From being shy about the skills and ideas she possesses to now wanting to share them, Gangothri has come a long way. Her key ingredient? Self-belief.
Gangothri is a homemaker from Doddamallekere village, and as of March 2024, she has completed module 3 of the Spoorthi Fellowship. During the fellowship, Gangothri discovered her passion for creativity and resourcefulness, inspired by conversations among participants. “I have always loved crafts and have seen the potential of items we call ‘waste’”, she says.
What she struggles with is being confident about her skills and believing in herself. ‘What can come of the skills I have?’, was a persisting question in her mind. A business!
Gangothri knows how to craft photo frames and pencil stands from recycled materials and waste paper, as well as creating wall hangings and decor using bangles and thread. She also knows how to make paper boats, which she proudly displayed at a local village exhibition a few months ago. People love her products, because they're unique. Her USP is that each of her products have their own special value because she makes them out of scrap paper or even if she purchases new paper, her styles are always different.
Additionally, Gangothri has dedicated herself to enhancing her tailoring skills, recognizing the potential to turn her hobbies into a viable business opportunity. Embracing the digital age, she has begun recording instructional videos of her craft projects and sharing them on YouTube, eager to inspire others and showcase her expertise. “I want women to have something of their own. I know I needed that and now I’ve found it.”
While navigating this transition from hobbyist to entrepreneur, Gangothri has sought guidance from Buzz Field Associate Bhagya, who commends her meticulous approach and encourages her to grasp the nuances of marketing before initiating sales. Taking Bhagya's advice, Gangothri has initiated outreach efforts by providing her contact information to local fancy stores, laying the groundwork for future sales.
With her sights set on establishing her own physical fancy store, Gangothri is driven by both short-term and long-term goals. In the immediate future, she plans to commence selling her handmade products post-fellowship completion, from her own home. Now that she wants to utilise all her skills, she has simultaneously ventured into hairstyling this past month, offering her services from home on a request basis, which has already yielded her Rs. 3000!
Gangothri's entrepreneurial journey epitomises resilience, creativity, and a commitment to personal growth. As she navigates the complexities of entrepreneurship, fueled by her newfound self-belief and determination, Gangothri is poised to carve out a successful path for herself in the world of artisanal crafts and hairstyling.
Comments