Ayesha and Manisha Desai: Sisters Transforming Old Clothes into Heartfelt Memories

Every piece of clothing holds a story, a memory, or a sentiment that makes it difficult to part with. Ayesha and Manisha Desai, the dynamic sister-founders of Cornucopia, embarked on a unique mission to help people transform their old and cherished clothes into beautiful patchwork quilts and blankets. Their start-up serves as both a do-good movement and a commercial venture, encouraging a low-wastage lifestyle and offering a creative solution to an age-old problem. The journey of Cornucopia began with a simple realization – a trunk full of “never-to-be-thrown” keepsake clothes. Ayesha and Manisha had collected these garments over the years, each with its own story and significance. When faced with the dilemma of letting them go, they decided to turn these cherished pieces into a bright and colourful patchwork quilt. This single quilt marked the beginning of an extraordinary venture.

The Do-Good Mission:

The Desai sisters have turned their passion for preserving memories into a larger mission. Cornucopia is not just about recycling clothes; it’s about encouraging people to reevaluate their possessions and consumption patterns. By upcycling old and unused T-shirts, kurtas, bedsheets, dupattas, or sarees, the Cornucopia team aims to extend the lifecycle of clothing and promote a low-wastage lifestyle. These are clothes that hold immense sentimental value, making it challenging to part with them. Cornucopia offers a sustainable solution, reducing the carbon footprint and advocating a departure from excessive consumerism.

Cornucopia is part of a growing movement in India that focuses on upcycling and recycling to reduce waste and enhance sustainability. In a country where such practices were relatively unheard of a decade ago, multiple organizations are now dedicated to making a difference in this space. From upcycling boutique BlueMadeGreen to the innovative work of the Upcycle Project, the message is clear: it’s time to minimize waste and maximize creativity. Cornucopia stands out in this eco-conscious landscape, offering a way to preserve memories and reduce clothing waste.

Despite their differences in personalities and interests, Ayesha and Manisha Desai share a deep bond. With Ayesha’s background in health and HIV and Manisha’s experience in communication for development, they both have over 15 years of social work behind them. Ayesha’s work spans communities in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, while Manisha has contributed to issues like trafficking, rural development, and waste management. Together, they form a formidable team with a shared passion for making a positive impact. At the heart of Cornucopia’s success is a team dedicated to crafting unique, sentimental products. The company works with design templates for their products, allowing clients to choose designs based on their preferences. While most clients select from the templates, some request custom designs, which Cornucopia readily accommodates. Each order is a learning experience since the raw materials vary, resulting in one-of-a-kind end products.

Cornucopia operates with a team of five artisans, and they follow fair trade principles, ensuring that their team members are well-compensated for their work. Additional home-based workers are hired as needed to meet the demand. The Desai sisters have thoughtfully built a business model that reflects their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Ayesha and Manisha Desai’s mission has resonated with many individuals, leading to increased orders and a strong presence on social media. The company has focused on organic growth and has chosen not to rush into rapid expansion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sustainable and enjoyable work environment.