FabRap designs and produces zero waste 100% GOTS certified, reusable fabric gift wrapping or furoshiki.
Our exclusively sustainable and unique styles are inspired by contemporary design and the ancient art of Japanese furoshiki.
How did it all begin?
I’ve always found gift wrapping to be rewarding, as a child I wrapped gifts with a wide range of fabrics. The act of giving is such a powerful way of communicating our love, gratitude and appreciation for a person.
Being of Indian origin, and growing up in the UK and Australia I was surrounded by luxurious textiles and was always fascinated by the immense array of colours, fabrics and designs I would find during visits to India. It was when I was living in Dubai and Vietnam that I saw people primarily wrapping gifts in cellophane film, causing non recyclable waste. Realising there had to be a better way, I thought back to the way I wrapped gifts as a child. Through my background in organic cotton and textiles I began to search for a suitable supplier, and also to curate the perfect fabric for ease of use and durability.
In 2019, I launched FabRap, and I’ve been thrilled by the response. We have been recognised by significant media outlets, even being featured in the commemorative album for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2022.
We’re proud to say that our products 100% GOTS certified organic and made under fair labour conditions in India. Our supplier has a small operation, and while in production for our products the workforce grows by around 40%.
Being of Indian origin, and growing up in the UK and Australia I was surrounded by luxurious textiles and was always fascinated by the immense array of colours, fabrics and designs I would find during visits to India. It was when I was living in Dubai and Vietnam that I saw people primarily wrapping gifts in cellophane film, causing non recyclable waste. Realising there had to be a better way, I thought back to the way I wrapped gifts as a child. Through my background in organic cotton and textiles I began to search for a suitable supplier, and also to curate the perfect fabric for ease of use and durability.
In 2019, I launched FabRap, and I’ve been thrilled by the response. We have been recognised by significant media outlets, even being featured in the commemorative album for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2022.
We’re proud to say that our products 100% GOTS certified organic and made under fair labour conditions in India. Our supplier has a small operation, and while in production for our products the workforce grows by around 40%.
What sets your business apart?
From what our customers tell us, the most important reason people buy our products is because they love the fact that we are 100% GOTS certified organic and sustainably produced. That, and the fact that all our designs are exclusive to our brand and that they cannot be found in any fabric store.
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
Millions of tonnes of wrapping paper are thrown into landfill every year. The biggest problem is, wrapping paper is generally unrecyclable due to the fibres in the paper begin too small. On top of this, most wrapping paper is laminated and embellished with toxic dyes or glitters which is just terrible for our environment.
We’re about giving back to our planet and paving the way for a more socially and environmentally conscious future that we can all be proud of. We plant a tree for every order we receive as our way of giving back.
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
To expand to selling in more locations around the world. Also, we have recently completed a few corporate gifting orders, and we can see that this is an area of great importance and very relevant for our product. Whether it be for employees or customers, corporate gifting is a successful way to enhance a company’s presence and cement sustainable corporate governance objectives.
Hema Kumar
Founder of
FabRap™
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
Giving! I honestly believe a gift is such a special way to express our gratitude, love and appreciation for our friends and family members. There’s nothing quite like showing someone how much you appreciate them through showing them just how much they mean to you.
I’m also passionate about my two children – of course!
I’m also passionate about my two children – of course!
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
Growing up as an expat first in England and then Australia meant being surrounded by not only my own home country’s culture, but also the culture of my family’s heritage. I’ve also lived in Dubai, Vietnam and now am based in Germany. I would say that living as an expat teaches you so much about yourself. What your strengths are, how you can manage in what would seem normally to be situations you maybe would never have imagined before.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
• In 2021 we were awarded two German Brand Awards for excellence in branding and product design.
• The Global Good Awards gave us the honor of being selected as the ‘One to Watch’ in the Best Product of the Year category.
• We were also chosen to be included in the Queen’s Jubilee memorial book which was released in 2022, and were invited to join in the celebrations.
We’re so grateful for the numerous reviews and thoughtful encouragement we receive from our customers and media outlets from around the world.
• The Global Good Awards gave us the honor of being selected as the ‘One to Watch’ in the Best Product of the Year category.
• We were also chosen to be included in the Queen’s Jubilee memorial book which was released in 2022, and were invited to join in the celebrations.
We’re so grateful for the numerous reviews and thoughtful encouragement we receive from our customers and media outlets from around the world.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
Don’t wait to begin your dream business. If you have a good idea and you’ve done the research that shows it is a viable option – go for it!
Best piece of advice you have received?
The best time to start your new business was yesterday, the second-best time is today.
Starting a business is like having a baby – you’ll never be fully prepared for either!
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Research, research, research! Do your due diligence, don’t get swayed by emotion, and don’t let your inner voice, or anyone elses get in the way!
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
To date a mixture of self-funding and government grants/low interest loans.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
Learning how to let go of doing everything. Understanding my time limitations and making sure I allocate my funds in the correct places so that the business grows.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
Women in business are a force for good. Women are creative leaders who are able to compassionately steer employees to find their most resonant place in companies.
60
Seconds
with
Hema Kumar
My inspiration is...
I'm inspired by the endless resilience and creativity of the human spirit.
My greatest fear is...
not finding the right balance to do the business justice.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
two day cycling ride for charity spanning 300 km and many hills in Vietnam.
Guilty pleasure?
chocolate – not the good for you dark chocolate either!
Mantra you live by?
every life has its path, and every path takes its own time.
Female role model?
...hmmm I don’t think I can name just one: Ruth Ginsburg, Angela Merkel, Tina Fey, Serena Williams…
Women-led brand you love?
Dawn Denim, Aspiga.
Top productivity tool?
Whiteboard.
