Welcome to the world of Thenga!

Ever wondered what 'Thenga' means? Thenga in Malayalam means coconuts! We are a small women led start-up from Kerala, India - working on products made with discarded coconut shells. Now you can purchase our products hand-made in a small village in Kerala from anywhere in the world. Thank you for supporting our mission, and saving coconut shells from going to the landfill !

Thenga was founded by Maria Kuriakose, in August 2019. She was originally from Kerala, but migrated to Mumbai for higher studies and work. As she was working there, she felt the urge to return to her home-town and start a business that supports the agricultural sector of Kerala. She decided to zero-in on coconuts as that was the main agricultural crop in Kerala and the state was named after coconuts! Kera means coconuts, and Kerala is the land of coconuts. 

After researching on different coconut products, she realized that coconut shell was being considered waste and was usually burnt as fuel. Traditionally in Kerala cooking utensils were made from coconut shells, and she wanted to revive the practice and also develop more products with coconut shells. Thus was born 'Thenga' a brand for home and kitchen essentials solely made from coconut shells. From our humble beginning in 2019, by 2021 we have sold over 24,000 coconut shell products supporting local artisans and saving thousands of coconut shells from being discarded in the landfill. 

THENGA started in 2019 with an aim to bring natural coconut shell products from Kerala to urban consumers, who are keen to move towards a sustainable living.

How did your very own awesome store come into existence, what was the one inspiring though that made you establish your own shop? How'd you do it? Put it right here, let the world know!