Susuma Maharatha is a 40-year-old textile artisan and master crafter based in Phulbani, Kandhamal district, Odisha. She began learning the craft a decade ago through community mentorship acquiring skills through observation and sustained engagement with materials. Working primarily with textiles and tools such as sewing machine, her practice reflects 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, Susuma Maharatha sustains her livelihood through local markets and collectives as well as intermediaries and institutional collaborations while negotiating challenges such as material scarcity, market pressures, or customer preference. Committed to the continuity of the tradition, she emphasizes the importance of transmitting skills and knowledge to younger generations while responding to contemporary conditions.