Our Story
How we paved Two Way Street
Hi, I’m Avantika Kakkar, the founder of Two Way Street. The idea for this venture took shape in my heart during the spring of 2024, and I officially brought it to life that winter.
The spring of 2024 was a pivotal moment for me, as I moved into my own apartment. No more roommates or shared spaces—I was finally going to have a space of my own, and I couldn’t have been more excited. What thrilled me the most was the opportunity to decorate it in a way that truly reflected who I am.
Someone once said, “The objects in our homes are not just things; they are the fabric of our lives, holding the stories of our journeys and identities.” While searching for home decor pieces, I noticed a growing appreciation for handmade, artisanal products within and around me.
I was also reminded of the incredible artisans and the diverse art forms I had encountered during my travels across Turkey, Indonesia, Italy, India, the Maldives, and Thailand. These experiences ignited a vision in me—a way to connect this exquisite craftsmanship with a global audience.
For many artisans, the journey to reach a global stage is fraught with challenges: industrialization, competition from mass production, limited education, difficulty in accessing the right markets, and a lack of resources. Recognizing this gap in opportunity became the driving force behind Two Way Street.
How It Developed
Although I carried the deep desire to start Two Way Street for half a year before taking action, the will to create something meaningful for society had lived within me for years. What changed this time was the courage I had never felt before—a determination to turn my vision into reality.
I finally decided to leave my fundraising job and set out on a new path, driven by a deeper purpose. As I began this journey, I immersed myself in Vancouver's vibrant community markets, meeting countless small business owners and creators. These connections blossomed into friendships as I listened to their stories and tried to understand the challenges they faced. For many, it wasn’t just a lack of financial resources but also the scarcity of time. Life’s demands often relegated their passion projects to side businesses, while conventional jobs helped sustain their households.
This time of exploration not only deepened my empathy but also rekindled my own creative spirit. Inspired, I began painting again and creating pieces of my own. My journey led me to cross paths with remarkable individuals whose stories left an indelible mark on me.
I met a father-daughter duo whose exquisite blue pottery reflects generations of artistry and devotion. Over 45 meticulous steps and 20-25 days go into crafting a single piece—a true labor of love. Then, there’s Maina, a trailblazer empowering women in Asian slums by teaching them the intricate art of hand embroidery, offering them dignity and purpose. I met a man who transforms humble glass and metal pipes into breathtaking birds and bees—his work, nothing short of magical. And finally, a dear friend in Ontario, a female entrepreneur who pours her heart into crafting stunning home decor pieces using her brilliant calligraphy skills.
Before meeting these incredible individuals, I had toyed with the idea of naming this venture after myself. But spending time with them shifted my perspective. The “I” gave way to “US.” Two Way Street is not just about me; it is about all of us. It represents you—the ones who give these pieces of art a home—and the artisans, their families, and the unseen hands that support their craft in countless ways.
Two Way Street is their resilience, patience, passion, and unparalleled talent. It could never be just my story—it is ours.
Inspiration
Growing up, my mother and late grandmother, two women with hearts of gold, have been my greatest inspirations. They would go to great lengths to bring a smile to someone’s face. Watching how they lived their lives taught me to dream beyond myself and to imagine a world where I could contribute to meaningful change.
I’ve also been deeply influenced by a mentor I’ve never met in person—Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. His writings profoundly shaped my perspective and inspired me to turn my dreams into reality.
I spent three years working with a nonprofit organization, an experience that was transformative in more ways than one. It gave me a close-up view of the lives of the less fortunate and helped me shed my outsider lens. I realized how much we all have in common. Stripped of material differences, we share the same emotions—ambition, passion, and a willingness to change. My initial feelings of pity were replaced with a deep sense of partnership and solidarity.
These experiences taught me a valuable lesson: it’s not about running ahead and taking 100 steps alone. What truly matters is walking alongside others, taking one step together.
Two Way Street is just that—it’s all of us. You, the artisans, and me, moving forward as partners, one step at a time.
North Star
Art forms such as hand embroidery and block printing date back over hundreds of years. They must be preserved. The intricate techniques to create such masterpieces by hand are passed down from generation to generation.
Against the tide of mass manufacturing, some seek more than mere objects - embracing small businesses and pieces with a soul and story. Welcome to Two Way Street: where truly great art finds its way to your home and heart.
Our mission is to empower 1000 talented artisans and small businesses and bring their exceptional craftsmanship to 1 million homes by 2030, transforming lives and living spaces.
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank you for joining us on this journey of celebrating art and empowering communities.
Gratitude
At Two Way Street, we recognize a growing community of individuals who value one-of-a-kind, bespoke pieces for their homes. These are people who see art not just as decoration but as a way to support the hands that create it.
When you purchase a piece from Two Way Street, you’re doing more than adding a unique accent to your home. You’re participating in a meaningful exchange. You gain an item with a story and soul, while an artisan gains an opportunity to share their craft on a global platform.
At Two Way Street, we believe in a connection that works both ways—a partnership that empowers makers and enriches buyers. Together, we’re giving these handcrafted treasures the homes they deserve while creating a ripple effect of empowerment and creativity.