Boxwalla began its journey in California, offering subscription boxes that explore beauty, books, food, films, fashion, and music. Now, this innovative platform is launching in India.
In an era dominated by speed and instant gratification, Boxwalla is leading a quiet global revolution. Founded in 2015 by Lavanya Krishnan and Sandeep Bethanabhotla, Boxwalla began its journey in California, offering subscription boxes that explore beauty, books, food, films, fashion, and music. Now, this innovative platform is launching in India, promising a unique experience for cultural enthusiasts nationwide.
“Eight years ago, in the U.S., we set out to showcase the work of independent artists and artisans, writers, poets, as well as filmmakers from all over the world, making ingenious art in all forms—art that informs conversation and propels culture. Since then, our community has grown manifold and we’re simply overjoyed to be finally bringing Boxwalla to our homeland, India,” rejoices co-founder Lavanya Krishnan.
At the heart of Boxwalla’s ethos is a passion for highlighting translated literature, independent publishers, and artisans creating innovative work. Each subscription box offers a curated selection of cultural treasures, inviting subscribers to immerse themselves in the richness of global creativity.
The platform’s expansion into India marks a significant milestone, aiming to create a multicultural hub that celebrates sensory, cultural, and intellectual diversity. With a focus on hyper-curation, Boxwalla seeks to showcase the best art, artists, and artisans from around the world, including India.
Boxwalla is committed to redefining the beauty industry, particularly in the realm of clean beauty. By curating plant-based skincare products that prioritize quality, provenance, and sustainability, Boxwalla offers Indian customers access to extraordinary brands previously unavailable in the country.
Since its inception, Boxwalla has introduced readers to the finest writing from around the world. From established classics to emerging voices, each book selection reflects Boxwalla’s dedication to amplifying literary diversity. Sandeep recollects, “As part of our book box, we used to showcase writers who weren’t well-known. And over time, we developed a knack for predicting Nobel laureates in literature. For instance, in 2014, we featured an unknown Belarusian writer, Svetlana Alexievich, in our very first box. Nobody knew her. But six months later, she won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature. Then, in 2017, we introduced an unknown Polish writer, Olga Tokarczuk. Her book wasn’t even translated at the time. People were skeptical but she and a German writer, Peter Handke, won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2018 and 2019, respectively.”
He further adds, “In 2020, we showcased a French writer who was fading into obscurity named Annie Ernaux. Again, people doubted us, but in 2022, she won the Nobel Prize. And the list goes on. In 2016, we included a Norwegian writer, Jon Fosse, in one of our boxes. At the time, everyone was obsessed with Karl Ove Knausgård, but Fosse went on to win the 2023 Nobel Prize. So, while I am not claiming we are soothsayers, we are paying attention, cutting through the noise on the internet, and showcasing the best.”
With the Children’s Book Box, Boxwalla extends its cultural exploration to young readers, offering a curated selection of children’s literature from diverse cultures. Designed for ages eight to twelve, these boxes introduce children to timeless stories that transcend borders, fostering a love for reading and cultural understanding from a young age.
Boxwalla endeavors to bring the best of the world to the people here in India. “We want to bring the best of green beauty, the best of books, the best of children’s literature—you name it. We want to make you happy, to make a difference. And so, as part of that ethos of discovery, we wanted to curate an evening filled with hubs of discovery beyond just film clips. We have books you can peruse, world maps, and more. But most importantly, we wanted experts here—true curators, reviewers, critics—because their opinions matter. Especially in the last 15 years, engineers like me have built all these tools we rely on, like IMDb ratings and Netflix recommendation engines. But these tools lack a human touch; they are just algorithms. That’s where critics, reviewers, and curators come in,” sums up Sandeep.
As Boxwalla is set to make a foray into India, it promises to be more than just a subscription service—a gateway to a world of cultural immersion and artistic discovery. Through its curated offerings, Boxwalla invites subscribers to slow down, savor the beauty of diversity, and embark on a journey of exploration and enrichment.