From Failure to a New Beginning – My Journey of Building The Raksha Store

By Yashica Tiwari

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be running a saree brand, I would have probably laughed. Not because I didn’t love sarees—because I absolutely did—but because life had never pointed me in that direction. Yet here I am today, the founder of The Raksha Store, a brand born not just out of passion but out of failure, resilience, and a deep love for handcrafted elegance.

The Unplanned Beginning – From Skincare to Sarees

I started The Raksha Store in 2023 with no technical knowledge of the textile industry. It wasn’t a lifelong dream, nor was it something I had meticulously planned. In fact, before this, I was running a skincare business, one that I had poured my heart into—only to see it collapse during the COVID-19 pandemic. The feeling of watching something I worked so hard for crumble was devastating. Failure hit me hard, and for a while, I felt completely lost.

But as they say, when one door closes, another opens. And for me, that door was draped in six yards of grace.

A Saree Lover at Heart – Finding My True Calling

Sarees had always fascinated me. Growing up, I admired how effortlessly they carried both tradition and style. My love for linen sarees was my first real connection with handloom, but it wasn’t until 2024 that I truly discovered my obsession—Kota Doria. The lightweight fabric, the intricate weave, the way it draped so effortlessly—it was love at first sight.

The more I learned about handcrafted sarees, the deeper I fell in love. The artisans, the stories behind every weave, the legacy of these fabrics—it all became more than just business for me. I knew I wanted to build something that not only celebrated the art of sarees but also respected the craftsmanship behind them.

The Raksha Store – A Name Close to My Heart

When it came to naming my brand, I didn’t have to think twice. The answer was right there—my mother, Raksha. She has been my biggest pillar of strength, the one who has always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Naming the brand after her felt right; it felt like carrying forward a piece of her love and resilience into something I was building from the ground up.

From Zero to Building Something Beautiful

Starting The Raksha Store with no background in textiles was terrifying. I made mistakes, I stumbled, and there were days I doubted myself. But every challenge taught me something new. Slowly, I started understanding fabrics, appreciating craftsmanship, and curating collections that truly spoke to my heart.

Today, The Raksha Store is more than just a business—it’s a tribute to handcrafted traditions, timeless elegance, and the artistry of Indian textiles. It’s about supporting skilled artisans, reviving traditional weaves, and making handloom sarees accessible to every woman who loves draping culture with style.

The Journey Ahead

I won’t say I have it all figured out—I don’t. But what I do know is that The Raksha Store is growing, evolving, and becoming a space where handloom lovers can find something truly special. Whether it’s Kota Doria, Maheshwari Silk, Linen, or Appliqué work sarees, every piece tells a story, just like mine.

To anyone reading this—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a saree enthusiast, or someone who has faced failure and is looking for a new start—I just want to say this: keep going. Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin where you least expect them.

And for me, it all started with a love for sarees and a mother’s name that now stands as a brand.

Be a Part of My Journey

I invite you to explore The Raksha Store, to celebrate handwoven beauty, and to embrace sarees that carry tradition, love, and craftsmanship in every thread. Follow my journey, support the art of handloom, and let’s keep this legacy alive—one saree at a time.

With love,
Yashica Tiwari