“The story of Junekeri began with a childhood surrounded by treasured family heirlooms and the natural beauty of Sikkim. Growing up, I developed a deep appreciation for handcrafted artistry, thanks to the influence of my design-forward mother who expertly translated our experiences and memories into colourful textiles and home decor accents.” - Ayessha Gurung Sukumar, co-founder, Junekeri Homes

Junekeri is a home textile and furniture brand that’s conscious, homegrown, and handcrafted. Most importantly though, Junekeri is a true labour of love by a mother and daughter - Sudha Gurung and Ayessha Gurung Sukumar.

The brand’s journey started with the inspiration Ayessha found in her hometown Gangtok’s beautiful green landscape and rich culture. Her education years in Ajmer, Rajasthan led her to experience strikingly different desert landscape and vibrant colours in Ajmer’s textiles and architecture. Junekeri is a celebration of these beautiful contrasting landscapes and delicious colours.

We speak to Ayessha about working with artisans, collaborating with her mother, and her home in Delhi.

Empowering the artisans that Junekeri works with is at the very heart of their brand and business.

“As a D2C homegrown brand specializing in home textiles and interior pieces, Junekeri takes pride in meticulously crafting all our products in small batches. By bypassing middlemen in our supply chain, we ensure that our artisans are fairly compensated,” she says.

“Our commitment to ethical production extends to prioritizing craft preservation and job creation through the use of traditional techniques. For us, ensuring there is steady business throughout the year goes beyond mere business strategy - it's a testament to our core values of supporting the livelihoods of these talented artisans for generations to come and fostering long-term relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and shared success. By empowering our artisan partners and prioritizing their well-being, we create and curate products that not only exhibit exquisite craftsmanship but also drive positive social impact.”

Today, Junekeri primarily collaborate with women-led cooperatives and independent artisans spanning the Northeast states all the way to Kerala. “Each piece in our collection carries the rich cultural history of its origin and is meticulously crafted using locally sourced materials.”

“Reading, spending time in nature - especially when I'm home in Gangtok, where I get to witness slow living in every sense - and visiting local craft bazaars and community centers often gives me fresh perspectives and new ideas.”

We are curious to know what’s it like working with her mother and how do they balance their work and personal equation.

Teaming up with her mom (Sudha) felt like the most natural thing in the world, according to Ayessha. “We both share a deep love for design and craftsmanship. Our work relationship is built on trust, open communication, and a profound understanding of each other's strengths. When it comes to decision-making, we collaborate closely, hashing out ideas until we find the best path forward. There's no strict hierarchy between us; we work as a team to keep Junekeri true to its vision.”

In handling any creative differences, Ayessha and her mother have got their roles quite clearly defined. While Ayessha takes charge of marketing and styling, Sudha is great at fostering connections with artisans and brand partnerships. “This division allows us to play to our strengths and keep our operations running smoothly. Together, we make a balanced team, each contributing our expertise to drive Junekeri forward.”

“Working side by side has brought us closer in ways we never imagined. Through all the ups and downs of running a business, we've leaned on each other, celebrating the wins and figuring out the tough stuff together. Our bond has only grown stronger, and I'm grateful to have my mom by my side, both as a business partner and as family.”

Talking about family, Ayessha lives in Delhi in a truly spectacular home (just look at those pictures below!) with her husband and three dogs. We ask her about her connection with Delhi and her home there.

“Delhi has been a constant companion in my journey through various stages of growth. After graduating from Miranda House, I found myself drawn to the city for several reasons. Its practical proximity to Gangtok struck a perfect balance for me - just a flight away, not too far, yet not too close. This accessibility allowed me to maintain ties with my roots while immersing myself in the vibrant energy of the bustling capital.”

Talking about her homes in Delhi, Ayessha says, “Over the years, I've called multiple homes in Delhi my own, each holding its unique set of memories. From quaint Barsatis to semi-spacious dwellings, each one has left its mark on my journey.”

When it comes to setting up her home, she like to dedicate considerable time to it, ensuring it reflects her taste and personality without feeling overly contrived. “Over time, I've developed a habit of collecting small trinkets and textiles from my travels, gradually infusing my home with stories and experiences.”

“One of my most cherished spaces is our spare study, transformed into a cosy home library. It's not just a place for books; it's where my husband and I bounce ideas off each other and spend time with our two golden retrievers and our 6-year-old beagle son. Another cherished corner of my home is the verandah, where I find joy in observing the shifting seasons and the vibrant flora and fauna that accompany the surroundings.”

“Over time, I've developed a habit of collecting small trinkets and textiles from my travels, gradually infusing my home with stories and experiences.”

Being an entrepreneur is really hard and we are living in a maddeningly fast paced world. We ask Ayessha about how she finds pockets of time to relax and to find inspiration.

“To truly take a break, I immerse myself in activities that help me unwind and recharge. Reading, especially revisiting classics like P.G. Wodehouse, especially with his deadpan wit, is one of my favorite ways to relax. I also enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my dog, Bhuntay, who always manages to keep things light and joyful. Recently, we've started building LEGO sets during the weekends, which has been a refreshing change of pace.”

Finding inspiration often comes from the same activities that help Ayessha relax. “Reading, spending time in nature - especially when I'm home in Gangtok where I get to witness slow living in every sense - and visiting local craft bazaars and community centers often gives me fresh perspectives and new ideas. Additionally, I draw a lot of inspiration from the people I meet and the places I visit, always bringing back little trinkets and textiles that remind me of different cultures and experiences.”

“Ultimately, striking a balance between hustle and downtime is key, even if it means limiting screen time,” she concludes.