Akarshak (Ash) Gera is the founder of Namastey, a brand curating handcrafted copper, brass, and bronze kitchenware, along with a growing range of unique Indian handicrafts for Australian homes. With a background in B2B software sales and a deep connection to traditional craftsmanship, Akarshak works closely with ethical suppliers to bring authentic, artisan-made pieces to a new audience, blending heritage, health, and design in every collection.
Tell us a bit about yourself – what’s your background and what led you to the world of food and drink?
I grew up in Noida – part of Delhi’s National Capital Region, surrounded by the aromas, colours, and rituals of Indian home cooking. My professional background is in business-to-business software sales. I’ve worked with companies like Salesforce, MindBody, and Darktrace, and I still love the art of selling.
But my shift into the world of food-related products started unexpectedly, after watching a Shark Tank India pitch about the renewed interest in copper and brass. It sparked something familiar: memories of my grandparents using these vessels, not just for tradition’s sake, but for the health benefits they swore by.
Curiosity took over. I researched market demand, pored over Etsy data, and learned that people were actively searching for these products. I saw an opportunity to bring this heritage to a new audience, blending nostalgia with modern design and everyday usability.
Talk us through the journey of your brand. What have been some of the key achievements and challenges along the way?
Namastey officially launched on 28 February 2025, but I started building it almost a year earlier. In just under six months, we’ve grown to over 1,500 Instagram followers, achieved a 10% repeat customer rate, and seen steady month-on-month sales growth.
While copper and brass are where we began, Namastey is about more than metals. We source unique Indian handicrafts from ethical buyers – from hand-painted tea kettles to pieces that celebrate regional artistry – and our search for distinctive finds never stops. Each product is chosen not just for its function, but for the story it carries from the artisan’s hands to your home.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Working with multiple suppliers means navigating different timelines, communication styles, and priorities. But it’s worth it when we find partners who share our values.
How has the ANZ market responded to the brand and what has surprised you most?
The response has been really encouraging. Australians are increasingly drawn to products that feel authentic and have a story. Our copper water dispensers have been runaway bestsellers on both Etsy and Shopify, and our newly launched copper bottles are gaining interest fast.
What’s surprised me most is how many customers buy our products not only for their health benefits but also as statement pieces for their dining or hosting setup. It’s exciting to see them appreciated as both functional and beautiful.
One thing you wish more people knew about your work?
Not all “pure copper” is truly pure, and that matters. Many businesses cut corners, selling cheaper alloys or claiming 100% copper when that’s not realistic (copper will always have trace elements like zinc or iron). Lab testing is the best way to confirm authenticity, and at Namastey, we’re transparent about our results.
Another thing: not every brand is in it for the long haul. We want to be here 10, 15, 20 years from now, building genuine relationships with our customers, not just making a quick sale.
How do you see food and drink culture in Australia evolving, and how does your brand fit in?
Australian dining and hosting culture is becoming more global and story-driven. People want their tableware, serveware, and décor to reflect something meaningful – whether that’s cultural heritage, sustainability, or artisanal craftsmanship.
Namastey fits into that by offering pieces that are as at home in a modern kitchen as they are in a traditional one. A copper jug on the bench, a hand-painted tea kettle on the shelf. They’re conversation starters, practical tools and little reminders of the craftsmanship still alive in the world.
What keeps you inspired as a founder?
Two things keep me going. First, the belief that putting customers first – really listening to their needs and going above and beyond, even if it means bending a policy now and then – will pay off in the long run.
Second, I want to inspire others to take the leap into business. One day, when Namastey is established and thriving, I hope to help others turn their ideas into reality.
What’s next for you and the brand?
We’re refining our packaging, developing copper cleaning kits so customers have an easy way to care for their products, and exploring partnerships with yoga studios keen to stock our bottles. By the end of 2025, I’d love to double our current order count to reach 150 orders, not just as a sales target, but as a milestone in building a community around the brand.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I am blessed with a wonderful wife, a four-legged best friend – our groodle, Coco, and a love for cricket that I indulge in whenever I can. Whether it’s a walk with Coco or a game in the park, those moments away from the screen help keep me balanced.
