While we might take silence for granted, living in the chaos of busy Mumbai, for these women, having a moment of quiet is a rare and precious luxury.

After a long day of work or socialising, many of us long for the quiet comfort of our homes. But what if - even in your own space – a moment of peace was unattainable? While silence is something we often take for granted, for one community in Mumbai, it is a rare and precious luxury.

In the heart of busy Mumbai, India, amidst the industrious energy of the Tiny Miracles workspace, now stands a place of quiet refuge: The Shanti Dome. Conceptualised and designed by Pepe Heykoop, this dome was created to fulfil a simple yet profound request from the Pardeshi women who work at Tiny Miracles - the wish for a moment of peace. 

A sanctuary for stillness

“There is no silence for me in my life,” says Anju, member of the Tiny Miracles community and frequent visitor of the Shanti Dome. “In fact, there is more chaos at home than at work.” Rizwana, her Tiny Miracles colleague agrees, “Our houses are not big enough for us to find a quiet corner for ourselves.” A moment’s peace might seem like an uncomplicated concept, but for these women, who juggle the demands of work and home in often cramped and noisy environments, it’s an elusive reality.  

Founded in 2004, out of a mission to find a scalable solution to poverty, Tiny Miracles is both a B Corp supplier and a foundation providing work and life-changing income to many underserved communities in Mumbai, India. Through our co-created products like the goodie bag, and limited-edition items like the tassel bracelet from last year’s Advent calendar, plus this year’s new beach bag gift, Tiny Miracles now employs XXX communities and approximately XXX people in Mumbai.  

Alongside work, the foundation takes a holistic approach to improving wellbeing in these communities. So, the question was asked to the women – what can we give you that would make your life better? The answer was surprising and simple – a space for silence.  

The concept

The Shanti Dome provides a rare space where the Tiny Miracles team can pause, breathe, and exist without distraction. “Getting free time is one thing, but getting free time in a peaceful place is so different,” explains Anju. “Whenever we are at home or leaving the house, there is always commotion. But when we come here, we can actually catch a break,” agrees community member Rekha. “We finally have a quiet place,” she says. “The Dome is a blessing. It made me tear up that someone put in the thought to create this space just for us.” 

Made from bamboo, a material deeply rooted in the Pardeshi women’s artisanal heritage, and adorned with over 7,000 upcycled pieces of sarees donated by the women themselves, the dome is a reflection of both craftsmanship and community. Everyone who steps inside is entitled to simply be - but first, they take a deep breath.  

Entering the Dome

Tucked away from the lively work floor, the Shanti Dome welcomes each woman into an atmosphere of tranquillity. Upon entering, they are invited to choose a small stone, each engraved with words such as "essence," "inner voice," "stability," or "home." These stones act as gentle guides, encouraging the women to select the one that resonates most deeply with them in that moment. The first time I went in, Pepe [Heykoop] told me to use the rocks," explained Rekha. “And when I sat there for 10-15 minutes, my emotions started flowing on their own. That’s the beauty of this place—you can cry if you want, you can laugh if you want.”  

Once within, the dome becomes a personal sanctuary. Phones are left behind, conversations fade, and the only sound is the quiet rhythm of breath and thought. Here, they can meditate, reflect, or simply sit and be. Some women cry, releasing emotions they had no space for elsewhere; others just breathe, embracing the peace. There is no pressure to comfort or console - only a shared understanding that in this space, emotions are honoured, and silence is sacred.  

A safe haven

For the women who use it daily, the Shanti Dome has become more than just a quiet retreat - it has become a necessity. “It’s very important,” says Rizwana. “It has helped me focus on work a lot. Being able to use this space to relax and feel refreshed makes a big difference. “I feel really fresh,” echoes, Anju “and I feel safe inside because I know nobody is watching me, and I can truly relax.”

You can discover more about Tiny Miracles and how Rituals supports them here.