In this episode, we sit down with Bidisha Samantaray, the co-founder of LAL Design Studio, an independent block printing and textile studio based in Pondicherry. Bidisha shares the story of how Lal began as a mother daughter journey across India, grew into a space that celebrates traditional craft, and eventually became a studio creating small batch garments with original wood block prints.

We talk about the roots of Indian craft, the realities of running a handmade clothing studio, and why slow processes still matter in a world built on speed. Bidisha explains how wooden blocks are carved, how colors are mixed, why certain regions specialize in particular techniques, and what it feels like to build a creative practice that stays intentionally small and hands on.

This conversation explores the human side of craft and the challenges independent designers face today: staying true to heritage techniques, finding the right collaborators, keeping production local, and learning to be visible in an increasingly digital world.

For anyone interested in Indian handloom, wood block printing, artisan textiles, ethical fashion, slow design, small batch clothing, or the creative life in India, this episode is a thoughtful and grounded listen.

Find Lal Design Studio on Instagram at @laldesignstudio and discover their block printed shirts, kurtas, trousers, and home textiles — now available in partnership with all mellow co. and available at www.allmellow.co