Best of Weekender: Conversation with Needledust founder and how startups are keeping employee morale up during the pandemic

Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Sara Ali Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, and Sophie Turner. What do they all have in common?

The NEEDLEDUST juttis on their feet! Launched by Shirin Mann in 2014, Delhi-based NEEDLEDUST is a made-in-India footwear brand that offers handcrafted designer leather juttis and flat mules.

Samrata Salwan Diwan grew up with her grandparents, recounting stories about their lives — from their childhood to the trauma of their migration amid the partition. These stories gave her an insight into their struggles and triumphs, and everything in between.

Lamenting the fact that most family stories are lost with time, Samrata started Family Fables Co, a bespoke publishing company that helps individuals, families, and institutions document their unique and personal stories in the form of a beautiful book.

When the country went under lockdown in March last year, work from home became the norm for most employees. However, the transition has not been easy for many. To keep employees motivated and in good health, startups are conducting attractive sessions like online music concerts, stand-up comedy sessions, online leisure, and other wellness initiatives.

Monsoons have the potential to bring colds, cough, and flu. The cusp of seasonal changes is a critical phase for almost every person, irrespective of age, sex, body type, or anything else for that matter. This monsoon, avoid stressing your immune system with foods that affect your digestion and keep foods warm and consume them as soups and cooked foods.

ALSO READ

Best of Weekender: Fighting pandemic blues with music, handcrafted imaginative furniture, and more

Lockdowns may be lifting, but we’re all so attuned to the homebound life that evenings and weekends equal telly time. Get your OTT fix by streaming the best that’s on offer this week (apart from Friends: The Reunion). Weekender has chosen the best from Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+HotStar to set you up for a few dedicated hours of telly time.

Who doesn’t love the beach? The sun, sand, and sea make it everyone’s favourite holiday destination. COVID-19 means not many of us will be vacationing any time soon. YSWeekender suggests these 15 coastal twists to add a seaside feel to your home.

Even as we stay confined to our homes once again due to the coronavirus pandemic, summer is upon us. While you may not be able to go on a vacation, you can still stay home and try the endless list of summer delicacies to beat the heat. From decadent mango shakes to fulfil the season’s craving to refreshing cocktails that remind you of the good times at the beach — summer foods come in many varieties. Here’s a list of summer foods and drinks that are not only delicious but also keep you hydrated.