Taruna Sharma
Located at Skyview by Empyrean in Patnitop (Jammu), Hands of Gold is a love letter from Kashmir. It brings authentic products, ranging from crafts and apparel to food products from the Valley straight to your doorstep.
When and how did the idea of Hands of Gold hit you and how did you go about giving it shape?
Hands of Gold was initially started with paper machie. However, I realised that the best of paper machie was not exhibited in the local market. Thus, I started looking for the proficient Karigars. And after a lot of hard work, I got hold of some of the best Karigars in Kashmir. The motive was to showcase the best to the world. And eventually, I started other forms of art including tilla work, pashmina, and a wide range of edibles.
What sort of investment went into the creation of Hands of Gold?
The greatest investment made by Hands of Gold are our karigars, who understood our vision and willingly pushed their creativity to exhibit the best to the world. Initially, we were able to cater to small orders. However, with time, we have been able to expand our capabilities.
Honey Collection
Please explain what the term “bespoke beauty of Kashmir” means to you in terms of Hands of Gold?
At Hands of Gold, the bespoke beauty of Kashmir refers to a product that has Kashmir imprinted in it or in other words represents the rich heritage, traditions, artform, and legacy of Kashmir. This is visible in the intricate designs, exotic flavours, and of course the highest standards of quality. Hands of Gold strives to ensure a perfect fusion of all these aspects in all its products.
Share the products available at Hands of Gold and how competitively are they priced?
We offer products ranging from various flavours of honey, premix kahwa, 100% pure saffron, paper mache products, stoles, scarves, and much more. Our edible products are 100% pure, natural, and free of preservatives. Additionally, all our other products are raw, natural and handmade. We are not in the market for competition. Our priority is to provide quality.
Kashmiri Kahwa
Why only bespoke products and not an e-commerce site?
We have not opted for mass production as often mass production limits achieving the finish we are looking for in our bespoke products. It is a deliberate choice to ensure the standards of quality are not compromised and our customers receive the best of Kashmir.
How many outlets do you have across the country or have plans to open in the near future?
Currently, we have a functional retail store in Skyview by Empyrean located at Sanget Valley, Udhampur Jammu and Kashmir and are also selling our products on www.handsofgold.in. We did have plans to open more stores, however, due to the pandemic, we had to halt our expansion plans.
Kashmiri Tadka Masala
Any plans to go overseas as it is a big market out there?
Currently we are exporting our products that include paper machie and stoles. The overseas market is definitely on cards and with the pandemic situation improving, we are hopeful of our expansion.
What are your business expansion plans?
We are extremely excited about our future endeavours. We are already working towards a collaboration which will promote our products to a wider audience range. We are also in the middle of introducing our range of skincare products.
Handcrafted gift item
