Tickle Your Art - When Colors Found Their Own Voice

You know how some stories just stay with you?
Like a melody that hums softly in your head long after it ends.
Well, Tickle Your Art is one of those stories - heartwarming, real, and full of little miracles.

Founded by Shweta Runwal along with her daughters, Dhriti and  Ira Ranka, from Pune.

It’s not just a brand; it’s a reminder that art doesn’t need words to speak, and trust me, their journey is the kind that makes you pause, smile, and maybe tear up a little, too.

When words couldn’t reach, but colors found a way

Dhriti was born with Down Syndrome, which means she has one extra chromosome - or as I like to call it, an extra dose of magic.

When Dhriti was born, Shweta didn’t know about Down Syndrome
The early days were full of confusion, and communication wasn’t easy.
But sometimes, life finds its own way to speak.

Dhriti started talking at the age of five - but by then, she already had her own  language , which was art.
 Her crayons became her words, her drawings became her emotions.

And that’s when Shweta realized - art isn’t just a hobby, it’s a language of the soul.
Shweta decided to learn art herself, not as a skill, but as a means of connecting  with them. She began teaching small batches of kids, and every class filled the room with colors and laughter.

That's  how Tickle Your Art  was  born  - a space where Dhriti and Ira create art, and Shweta turns their creations into beautiful, meaningful products.

A Mother, An Architect, and A Visionary

Before becoming a founder, Shweta was an architect - someone who saw design not just as a profession but as a way of life.

She always believed, “There’s nothing wrong in art - it can never be ugly."

That thought shaped her daughters, too. Both Dhriti and Ira grew up believing that every color, every line, and every imperfection holds beauty.

Because of Dhriti, their home turned softer, calmer, and kinder.
She unknowingly taught her parents the art of patience - and the power of acceptance. 

How Their Journey Took Flight  

It all started in 2020, when Shweta organized a small exhibition on World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March to spread awareness.
She collaborated with artists and encouraged them to train people with Down Syndrome and showcase their creations.

That one exhibition changed everything.
They received their first order of 100 notebooks, but Shweta made 200 - and all of them  were sold out!
That moment made her realize - people don’t just buy products, they buy stories.
And that’s how the storytelling journey of Tickle Your Art began. 

More Than a Brand - A Purpose

Today, Tickle Your Art is a purpose-led design brand that collaborates with artists born with intellectual disabilities.

They’ve sold 10,000+ products, built a B2B model, and recently launched an initiative called “Art Lab”- an entrepreneurial training program to help artists with intellectual disabilities learn, create, and grow.

Because for them, inclusion isn’t a concept - it’s a reality they live every day.

Products That Tell a Story and Steal Your Heart

Here’s the thing about their products - they’re not just pretty, they’re personal.
Every notebook, pendant, or mug carries an artist’s story.

They make stationery, tableware, jewelry, apparel, and more. 

One of their most unique creations is the “Kind Eye Pendant,”  the opposite of the evil eye, a concept imagined by Ira. 

It’s symbolic, emotional, and a tiny reminder to see the world with softer eyes.

Their scrapbooks have black pages instead of white!
Why? Because they wanted even lighter colors like white and yellow (the ones we usually ignore) to shine. Even the softest shades deserve their moment and space to be seen.

Why “Tickle Your Art”?

This part honestly made me smile.
When Dhriti was born, she didn’t wake up immediately. Nurses would gently pat her, but her parents couldn’t bear to see that.
So, they softly tickled her tiny feet - and she opened her eyes.

That’s how she got her nickname “Tickle”, and that’s how the brand got its name.
Because just like that moment, the brand is also bringing joy into their life.

Even their logo, shaped like a heart in blue and yellow, symbolizes Down Syndrome awareness - and the love that runs through everything they create.

Inclusion That Feels Like Family

Shweta also volunteers with the Down Syndrome Federation of India, helping connect families across the country.

To understand the larger picture of Down Syndrome awareness in India, you can also read this Economic Times article Down Syndrome! It’s high time to create a loud shout in India that beautifully explains the need for inclusion and early awareness.

The onboarding of artists for Tickle Your Art happens personally - through emails, conversations, trust, and shared belief in inclusion.

On September 18, 2024, Tickle Your Art’s Shark Tank India story became a proud milestone for the brand in the season 4 stage, with an ask of ₹21.3 lakhs for 7% equity.

They walked away with a deal from Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal - and hearts full of pride.

From a single room at home to their own art studio, they’ve stayed profitable since day one.

Proof that when passion leads, profit follows naturally.

When a Mother’s Dream Met a Daughter’s Destiny

There was a time when people told Shweta, “We don’t know if she’ll ever walk or talk.”
They changed four schools for Dhriti - some didn’t understand inclusion, others gave up trying.

But today, Dhriti walks with confidence,  not just for herself but for many others like her.
Her mother wears her scars like a crown ,the same scars given by society’s doubt and ignorance.

Because behind every extraordinary child is a mother who refused to give up. It’s a heart-touching mother-daughter brand story from India that celebrates courage and creativity.

My Honest Take 

The first thing I noticed about Dhriti and Ira was their clarity, confidence, and charm.
Both sisters are incredibly well-spoken, emotionally intelligent, and grounded . 

A reflection of the nurturing environment Shweta created. It’s the perfect example of powerful parenting ; where love became discipline, and creativity became confidence.

Sometimes, the most powerful art comes from the most unexpected souls, and it’s truly an inspiring Indian brand creating social impact through art and inclusion.

 Connect with Tickle Your Art

Follow the journey on Instagram:  @tickleyourart

Explore more on the official website:https://tickleyourart.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Syndrome

1.What is Down Syndrome?
A. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person has an extra chromosome 21. It doesn’t define who they are - it just makes them beautifully unique. Raising Down Syndrome awareness helps others see their abilities, not their differences.

2. What are the symptoms of Down Syndrome?
A. The symptoms of Down Syndrome can vary from person to person. Common signs include almond-shaped eyes, smaller hands or feet, and slower physical growth - but these are just outer traits. The real essence of a person with Down Syndrome lies in their personality.

3.How can we support people with Down Syndrome?
A. Start with kindness and inclusion. Give them space to learn, express, and shine. Simple gestures of acceptance go a long way in spreading Down Syndrome awareness and creating real change.

Note : Photos From Instagram Page :@tickleyourart