
Sometimes we have the good fortune of meeting makers in person at various events and that was the case with Nisha. We saw her gorgeous woodblock print scarves beautifully folded and hung at her booth and we were in love. Today it is our great pleasure to feature Nisha Mirani of @shopsundaymonday whose scarves and home goods will delight and brighten your day.
Pronouns: She/her/hers.
What inspires your work?
With SUNDAY/MONDAY, I hope to honor and support the preservation of indigenous Indian craft traditions while also creating space for innovation and growth. India has such a diversity of religions, languages, architecture, and landscapes, but we are exposed to a small part of the culture here in the US. While many textiles sold here are made in India, the people selling them often do not reflect the people making them.
Nisha stands in front of a yellow and white carved wall in India wearing a pale screen wrap top. Model wears a Waves Clay Scarf in their hair while another scarf flies in the backround. They also wear a white top and cream pants.
SUNDAY/MONDAY allows me to stay connected with my roots and constantly learn more about my heritage. Even though I was born here, I was lucky to visit often growing up. Going back to India each year as an adult feels like coming home in a way. I feel light, joyful, and inspired there and want our textiles to reflect that spirit. With that said, I keep in mind the complexities of colonialism, identity, privilege, and immigration while navigating the business and sharing the story of our textiles.
Indigo and white printed Egret Table Runner lies on a wood table with flowers, a plate of oranges, bread and brass silverware lay on top. A series of blue and white hand block printed pillows are neatly arranged on a white couch along with a Myna Throw.
Besides that, our work is inspired by: color, architecture, organic forms found in nature, my husband’s Japanese heritage, and artists including Isamu Noguchi and Hilma Af Klint.
What is your favorite piece in your collection and why?
The Ripple scarf in fuchsia and red is draped over a chair. A donut shaped ceramic vase with white flowers sits on top. The Ripple scarf in fuchsia/red, peach/black, and the Tiger scarf are draped over display stands.
My favorite piece in the collection is currently our Ripple scarf in fuchsia. Red and pink together is such a playful color combination and the scarf is easy to pair with a black jumpsuit or white button down. Also, our scarves and bandanas are all hand block printed on a soft silk cotton blend, so you don’t get overheated or itchy wearing them.
A worker is block printing on fabric in a workshop.
What’s something you love about your heritage?
I love so many things, but especially how much color, pattern, and maximalism in general are embedded in the culture and are used to celebrate our bodies, homes, and public spaces.
Model has back facing the camera while wearing a Constellation bandana in their hair. They also wear a white tee and black leather trench. The Rann patterned area rug lays on a hardwood floor with black and white checked sandals and a bench on top. Model wears a Ripple scarf in peach and black. They also wear a black and white checkered skirt and hold a white tub with flowers. Model is in profile view wearing a Solstice bandana, hoop earrings and a white top.
I am proud of the resilience and resourcefulness of South Asian women around the world, especially that of my immigrant mother. These qualities have been passed down to me and are vital to running a small business.