If life in a near-idyllic Pennsylvania small town presents a challenge, it is that can be too insular. Sometimes, we need to broaden our cultural horizons.

Well, thanks to a new shop in the village, residents and visitors to Skippack don’t have to go far. Hastakala by Herbiznet brings the colorful art and craftwork of India for us to enjoy up close and hands-on; a fresh, unusual, and creative place of interest added to our local offerings.

Hastakala is the brainchild of three artisans from India who now live in our area: Gautami, Anuja, and Leena. The word hastakala means handmade. The shop offers Indian tribal art and folk art, jewelry, Indian fabrics, home décor, and gift items for purchase. According to Gautami, items from more than 35 local, women-owned businesses are available inside their shop.

If you want to delve deeper, they offer hands-on workshops where you can try your hand at different styles and crafts. They offer a busy schedule of activities for anyone to participate in and enjoy, and hold events in Skippack, such as a recent India Day.

Gautami tells me that her venture into making and selling craftwork began in 2020 when she started sewing cotton facemasks. She donated more than one thousand facemasks and surgical caps to local senior groups and hospitals. Soon after, she started making other practical fabric items, such as table runners, aprons, and microwavable bowl cozies. She began selling these items at craft fairs.

At these craft fairs, Gautami met many like-minded women who have turned their hobbies into businesses. Based her experiences, she came up with the concept for Herbiznet, which stands for her business network, an organization dedicated to supporting women-owned business by conducting workshops and hosting craft fairs.

From left to right, Gautami Joglekar, Leena Nashikkar, and Anuja Palsule, the co-owners of Hastakala by Herbiznet in Skippack.

Walking through the different rooms and looking at the artwork available for sale, I am enchanted by the colorful designs, at once intricate, sophisticated, and delightfully simple. There is joy and happiness in the artwork at Hastakala. An elephant, a sacred symbol in Eastern religion, seems to smile at me.

When you visit, hang out for a moment, take it all in, and your spirit will be uplifted. Prices are reasonable too. I am glad to see these artists have built a home in Skippack.

Next up: I plan to take one of their classes.