Fair Trade Multicolor Applique Floral Pillow Covers (pair), "Floral Ecstasy"

"I was born and brought up in Kashmir, and I loved the beautiful scenery and lovely climate there. We were just two girls, so we were really pampered by our parents. In the late 1980s, our family shifted from Srinagar to Jammu. There, everything was different – climate, lifestyle, language – but it didn't take us time to adjust.

"My association with designing, I think, dates back to my childhood. Ever since I can remember, I use to paint a lot – from my mom's sari to our curtains and even our bedspreads. Once I painted on one of my cousin's tee shirts and it came out really well. He told me all his friends loved it! I think I saw my calling and, after graduation, I took a five-year degree course in textile designing.

"After completing my textile degree, I worked as a designer for six years, and it was such a great experience. To execute what I had learned during my course was so amazing!

"While I was still working, I got married and I left my job when my baby was born. I decided to design a collection of apparel and home furnishings on my own, and the response has been good so far.

"My designs mainly focus on embroidery work and the coordination of color and fabric. I love playing with fabrics and textures. I also love bright colors."