Our Story
The Birth of Shahkaar: A Legacy Reborn
In 2018, Shahkaar was born from the shared vision of brothers Manan and Salman, who sought to honor their family's storied heritage in the pashmina industry. Their journey is deeply rooted in a legacy that began with their great-grandfather, Wali Mohammad Baba, a man whose pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication set the stage for what would become Shahkaar.
Wali Mohammad Baba: A Pioneer’s Vision
Wali Mohammad Baba was known for his exceptional vision and determination. During 1920’s, his adventures took him to the rugged terrains of Skardu and the Changthang region, where he ventured to source the finest Pashmina wool from Changra goats. These journeys were not for the faint-hearted. He faced formidable conditions, traveling for months on horseback or on foot, navigating treacherous paths through towering mountains and deep valleys. Despite these challenges, his commitment to acquiring the highest quality wool became a cornerstone of the family’s pashmina legacy.
Building a Global Brand
Starting from humble beginnings, with only their personal savings and a modest storage space at their joint family home, the brothers worked tirelessly. They often spent 18-20 hours a day refining their craft and building their brand. Their perseverance began to bear fruit as Shahkaar’s reputation grew, with orders pouring in from all corners of the world—from New Caledonia and the United States to Norway and South Africa. Their commitment to authenticity and excellence resonated globally.
A Family Tradition of Excellence
The quality and artistry of their pashmina products became renowned, thanks to Wali Mohammad Baba’s dedication. As the family tradition continued, the responsibility of carrying forward this legacy fell to their grandfather, who maintained the family’s esteemed standards and values. However, life took an unexpected turn when their grandfather passed away suddenly. At this juncture, their father, who was then a dedicated medical student with dreams of becoming a doctor, faced a pivotal choice. With a heavy heart, he chose to leave his medical studies and take over the pashmina business. He did so with a deep sense of duty, becoming the steadfast support for his younger siblings, mother, and aging grandfather.
A Father’s Sacrifice and Influence
His commitment was unwavering. Despite his own dreams being set aside, he embraced the family business with integrity and hard work, earning the respect and trust of the community. His values of simplicity, honesty, and dedication profoundly influenced Manan and Salman, who grew up immersed in the world of pashmina making, learning from their father's example. Alongside their father, their uncles played a crucial role, providing emotional support and helping to navigate the challenges that came with running a family business. Their presence and encouragement gave Manan and Salman the confidence to pursue their vision for Shahkaar.
Connecting Customers Directly to Artisans
One of Shahkaar's most revolutionary steps was taking the authentic Pashmina shawls and scarves—masterpieces that their family used to wholesale to local retailers and Indian brands—directly to customers around the world. By connecting the customer directly to the maker, Shahkaar ensures that each piece is not only of the highest quality but also carries the rich history and craftsmanship of its origin. This direct-to-consumer approach, combined with world-class service, has set Shahkaar apart as a global leader in the Pashmina industry.
The Brothers’ Journey: Balancing Education and Tradition
From a young age, Manan demonstrated exceptional academic talent, earning numerous awards and accolades. One of the highlights of his academic journey was a heartfelt poem dedicated to him by his high school chairman, celebrating his achievements and promising future. As he and Salman grew older, they balanced their educational pursuits with involvement in the family business. While Manan’s expertise in client relations and export procedures grew, Salman developed a deep interest in artisan relations, focusing on enhancing the quality of their Pashmina products.
A Transformative Encounter
A transformative moment came when Gabrielle Soyer from Lindell & Co. visited Kashmir and shared her insights into design sensibilities and quality control. Her visits and advice left a lasting impact on the brothers, shaping their vision for Shahkaar. Inspired by Gabrielle’s expertise, Manan, after completing his engineering degree and excelling in his brief role at a multinational company in Bangalore, felt a strong pull to return to Srinagar. He was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to his community. Salman, having completed his business studies, joined him in their shared dream.
A Legacy of Values and Craftsmanship
Today, Shahkaar is a testament to the enduring legacy of their family’s values. The principles of simplicity, honesty, and dedication that their father embodied continue to guide them. The brand not only offers exquisite pashmina products but also tells the story of a remarkable journey that began with Wali Mohammad Baba’s adventurous trips to the Northern Himalayas and has evolved into a global symbol of quality and heritage.