Kochi, Kerala – Some stories aren’t just meant to be told—they’re meant to spark revolutions.
The story of Thripthi Shetty is one such tale. Born in Manjeshwar, Kasaragod, in 1986 as Kiran, her journey from silent identity struggles to celebrated social entrepreneurship is nothing short of transformative—for herself and the society around her.
Raised in a world that refused to see her truth, Thripthi endured deep emotional solitude. Losing both parents early and unable to express her identity, she left home in 2004 for the bustling streets of Chennai and Mumbai, surviving on odd jobs while quietly saving every rupee for gender-affirmation surgery.
Years later, she returned not just as Thripthi Shetty—but as Kerala’s first openly transgender employee and, soon after, a pioneer in multiple fields.
Crafting a New Path—Literally
Thripthi’s hands, once hardened by survival, found new purpose in art. With support from the Kudumbashree Mission’s transgender neighborhood group, she trained in jewellery-making—using black metal, silk thread, stones, and even upcycled liquor bottles to create stunning pieces rooted in tradition and sustainability.
A ₹1 lakh loan from SBI turned her spark into a startup. Her brand, Thripthi Handicrafts, debuted with an exhibition at Marine Drive, Kochi. The response? Overwhelming. Everything sold out.
Breaking Firsts, Building Futures
Her impact didn’t stop there.
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First transgender artisan registered with the Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala.
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First transgender Mudra loan recipient.
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First to launch a mobile app for handcrafted products by and for marginalized artisans.
Her Android app, Thripthi Handicrafts, not only enabled direct sales—it also contributed ₹10 from every order toward transgender welfare, making it a model of social commerce.
Underwater Dreams
Even the waters weren’t off-limits. With the help of CMFRI’s Science Technology Innovation Hub, Thripthi launched Thripthi Aquatics, an ornamental fish breeding venture. Despite pandemic setbacks, she bounced back, earning accolades on International Women’s Day 2023 from CMFRI for her resilience and innovation.
Love, Legacy, and Leadership
Thripthi’s journey is one of love too. She married Hrithik M, a trans man and journalist—becoming Kerala’s first transgender entrepreneur couple. Their joint decision to pledge their bodies to medical research challenged institutions to recognize transgender representation in science and anatomy.
Her voice today is louder than ever—campaigning for transgender access to voter IDs, government schemes, and economic opportunities. She’s not just building businesses—she’s building a movement.
Her Vision: An Emporium of Empowerment
Thripthi dreams of establishing a flagship handicraft emporium in a tourist destination, exclusively run by transgender artisans. She envisions a space where identity meets creativity, supported by government subsidies, inclusive retail policies, and national recognition.
“Visibility isn’t enough anymore—we need viability,” she says. “We need systems that don’t just acknowledge us but invest in us.”
🔍 At a Glance: Thripthi Shetty
| Born | November 2, 1986 – Manjeshwar, Kasaragod |
| Based In | Kochi (Aluva/Kochi East) |
| Ventures | Thripthi Handicrafts, Thripthi Aquatics |
| Key Milestones | Artisan ID, Mudra Loan, CMFRI Recognition |
| Platform | www.thripthi.in & Mobile App |
| Partner | Hrithik M |
| Mission | Empower trans lives through enterprise, advocacy & art |
Thripthi Shetty is not just an entrepreneur—she is a force. In every bead she threads, in every fish she nurtures, and in every policy she challenges—she is stitching together a more inclusive, vibrant India.