Designing with Empathy
Mariyam Khatri on Craft, Sustainability and Women in Leadership
At the intersection of craft, sustainability and thoughtful design stands Mariyam Khatri, founder of BANANA Labs. Her work moves fluidly between innovation and tradition, where contemporary design thinking meets the lived knowledge of craft. As a woman leading a studio shaped by this philosophy, her journey reflects not only creative ambition but also a deep attentiveness to people, processes and the stories embedded in the making of objects.
For Mariyam, the path through design, craft and sustainability has always been deeply personal. She believes her identity as a woman has shaped the way she approaches the world around her — with a heightened sensitivity to the human stories behind creation.
“Design, craft and sustainability are not just technical ideas, they need empathy and patience,” she says.
Working closely with her mother, who is also her co-founder, has further strengthened this perspective. Their collaboration is built on constant dialogue, where instinct and analysis meet, and where traditional craft practices are balanced with business understanding and long-term vision.
This exchange of perspectives, Mariyam explains, is what allows the studio to evolve while remaining firmly grounded in its values.
“It has taught me that sensitivity can coexist with radical thinking. You can care deeply about people and craft while still building something ambitious and future facing.”
Her design philosophy remains deeply people-centric. Beyond materials or aesthetics, she is drawn to the artisans, the processes and the layered histories that give each object its meaning.
When speaking about inspiration, Mariyam points to women who expand the idea of what is possible.
“Someone like Priyanka Chopra comes to mind. She didn’t just succeed in India, she went on to build a truly global presence and keeps reinventing herself. That courage to step into unfamiliar spaces and keep pushing boundaries is really inspiring.”
That same spirit of courage is reflected in the advice she offers young women beginning their journeys.
“Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Build your voice, stay curious and don’t be afraid to walk into rooms that feel bigger than you. Very often the only difference between people who lead and people who hesitate is simply the willingness to try.”
For Mariyam, empowerment extends far beyond individual success. It is about creating environments where women can grow, lead and support one another.
“Feminism, in that sense, is not about opposition but about equality and opportunity. It is about creating systems where women can lead, create and be heard without constantly having to prove their legitimacy.”
Within her studio, this belief is already embedded in the way the team works.
“The brand is led and managed by women in leadership positions, and our team is entirely women. Creating that environment where women can take ownership, make decisions and grow together feels like a very real form of empowerment.”
In Mariyam’s view, sensitivity — often dismissed in leadership or design — is in fact a powerful advantage.
“Sensitivity is not a weakness in design. It is the superpower that makes craft and sustainability meaningful.”
