Do you source your materials locally?
Yes, we source the materials locally.
How has life changed for you after starting off with your own venture?
Life has changed a lot since I started this venture. There are many like me, who do this either as a pastime, or for a living. You will be wondering, once you start to get deeper in any venture, the number of options, types, styles, patterns etc that is already available. It is like opening a million windows, one within the other. It is exciting. Growing business means more investments, it also means staying afloat with new ideas. As I am doing this from home, work timings are based on my convenience.
Srividya, will you please briefly take us through the process, right from designing the product to finishing it?
The process is pretty simple, we design a product based on its usability, and definitely it has to be out of the ordinary. I design the products, and the self help group gives the product its final shape/form and touch.
Is there any specific course that you underwent, before starting with making out these beautiful jute products?
I have not done any course related to this, but just the interest to work on it has got me here. The members of the self help group are trained in working with jute.
What is the approximate investment one should look at for starting a business of the kind?
An investment of anywhere between Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 would be perfect to start with.
What are some of the important aspects that need special attention?
If anyone is dealing with jute, they should find out basic details about jute suppliers, market trends and should be creative enough to show something new.
Are the products made on firm order, or do you have a catalogue of products, from where your customer could place an order?
We do have a catalog, which I have put together from each experience. We keep adding to it by letting our creative minds run wild.
What has been the high of being in this business?
The idea of being independent, while being a homemaker provides a real high. You are your own maker and write your own destiny.
What in your opinion is the importance of networking, in a home business like yours?
Networking is a key thing. Social Media (FaceBook, Twitter etc) are the ones that run the space. And I feel today, women want different things, which are out of the ordinary and on very simple tones. Women have been the first to think beyond boundaries. It is in their genes. And importantly they want it immediately. I have made so many new friends through this opportunity. I am able to reach to a wider audience almost instantaneously across the world, though social media, it is truly amazing.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I am not sure. I guess I’ll keep doing what I do today. I certainly want to do more with the fiber and get creative with the hand work, ie, crochet, etc.
What advice would you give to our readers who plan to make an entry into the field?
Just get in there and make the start. First time is always a push. But after that you find the spark, the right thing, nothing will stop you. Just do it for fun.
