In an era where fast fashion often overshadows craftsmanship, Whitehathi is reviving the essence of handmade jewelry with a modern twist. Founded in 2020 by Sakshee Agarwal and Abdulqadir Dahodwala, the brand emerged from a desire to support traditional artisans during the pandemic. What began as a purpose-driven initiative has today transformed into a thriving direct-to-consumer silver jewelry brand. In this exclusive conversation with Priyanka Chatterjee, co-founder Abdulqadir Dahodwala shares insights into the brand’s journey, its unique design philosophy, challenges overcome, and the roadmap ahead.
The Genesis of Whitehathi
“Whitehathi started with an intent, not a business model,” Abdulqadir begins, tracing the brand’s roots back to gold jewelry manufacturing. As the pandemic disrupted livelihoods, particularly those of artisans, Sakshee envisioned a platform that could combine traditional skills with contemporary sensibilities.
Abdulqadir joined forces to scale this vision into what is today known as Whitehathi, a brand that caters to modern Indian women aged 25 to 45, offering affordable, skin-safe, and customizable silver jewelry. “We wanted to create something accessible and authentic — rooted in heritage, but relevant to today’s tastes,” he explains.
Design Ethos: Modern Aesthetics, Traditional Techniques
At the heart of Whitehathi lies a commitment to preserving craftsmanship while staying attuned to the evolving preferences of their customers. The product range includes charm bracelets, oxidized earrings, stackable rings, and more — all crafted from pure silver with real gold coatings.
What truly sets Whitehathi apart is its use of 925 Sterling Silver as the base metal, layered with 2.5 microns of gold — a technique known as Gold Vermeil. This ensures that each piece of jewelry not only looks like real gold but is also built to last a lifetime.
“It’s where durability meets elegance,” Abdulqadir explains. “Our customers get the beauty of gold with the practicality of silver — an ethical, luxurious, and long-lasting alternative.”
“We don’t just sell jewelry; we sell stories,” Abdulqadir continues. The brand continuously listens to its audience through feedback loops and custom design requests, enabling it to co-create collections that resonate on a personal level. “Our customers guide us — from what they want next, to how they want to wear it,” he adds.
Navigating Disruption: From Meta Hacks to Manufacturing Pivots
While growth came rapidly in 2022, it wasn’t without turbulence. A major blow came when their Meta advertising accounts were hacked, leading to a six-month disruption in marketing activities. “It forced us to rethink our digital presence and become more resilient,” Abdulqadir shares.
Simultaneously, the brand grappled with quality inconsistencies from their then-manufacturing base in Kolkata. “It was a tough call, but we had to shift operations to Jaipur,” he reveals. The move, although challenging, resulted in significantly improved product standards and better integration with skilled artisans.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Footprints and Precious Ambitions
Whitehathi is far from done. “We’re aiming to open 30 to 40 retail outlets across India in the next few years,” Abdulqadir announces. The brand is also preparing to foray into fine jewelry by launching collections in 14 and 18-carat gold paired with lab-grown diamonds — staying true to its blend of ethical luxury and affordability.
The roadmap continues to be customer-led. “Every product we develop comes from a place of listening — listening to what our community values, needs, and dreams about,” he adds.
Conclusion
From a mission-led beginning to becoming a rising name in modern Indian jewelry, Whitehathi stands as a testament to the power of purpose meeting design. With artisans at its core, customers at the center, and resilience as its foundation, the brand is redefining what it means to wear tradition with pride.
As Abdulqadir aptly puts it, “We’re not just building a jewelry brand; we’re building a movement — one that empowers, preserves, and inspires.”
By- Priyanka Chatterjee
