Every timeless creation begins with an idea. For architect, entrepreneur and designer Geetanjali Kasliwal, that idea grew into AnanTaya, a brand that seamlessly blends contemporary design with India’s rich craft traditions. Derived from the Sanskrit word Anant, meaning eternal or timeless, AnanTaya was envisioned as more than a design label. It became a platform where creativity serves a deeper purpose, celebrating craftsmanship while creating meaningful opportunities for artisan communities.
What began as an organic journey shaped by architecture, family and close collaborations with artisans has evolved into one of India’s most distinctive design brands. In this episode of the EBNW Stories Podcast, Geetanjali Kasliwal reflects on entrepreneurship, the story behind AnanTaya, balancing motherhood with business, and her philosophy on art, craft and creativity.
In Conversation with Geetanjali Kasliwal
Q. Entrepreneurship is often associated with vision, leadership, teamwork and resilience. According to you, what are the key ingredients of becoming an entrepreneur?
Geetanjali Kasliwal:
Every entrepreneurial journey begins with an idea, recognising a gap and finding a meaningful way to fill it. But an idea alone is not enough. It also requires the right skills and the ability to understand your core strength. One must constantly ask, “What unique value can I offer to the world?”
Passion is equally important. When your heart is invested in your work, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like play. Building the right team is another essential aspect because no individual possesses every skill. The real strength lies in bringing together people whose abilities complement one another and help create a cohesive business.
Most importantly, entrepreneurship requires the courage to take measured risks. You have to believe in your idea and say, “Yes, I can make this happen.” You must be willing to fall, learn and rise again.
Q. How did the idea of AnanTaya come into being? What inspired its beginning?
Geetanjali Kasliwal:
The journey happened very organically. I am an architect, while my husband and creative partner, Ayush Kasliwal, trained at the National Institute of Design (NID) and is a designer and artist. Initially, we worked on small architecture, interior and design projects.
Around the time my second daughter was born, I found myself thinking about how to balance my personal and professional life without constantly travelling. At the same time, many of our projects already involved beautifully handcrafted furniture, lighting, handles and decorative elements created by artisans.
We realised there was immense potential in bringing these handcrafted creations together under one platform and sharing them with a wider audience. More importantly, it made economic sense for artisan communities. Craft clusters often benefit only during a project and then wait for the next opportunity. Creating products offered artisans a more sustainable source of income. The idea wasn’t forced, it evolved naturally and slowly took shape.
Q. Does the name ‘AnanTaya’ have a personal story or inspiration behind it?
Geetanjali Kasliwal:
Absolutely. Initially, we never imagined we would even need a formal brand name. We started from the basement of our home and spent nearly a year taking feedback from visitors. There was no signboard outside and no grand business plan.
At first, our identity was closely linked to Ayush’s furniture and design studio. As the idea evolved, particularly after the birth of our daughters, Ananya and Tanaya, the name AnanTaya naturally emerged.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit word Anant, meaning eternal or timeless. It perfectly reflected what we wanted to create, designs and ideas that transcend trends and carry lasting value.
Q. In a few words, how would you define art?
Geetanjali Kasliwal:
Art is creative expression. It doesn’t always have to be functional; it can simply exist for beauty, emotion or aesthetics.
Craft, on the other hand, involves skill, process and repetition. The more you practise a craft, the more refined it becomes. Yet before crafting anything, there is always an idea, and that act of ideation is itself art.
Art is much broader than a painting on canvas. It can be food, sound, installation, movement, or even the magic someone creates through experience and emotion. Just as intelligence takes many forms, creativity too has countless expressions. I believe we should never box art into one narrow definition.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
For Geetanjali Kasliwal, AnanTaya is more than a design brand, it is the result of a journey shaped by passion, collaboration and purpose. From recognising the value of traditional craftsmanship to creating sustainable opportunities for artisan communities, her work reflects the belief that meaningful design should endure beyond trends.
Her story is also a reminder that entrepreneurship is not built overnight. It grows through thoughtful ideas, strong partnerships, measured risks and the willingness to keep learning. As AnanTaya continues to celebrate timeless design and India’s craft heritage, Geetanjali Kasliwal’s journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, designers and creative minds who seek to build with both purpose and passion.