Claytopia
FWD Business|January - February 2018

Meera Chandra’s ‘Mannu’ is breathing new life into simple earth, turning it into colourful jewellery.

Rochelle D’Souza
Claytopia

A few years ago Meera accompanied her mother to a fashion boutique in Kochi and while her mother looked at fabrics and embroidery she was drawn to the jewellery and accessories. There was a pair of 'jimmikki kammal' in particular that she liked and like most kids, she tugged at the mothers skirt and demanded that she buy them for her. As most things are in designer boutiques, the earrings were rather expensive, and Meera's mother chided her and said that she can just as easily make her own that is equally beautiful, if not more. Thus began her experimentation with jewellery making.

"I brought terracotta clay the very next day and watched innumerable tutorials on how to shape and form clay on YouTube. After a great deal of experimentation I gradually learned and created an aesthetic for myself. Later, when I got into architecture school, I began to experiment with shapes and forms." says Meera Chandran, the 21 year old student of Architecture at KMEA College who moonlights as a jewellery designer and runs her brand 'Mannu'.

‘Mannu’ means earth, and while it is one of the simplest elements and the most easily available, it is also the most versatile. Meera isn’t quite sure why she decided to use clay as her medium of choice, all she knows is that she has always been drawn to it. "Something about the element that allows you to meld and mould it struck a chord with me."

"I don’t really remember when it was that I began what can only be described as my love affair with all things handmade. I guess it all began with the intrinsic traits I inherited from my mother, who is a very talented artist. I've been toying with clay ever since I was in school. I joined

Bu hikaye FWD Business dergisinin January - February 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye FWD Business dergisinin January - February 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

FWD BUSINESS DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
An Intended Success
FWD Business

An Intended Success

There is plenty one can learn from the life and work of Hemachandran, CEO of celebrity badminton league.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2016
Style, Fashion and the Future
FWD Business

Style, Fashion and the Future

A brief summary on the evolution, sustenance and future of indian fashion industry.

time-read
5 dak  |
November 2016
Trained With Care Amoured With Skill
FWD Business

Trained With Care Amoured With Skill

Careerfit 360 believes that with the right skillset anyone can achieve greatness.

time-read
5 dak  |
January - February 2018
Lather Rinse Repeat
FWD Business

Lather Rinse Repeat

There is no airing of dirty laundry here, the Washermen certainly wouldn’t allow it. Meet the men and women who have been washing Kochi’s laundry since 1720.

time-read
6 dak  |
January - February 2018
Every Paisa Counts
FWD Business

Every Paisa Counts

Urban legend dictates that high income earners are rich but I'd like to believe otherwise.

time-read
4 dak  |
January - February 2018
Schrodinger's Aadhaar
FWD Business

Schrodinger's Aadhaar

OPTIONAL AND MANDATORY AT THE SAME TIME AND RAISING ISSUES OF PRIVACY AND SECURITY THE AADHAAR DEBATE IS FAR FROM OVER.

time-read
9 dak  |
October - November 2017
“I Do What I Do”- Pearls Of Wisdom From An Ex-RBI Governor?
FWD Business

“I Do What I Do”- Pearls Of Wisdom From An Ex-RBI Governor?

Innovation has been acknowledged as one of the key drivers of success in organisations.

time-read
4 dak  |
October - November 2017
The Recipe To #makesomethingnew
FWD Business

The Recipe To #makesomethingnew

The monthly the kitchen collaboration & networking ( can ) event is back again.

time-read
4 dak  |
October - November 2017
Jaguar XE – Luxury Meets Performance
FWD Business

Jaguar XE – Luxury Meets Performance

The new Jag with its punchy new engine is surely a British delight.

time-read
3 dak  |
October - November 2017
Women Of The Web
FWD Business

Women Of The Web

PEHIA IS EMPOWERING WOMEN IN TECH AND BRIDGING THE GENDER GAP IN THE INDUSTRY

time-read
6 dak  |
March - April 2018