As a premium courverture chocolate brand, SMOOR not only produces high-quality products but also strives to uplift communities through its CSR initiatives. SMOOR's social initiatives are focused on creating sustainable livelihoods for rural women artisans, providing essential skills, market access, and stable incomes that empower them both personally and professionally.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Kanchan Achpal, CMO of SMOOR Chocolates, details how these initiatives have made a tangible impact, from increasing wages by 40% through design training and corporate partnerships to promoting self-reliance and reducing dependency on external support. This discussion covers the challenges faced by these artisans, SMOOR’s strategy for sustainable impact, and how collaborations with organizations like Masmara and Sirohi enhance their mission. Kanchan also shares insights into SMOOR’s plans for geographical expansion and the development of eco-friendly practices across all CSR efforts, demonstrating a vision for both social and environmental responsibility.
Read the full interview for more insights:
Q. Could you please provide an overview of SMOOR's CSR initiatives focused on empowering women artisans? How did these initiatives come about, and what were the primary goals you aimed to achieve through them?
A. At SMOOR, our CSR initiatives focus on empowering women artisans by providing them with sustainable livelihoods. Collaborating with organizations like Masmara, we bridge the gap between rural artisans and urban markets, giving these women the chance to showcase their craft. Our goal is to offer skills, support, and a stable income to uplift them, helping them contemporize traditional designs for modern buyers.
Q. Before SMOOR's intervention, what were some of the key challenges faced by the women artisans you worked with? How did these challenges impact their livelihoods and well-being?
A. The women artisans we support faced inconsistent income from seasonal agricultural work, forcing many to migrate for jobs. This affected their family life, financial stability, and community ties. Without access to larger markets or modern design skills, their craftsmanship remained underappreciated, limiting their income and growth. SMOOR’s partnerships help bridge these gaps by offering market linkages, design training, and consistent work opportunities, allowing these women to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage.
Q. Could you share specific examples of how SMOOR's initiatives have made a meaningful impact on the lives of these women artisans? How have these initiatives empowered them both personally and professionally?
A. Through our partnership with Sirohi, SMOOR supports women artisans across India by providing design training that enhances their skills and income. Thanks to Sirohi, their wages have increased by 40%, enabling them to create sustainable, globally appealing products while securing a stable livelihood.
Q. How does SMOOR ensure that its CSR efforts are sustainable in the long run? Are there specific steps being taken to reduce the artisans' dependence on outside agencies and promote self-reliance?
A. We ensure sustainability by providing artisans with an all year round plan of orders, consistent work and income. This allows them to focus on their craft and plan ahead without the fear of income uncertainty. We also secure bulk orders from corporates, providing steady income streams and reducing their reliance on outside agencies. By building long-term relationships with artisans and customers, we help promote self-reliance and growth.
Q. Are you providing market linkages to these women artisans? Additionally, how are you equipping them with financial literacy and the skills needed to manage their businesses independently, without reliance on external support?
A. Yes, at SMOOR, we actively connect these artisans with larger markets, especially by facilitating relationships with corporate clients. This expands their reach and provides them with sustainable revenue streams.
Q. Collaboration plays a crucial role in the success of CSR initiatives. Can you share more about your current partners, and how these collaborations have enhanced your efforts in supporting women artisans and promoting sustainability?
A. Our partnerships with Masmara, Sirohi, and the Apoorva School of Autism are crucial to our success. Masmara helps connect artisans with global markets, Sirohi provides design training, and Apoorva allows specially-abled children to showcase their talents. These collaborations have allowed us to empower artisans while promoting sustainability through eco-friendly packaging, ensuring that our CSR efforts create lasting impact.
Q. What are your future plans in terms of expanding your CSR efforts geographically? Are there any new regions or communities you plan to work with, or additional initiatives you are considering?
A. We aim to expand our reach to more regions rich in craftsmanship but lacking access to markets and resources. Our goal is to empower these communities through skill-building and sustainable opportunities. We are also committed to supporting eco-friendly practices across all our CSR efforts, ensuring that our initiatives not only uplift people but also respect and protect the environment.
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