Haseena Shaikh

Six years ago, I knew myself only to be a homemaker whose purpose in life was to take care of the family. When I joined Aftertaste, I began to discover who I am. It has taught me to live for myself, find my identity and find my purpose. I now want to make sure my children go ahead in life just like I did and break the vicious cycle. No one in my family has come this far.
- Haseena Shaikh

Anjali Marpali

I was a homemaker but I always loved craft and helped my children in their school projects. This was the type of work I wanted to do, but did not have any opportunity in the community. When I joined Aftertaste, it fulfilled my long cherished desire. I stepped out of my home and also travelled to places with craft installation work. It filled me with joy and sense of accomplishment.
- Anjali Marpali

Saira Aktar

Five years ago my family plunged into poverty. My children dropped out of school. With my sister's help I joined Aftertaste and gradually revived my life and enrolled my children back to school after one gap year. Today I take complete responsibility of my children's education and well being. This work has led me to uncover my potential and instilled in me the belief "Yes I too can" change the most difficult of circumstances.
- Saira Aktar

Naziya Mirza

I am single mother with two young children and I was dependent on my parents and siblings for everything. Today I feel extremely proud of myself, that I am able to take care of my children and all our needs myself. I am educating my children, running the household, paying the rent all singlehandedly and living a life of dignity.
- Naziya Mirza

Saira Aktar

I joined Aftertaste under difficult personal circumstances. Sitting among all the sisters, I regained my mental health and started smiling again. When I come to work, this is a getaway from all the daily challenges. We work in one team and share our joy and sorrow with each other and that eases my burden.
- Indravati Gupta

Vision

We believe in an idea of a developed India where every individual has access to a dignified life and opportunities. Aftertaste was started with the vision to empower women from economically disadvantaged communities and empower them to break the vicious cycle of social and economic poverty. Aftertaste makes opportunities that come with knowledge, exposure and economic means, accessible to marginalised women from the urban low-income communities of Mumbai.

The Social Problem

Economic Poverty

Poverty is rampant in the slums of Mumbai, as many who migrated with dreams of success, are struggling for basic survival. The millions that inhabit the slums live in abject conditions of social and economic poverty, especially the women and children.

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State of Women and Children

The women of these slums deal with the existential challenges, poor quality of life and patriarchy, resulting in women and children stuck in cycles of unfair wages, unfavourable working conditions and loss of dignity.

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Social Poverty

Due to lack of knowledge and awareness of government schemes and policies, the hard-earned money gets misused by several racquets which operate in the slum and dupe the people in the name of saving. The money earned is almost rendered useless.

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Theory of Change

Empowered woman leads to empowered family

Aftertaste's work started with economic empowerment of the women of the community using art and craft as a medium and enabling the women to earn a dignified livelihood. Through the process of skilling the women and generating a livelihood, Aftertaste works with the women and their families continuously, to bring about social change by empowering them with knowledge and exposure to build capacity in the areas of education, healthcare and financial literacy leading to an improvement of the socio-economic condition of their families.

Most Trending products

We bring to you most loved products created with the love, Perseverance, and Determination of the artists of Aftertaste when you choose us, you support the women and children of Aftertaste to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty and earn a dignified livelihood.

Pack of Love

Elephants are revered as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, destroyer of evil, remover of obstacles, as well as strength, power, wisdom, memory, and vitality.

Felt Frames

Enhance your décor with our felt photo frame by Aftertaste artisans. Handcrafted for a touch of elegance, it not only displays memories beautifully but also supports dignified livelihoods.

Gift Box

Check out our gift-sets now packaged in coordinated gift boxes handcrafted meticulously by the artisans of Aftertaste.

Unisex Bag

Unisex bags, crafted by skilled artisans, combine style and purpose, promoting inclusivity and quality craftsmanship.

Dreamcatcher

Aftertaste artisans’ hands intricately weave dreams, Each thread a whisper of hope, each bead a story untold, Handmade dreamcatcher, a timeless symbol of artistry and magic.

Tote Bags

our handmade cloth bags, in their endearing colours and designs are the right pick for you!

Ear Buds

These crochet covers can hold your earbuds or even act as a camphor holder, to be hung from the car. These are washable and easy to maintain.

Danglers

Decorate your doors and thresholds with our uniquely Paper butterfly danglers, Handmade with love.

Felt Keychains

Carry your home or office keys with style, with our durable, washable, handmade felt keychains. Available in a variety of animal themes and colours.

Handpainted Journals

Presenting to you a selection of our best selling hand painted notebooks, made with meticulous love by the women of aftertaste!

Felt Notebooks

Handmade reusable felt book covers in the super hero series available in Spider Man design. These book covers are reusable and washable.

Handpainted Planter

Keep your surroundings green in our lean planters, created with macrame, handcrafted with love.

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