Slice of Life: ‘Family is very supportive and gives ideas for my art and crafts business’

Chennai

Ever since childhood, I was interested in craft works. However, whenever I came across art and craft works at shops, I found it not affordable for many people. Hence, I thought of selling art and craft works at a reasonable price which could be bought online. In the beginning, I was selling it individually. However, after I met a few friends who had similar interest, we formed a separate page called “Arts Colony” the previous year. In our initiative, we make home decor items and paper crafts and sell them at reasonable prices. We make them affordable so that the middle class, who hesitate to buy such expensive items can afford them. Though we have invested only a limited amount in our business, the income is equally shared between us. Since there are many online outlets, the competition has increased. But the competition in the market should not scare us. We have to concentrate on what we are doing. We are trying to provide the best quality products to our customers. We get a minimum of 10 orders every month. I created my first artwork when I tried Kalamkari design for the first time. After I posted it online, it was taken up by a Sri Lankan company. We also provide free classes and teach art and crafts work to school students. My family is very supportive and they try to pitch in ideas to make my job easier. Without them we could not have reached here.