Maitree Creation

Being up on the 4th floor means we don't get much walk-in traffic from the street level. You really have to know we are here at No. 22 Amartalla Street. The climb up is a bit much for some, especially if you’re carrying heavy bags or boxes. We spend most of our day up here among the long tables and the big cutting boards. It is definitely quieter than the ground floor, which is nice for focusing on the details of the work. We deal with various textiles and small-scale production for local clients. The windows are usually kept open to let a breeze in, but the street noise still drifts up from below. It’s an old part of town with a lot of history. The walls could use a fresh coat of paint, but we’d rather spend that money on getting better supplies for the shop. We keep the kettle going for tea throughout the day to keep us moving. My brother and I manage most of it ourselves. We don't have a big staff to help out. Sometimes the elevator breaks down and we have to carry everything up the stairs by hand. That’s just how it is in these old city buildings. We’ve been in this spot since the early 2000s. We know the rhythm of the neighborhood. The morning starts early with the sound of shutters opening below. By evening, we are packing up and checking the lists for the next day.