In a time when design is often reduced to trends, Yaahvi’s light design stands as a reminder of tactility, tradition, and craftsmanship. Founded by Nikita Bansal, who journeyed from Assam to the global design stage, champions a philosophy where contemporary aesthetics meet age-old Indian craftsmanship. In this exclusive interview, Nikita reflects on her early influences, the soulful language of handmade objects, and her vision for a design label rooted in purpose, poetry, and place.
1. Your design journey seems deeply rooted in your upbringing. Could you share some key moments that shaped your career?
Nikita Bansal: I was born and raised in Assam, surrounded by nature and craft. Handmade objects and handicrafts always fascinated me. But about 20 years ago, we didn’t have much exposure, and I wasn’t even aware that design could be a career.
At 14, I met a friend’s sister who was studying in Delhi, and the work she showed me sparked a moment of clarity. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I later joined NIFT Bangalore for Lifestyle Accessory Design.
Unlike many peers, I didn’t take up a corporate job. Instead, I became an in-panel designer with the Ministry of Textiles, working with artisans across India, from Bangalore to Nagaland. This grassroots experience was incredibly rewarding.
During a project in Nagaland, I was invited to present my work at FabIndia, where I was offered a role as a merchandiser and designer. That was another key turning point. At FabIndia, I learned how craft could become a scalable industry, both in production and reach.
The next major moment came when I joined Basant, a large furniture exporter, to help launch their retail brand, Orange Tree. I was the first employee and worked there for a decade, across design, sales, PR, and marketing. It gave me global exposure and helped me understand international markets and trends. All of these experiences shaped me and led to the creation of Yaahvi.
2. Yaahvi translates to “the confluence of heaven and earth.” How does that philosophy reflect in your work?
Nikita Bansal: Yaahvi means the meeting point of heaven and earth, and that perfectly embodies my design philosophy. My work is always about confluences, between design and craft, sustainability and aesthetics, global ideas and local materials. The name encapsulates all of that.
3. Your products balance vernacular and contemporary elements in light design. What mindset do you enter during the design stage?
Nikita Bansal: I design for homes, and I try to add a sense of positivity through nature or craft. Nature is my biggest inspiration. It brings a universal, contemporary appeal. Craft brings uniqueness and soul. So every product is a confluence of these elements.
4. Your pieces have a sculptural presence. Are they meant to stand alone or be part of a broader narrative?
Nikita Bansal: All Yaahvi products are for home settings, so they eventually become part of a larger interior story. But each product also has a distinct sculptural identity, making it a statement piece that can stand out on its own and become a conversation starter.
5. In a world driven by automation, how do you preserve the spirit of handmade craftsmanship? And, how do you stay ahead of market trends while staying true to your design ethos?
Nikita Bansal: In today’s tech-driven world, imagine a handmade lamp in a modern home. It brings warmth, nostalgia, and soul. That emotional connection is irreplaceable. A handcrafted object has a story and a touch that mass-produced items simply can’t replicate. It’s essential to stay updated. So, I attend both national and international fairs, constantly research materials, and understand what’s trending. But the key is blending those insights with my narrative, maintaining authenticity while staying relevant.
7. What are your key marketing strategies, and how has e-commerce supported your outreach?
Nikita Bansal: India is currently my main market. Events like RAW Collaborative and India Design Fair helped establish Yaahvi. Platforms like Archioo, Instagram, and our website have also been instrumental in reaching design professionals. We’re also stocked in five stores across five cities.
8. What exciting steps do you plan to take next? Where do you envision Yaahvi and your design practice evolving in the coming years? And how do you find a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your work beyond just bringing designs to life?
Nikita Bansal: I want to associate more with luxury home decor brands in India. I strongly believe that when people can see, touch, and experience a product, they understand its value and craftsmanship better. We’re launching 65 new SKUs by the end of this month and plan to expand to 200 by the year’s end, so people have enough variety to choose from. I want Yaahvi to become the go-to name for lighting in India, where every buyer considers us as an option.
We’re also preparing to participate in more design fairs and eventually step into the export market. I’d love to see Yaahvi lamps not only in Indian homes but also across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Because our products have a universal design appeal rooted in Indian craft.
Beyond all the growth, what fulfills me most is working with artisans and bringing traditional crafts into contemporary, everyday spaces. When a customer connects with the story behind a handmade product, that’s the most satisfying part of what I do. Today, craft is no longer confined to museums or emporiums; it’s entering living rooms and becoming part of our daily lives. That, for me, is the true reward, making craft accessible, relevant, and celebrated again.
Conclusion:
Yaahvi is more than a light design brand, it’s a movement that reclaims the warmth of the handmade and reimagines it for modern living. In every lamp, there’s not just light design but lineage. In every contour, a conversation. As the founder continues to expand her collection and vision, she remains grounded in the values that started it all: craft, care, and connection. In an era of speed and sameness, Yaahvi reminds us to pause and to feel.
