At Uneeka, we believe great furniture starts with great relationships. That’s why, even after more than 20 years (May 21st was our 21st Birthday!) of curating design-led furniture, we still make time to visit the people behind the pieces. Earlier this spring, our director Jodi swapped the Cornish coast for the vibrant energy of India, travelling through the bustling streets of Delhi and Jaipur to spend time with one of our newest furniture partners.

From the moment you arrive, India is a sensory experience. Delhi’s streets are alive with colour, movement and sound - markets brimming with textiles and spices, scooters weaving through traffic, and the constant rhythm of daily life. From there, Jodi travelled on to Jaipur, a city known for its rich craft traditions and skilled artisans.

Among the hustle and bustle, there was one visit Jodi was particularly excited about: stepping onto the workshop floor of one of our suppliers who craft many of our mango wood furniture pieces.

Seeing the making process in person is always inspiring. Rows of stacked timber, the steady rhythm of carving tools, and artisans shaping each piece by hand bring a whole new appreciation for the work behind every design.

As Jodi explains:
"Working directly with these craftsmen allows us to maintain the human touch in every design while ensuring ethical practices and sustainable choices remain central to our work. Our Jaipur partners have a story shaped by generations of making and it’s great to work with another family business."

One of the things that makes this partnership so special is that everything happens under one roof. From the first design sketch through to carving, assembly, finishing and packaging, the entire process is managed in-house.

This integrated approach allows for careful quality control at every stage and ensures that each piece meets the high standards we expect for our collections. It also means the workshop can respond thoughtfully to design ideas and refine details as pieces develop.

Just as importantly, the workshop maintains strong ethical practices. It is Sedex registered, undergoes regular social audits and provides a safe, clean working environment where artisans are paid fairly and on time.

Why Mango Wood?

During his visit, Jodi also spent time exploring materials and finishes for future collections. One material you’ll be seeing much more of at uneeka this year is mango wood.

Mango wood combines durability, sustainability and beauty, Jodi explains. “It allows us to create pieces that are strong and long-lasting while giving a second life to trees that have finished fruit-bearing - a truly responsible choice for both craft and the environment.”

A dense hardwood, mango wood is prized for its:

• Durability & strength – strong like oak and built to last.
  
• Sustainable sourcing – repurposes trees that have finished fruit-bearing.
  
• Beautiful golden-brown tones & distinctive grain – often featuring natural markings.
  
• Workability & water resistance – perfect for handcrafted furniture.

Jodi’s trip also included visits to workshops creating some of our most-loved accessories: Hand-thrown mugs, cherished by uneeka customers for their tactile, individual charm and block print throws, hand-stamped textiles reflecting Jaipur’s centuries-old craft traditions.
These items perfectly complement our furniture, adding warmth, character, and artisanal quality to any home.