Because textiles deserve a second chance.
At Use Me Works, they transform discarded fabric into joyful, zero-waste art.
1. Tell us a little about yourself—who you are, what you do, and how art became a part of your journey.
I’m Meenakshi Sharma, founder of Use Me Works, a women-led social enterprise that transforms textile waste into meaningful products—bags, accessories, and zero-waste decor. Art, for me, has always been a way to make sense of the world. I grew up surrounded by fabric, textures, and colours, and over time, I found myself drawn to working with my hands, creating beauty from what’s discarded. What started as a small personal experiment became a purpose-driven brand focused on sustainability, design, and empowerment.
2. Art isn’t just something we see—it’s something we live with. How does art seep into your daily life? And what does art mean to you?
For me, art is in the details—how we arrange scraps on a table, the rhythm of stitches, the way colours come together to tell a story. Art shows up in how we problem-solve using limited resources. It’s not just visual, it’s emotional. It’s about creating with intention and letting every piece carry a bit of soul.
3. Why do you think handcrafted art matters today more than ever?
Handcrafted art connects us to humanity—it reminds us that things don’t have to be mass-produced to be meaningful. In a world overwhelmed by fast fashion and automation, handcrafted art offers depth, care, and cultural continuity. It creates livelihoods, preserves traditions, and brings real stories into our homes.
4. How many years have you been practicing this craft?
I’ve been working with upcycled textile craft for nearly 15 years now, alongside a community of women who have grown with the brand and helped shape its direction.
5. What makes an artist an artist?
An artist is someone who creates with intent and emotion—someone who expresses through form, colour, or craft. It’s less about formal training and more about perspective, originality, and heart. If your work evokes thought or feeling, you’re an artist.
6. What does being an artist/brand that sells art mean to you?
It means putting soul into every piece while balancing design, purpose, and impact. As a brand, it’s not just about selling—it’s about sharing a value system. When someone buys from us, they’re not just buying decor—they’re buying sustainability, skill, and stories.
7. How long does it usually take to create one piece from start to finish?
It really depends on the product. Some of our simpler tote bags take a day, while our intricate event decor installations—like patchwork buntings, hangings, and backdrops can take 5 to 10 days, involving design, sorting, hand-stitching, and finishing.
8. What drew you to the medium(s) you work with?
Textile waste is everywhere—beautiful but discarded. I was drawn to it because of its untapped potential and the stories embedded in every piece of fabric. Working with waste challenges me creatively while aligning with my values of sustainability and conscious living.
9. How do you see art products being perceived in an Indian market?
The Indian market is evolving. There’s a growing appreciation for handmade, sustainable art products—especially among younger, conscious consumers. People want pieces that are not just decorative but also meaningful, ethical, and rooted in Indian aesthetics.
10. Your zero-waste decor is a beautiful blend of sustainability and art. What inspired you to venture into upcycling textile waste for event decor?
It started with a child’s birthday. I wanted to create decor that was plastic-free yet joyful. That experiment became a category. I saw how much single-use decor goes to waste after events, and I knew we could offer a creative, reusable alternative. Now, we design for birthdays, festivals, and even weddings—with colour, conscience, and craft.
11. Walk us through your creative process. How does your team transform discarded fabric into such stunning decor pieces?
It begins with collecting and sorting fabric scraps by colour, size, and texture. We then brainstorm design ideas based on what’s available—often working backwards from waste to design. Our women artisans stitch, layer, and assemble each piece with care. Nothing is wasted—even the tiniest scrap finds a home in our patchwork. Every product is unique and made with pride.
12. You’ve showcased your work at some of the most high-profile events in India. How has the response been from clients when they realize the decor is made from upcycled materials?
Most are amazed. They love the aesthetics, but once they hear it's made from waste, there’s always a moment of pause—followed by admiration. It shifts their perception of what waste can be. We’ve had clients tell us they’ll never go back to plastic decor again.
13. Empowering women is central to Use Me Works’s mission. What was the process like of hiring and gaining the trust of their families, especially in communities from conservative backgrounds?
It took time, patience, and showing up consistently. We started with just two women, working from home. Slowly, word spread. We involved families, invited them to see the workspace, and built relationships of trust. Over time, more women joined. Today, our production team is a close-knit, skilled group that takes pride in their craft and their financial independence.
14. Is there a song that captures the spirit of your work or something you love listening to while creating?
“Patakha Guddi” from Highway—it has this wild, free-spirited energy that feels just like our work: rebellious, rooted, and ready to fly.
Obsessed already? Same. Shop Use Me Works's art and bring a piece of their world home on Kala Curry.