Meet The Founder

With an MSW degree from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and years of experience in the livelihoods sector, Aashka Soni has always been deeply connected to people and their stories. Her career path took her from the grassroots to the corporate world, including a role as a consultant with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Yet, she soon realized that her true calling was not in boardrooms, but in the villages and workshops where artisans struggle every day to keep their crafts alive.

In 2019, Aashka returned to her hometown of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, to found RuhKala—a heartfelt initiative born out of her desire to revive Indian crafts, empower artisans, and reimagine lifestyle choices. Her vision was shaped by two powerful realizations: the plight of artisans across India, often underpaid and unrecognized, and the environmental burden of fast fashion. RuhKala became her way of offering an alternative rooted in culture, care, and conscious living.

But Aashka’s journey is not only professional—it is deeply personal. She has always been drawn to the rhythm of nature, finding joy in the quiet act of tending her plants and embracing the grace of mindful living. A coffee enthusiast, a plant lover, and a sucker for all things natural and organic, she finds her truest inspiration in her daughter, Reva, whose laughter reminds her to dream without limits and to create with heart.

Much like the tender patience with which she nurtures a seed into a flower, Aashka nurtures RuhKala—allowing it to grow gently, organically, and soulfully, one step at a time.

In her words: “Every handmade piece is more than fabric—it is a story of resilience, culture, and soul. RuhKala is my way of making sure these stories are heard, honored, and cherished.”