Jyoti Jahnavi Saxena is honouring tradition while embracing modernity with Prayasa
In a world where fast fashion and mass production often overshadow craftsmanship, designer and entrepreneur Jyoti Jahnavi Saxena is carving out a different path – one that honours tradition while embracing modernity. With a career spanning over a decade, Jyoti’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and cultural storytelling.
What inspired Prayasa
For Jyoti, uncertainty was never a limitation – it was a space where ideas took shape. In the midst of changing trends and a fast-moving global market, she saw a gap: the quiet fading of India’s artisanal legacy. That discomfort became her driving force. Prayasa, meaning effort, was born out of her desire to channel that uncertainty into purpose. It was a personal commitment – a prayas – to work within India, for India. To honour its heritage, collaborate with local artisans, and give traditional crafts the contemporary relevance they deserve. Through Prayasa, she transforms uncertainty into action, and tradition into timeless design. 
A Journey Rooted in Heritage
Born in Mumbai and raised along India’s picturesque coasts, Jyoti grew up surrounded by the discipline of the Indian Navy, instilled by her father, and the unbounded creativity of her mother. These contrasting influences nurtured her artistic spirit, encouraging her to explore the world of design. She pursued interior design in Hong Kong and the UK, immersing herself in global perspectives on craftsmanship and aesthetics. However, no matter where she traveled, Jyoti found herself drawn back to India’s rich artistic heritage.
The Birth of Prayasa
This deep connection to India’s traditions led her to establish Prayasa, a brand that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary design. Prayasa is a movement that brings together artisans from across India, weaving their time-honored techniques into pieces that resonate with today’s generation. Through Prayasa, Jyoti champions handcrafted artistry, ensuring that each creation carries a story–one of skill, legacy, and innovation. “For me, uncertainty has always been a space for creativity to thrive,” Jyoti reflects. “Through Prayasa, I want to honour India’s artisans and re-imagine their craft for a new generation. It’s about preserving tradition while making it relevant in a modern world.” 
Redefining Artisanal Design for a Global Audience
As a thought leader in the industry, Jyoti continues to push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Her vision for Prayasa goes beyond aesthetics; it is about sustainability, cultural appreciation, and economic empowerment for artisans. By creating a bridge between the past and the future, she is ensuring that India’s handcrafted legacy not only survives but thrives on the global stage. Today, Prayasa is expanding Indian artisanal design across borders, with growing operations in the UK and US –bringing stories of heritage and handmade beauty to a worldwide audience
