Susmita Nayak is a 40-year-old textile artisan and master crafter based in Laikera Block, Jharsuguda district, Odisha. She began learning the craft a couple of decades ago through self-learning and community mentorship acquiring skills through observation and sustained engagement with materials. Working primarily with textiles and tools such as sewing machines, her practice reflects acquired and practiced knowledge alongside adaptations developed over time. The craft holds cultural and social significance within its community and is closely tied to everyday use, shaped by local resources and seasonal rhythms. Economically, Susmita Nayak sustains her livelihood through local markets, collectives, intermediaries, institutional collaborations while negotiating challenges such as material scarcity, market pressures, or market demands. Her work has been presented at exhibitions/fairs across the state. Committed to the continuity of the tradition, she emphasizes the importance of transmitting skills and knowledge to younger generations while responding to contemporary conditions.