Calling makes products that are the result of a deep focus on material and design. They work with hemp, and aim to raise awareness about the benefits of using it—it is sustainable, natural, and perfect for hot and humid climates. We’re in conversation with founders Riddhi and Monish about Calling InYu, their collectible collection that is inspired by stories and ideas that they feel passionate about. In a world where mass production has taken over, each piece takes about 8-10 days to make, and the imperfections, the textures, the finishes are all part of the story that makes every piece unique. More below.
Hemp Is Hope
Hemp is the reason why Calling exists. The two of us come from a design background and have worked with others to build brands. We knew that when we started our own, it had to have a good reason. And with hemp, we found that reason. It is a remarkable plant - it grows quickly, heals the soil, needs very little water, and yet has unbelievable potential of giving us fabric, bioplastic, hempcrete and so much more. By choosing hemp, we hope to create a world where the things we make give back to the planet and put less of a strain on it.
The InYu Collection
The Calling InYu came about as a very natural extension of our brand ‘Calling’. The name is actually short for ‘calling in you’.
We believe that everyone has an inner voice, a calling within them. And when you listen to it, it gives you purpose and keeps you centered. Calling InYu is our attempt to give form to that feeling. With it, we want to remind people - your calling is what you must hold onto when the world outside feels overwhelming. It isn’t just an object that sits in your space, but lives with you as a reminder of what matters most.
The Importance of Collectibles
Collectibles are about connections. When you hold a collectible that speaks to you and evokes a feeling - whether nostalgia, joy, peace or a sense of wonder - it forms a strong emotional pull. When we surround ourselves with these personal treasures that we’ve collected over a lifetime, they become homes to our memories and feelings.
In today’s time of mass-production, we’ve chosen to make ours in ceramic as a way to slow down. Making it in ceramic means you can’t rush the process. The imperfections, the textures, the finishes are all part of the story that makes every piece unique.
Design Process
Our collectibles are made of ceramic. Ceramic is a material that feels permanent, yet also demands care - making you cherish it.
We usually begin with conversations about what emotion or story we want the object to carry. Once we feel strongly about the idea, we translate it into a digital model that we then 3D print to know how it looks in real life. We go through multiple iterations to refine the form and proportions until it feels right. From there, we start the process of converting it into ceramic. Each piece of the Calling InYu takes about 8-10 days to be made. This stage requires a lot of patience and skill as the features are refined by hand, the arms and legs are assembled together piece by piece.
Bridging A Gap
India has an amazing craft tradition, but in terms of design-forward collectibles, the space is still young. We want to be able to bridge that gap between the traditional and contemporary. We’re inspired by traditional craftsmanship, yet our approach towards forms, finishes, and narratives has a contemporary design sensibility. We want to offer pieces that feel current, yet timeless, rooted in our local artistry but at home anywhere in the world.
What’s Next?
Our journey with Calling has always been personal and organic. We go where our intuition leads us. For us, the future isn’t just about more products. We want Calling to feel less like a brand and more like a world you can step into. What that world looks like is something we’re still shaping as we go, but we know that it will always stay rooted in hope, design, and intentional living.
This article is from the October EZ. Read the EZ here.
Words Neeraja Srinivasan
Date 27-10-2025