In a world where trends come and go, some brands stand out by offering more than just products—they offer stories, heritage, and meaning. Banyan & Birch, founded in 2023 by Boston-based Smita Netra, is one such brand. As it celebrates its first anniversary, the home decor label has already made waves by reimagining traditional Indian craftsmanship for modern global homes.
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The Vision Behind Banyan & Birch
Smita’s journey began with a deep connection to her Indian roots and a desire to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Her vision was clear: to celebrate South Asian artistry while making it accessible to contemporary living spaces. Drawing inspiration from nature, her travels, and her heritage, Smita brought her dream to life with a collection of bold, minimalist designs that honor tradition while catering to mindful, modern consumers.
Central to this vision was the collaborative energy of Namratha Ajai, Banyan & Birch’s creative head, who played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity. Namratha brought a unique perspective that blended creativity with strategic execution, ensuring that the designs not only reflected the brand’s ethos but also resonated deeply with its audience. Together, Smita and Namratha have built a brand that seamlessly weaves traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, creating timeless pieces that tell a story.
“We wanted to create something that feels timeless yet bold, something that pays homage to the rich legacy of Indian craftsmanship while fitting seamlessly into the homes of today,” says Smita.
With this ethos at its core and Namratha’s creative direction shaping its journey, Banyan & Birch has become synonymous with mindful luxury and thoughtful design.
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Crafting Stories Through Artisanship
At the heart of Banyan & Birch lies a dedication to preserving age-old Indian techniques. Each product tells a story of heritage and artistry, crafted by expert Indian artisans using methods such as hand-block printing, hand screen printing, and hand weaving. These techniques, passed down through generations, breathe life into every piece, whether it’s a throw pillow cover adorned with intricate motifs or a table linen set designed to elevate everyday dining.
“Our artisans are the soul of what we do,” Smita shares. “Their expertise transforms our designs into pieces that are not just decor but heirlooms in the making.”
Sustainability as a Journey
For Banyan & Birch, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a commitment. The brand uses 100% natural fabrics, ensures plastic-free packaging, and follows small-batch production practices to minimize waste. While they acknowledge that they are not yet fully sustainable, their ethos, “From the Earth, Back to the Earth,” guides their continuous efforts to improve.
“We’re on a journey to do better, one step at a time,” Smita explains. “It’s about making choices that align with our values while being honest about the challenges.”
A Celebration of Milestones
As Banyan & Birch marks its first year, the brand reflects on not just the products it has created, but the experiences and connections that have shaped its journey. From empowering artisans and preserving traditional craftsmanship to creating products that resonate with modern, mindful consumers, each milestone tells a story of growth and purpose.
The journey began humbly but gained momentum when Banyan & Birch joined the Retail Incubator under “UpNext”, earning a brick and mortar storefront for eight months. This space became more than a showcase – it was a canvas for meaningful conversations about heritage, craftsmanship and modern design.
As the brand continued to grow, unique opportunities deepened its connection to diverse audiences. Coming onboard as a brand partner for a live podcast event with BCG (Boston Consulting Group), where Banyan and Birch curated a personalized gift box for global music icon Jay Sean, blending artistry with thoughtfulness.
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Last year’s festive season brought yet another milestone when Banyan & Birch was invited to be a partner for the Diwali Gala in Boston, where its work took center stage in a room graced by Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Secretary Yvonne Hao.
With a growing collection that now includes throw pillow covers, table linens, throws, placemats, and even limited-edition scented candles, Banyan & Birch continues to add timeless elegance to homes, bridging tradition and modernity with every piece.
What’s Next for Banyan & Birch?
Looking ahead, Smita and her team are excited to continue expanding their collection and deepening their commitment to sustainability.
“We’re not just creating products—we’re building connections between heritage and modern living,” says Smita.
For those seeking to add timeless elegance to their homes, Banyan & Birch offers more than just decor—it offers a way to embrace tradition in a bold, modern way.
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Discover Banyan & Birch’s collection today and be part of a journey that honors heritage, artistry, and mindful living.
