SPOTLIGHT ON: NAINA'S CREATIVE CRAFT (Wedding and Festival Trousseau) - Specializes in designing and production of designed diyas and trays to be given away as gifts during weddings and festivals. Client base includes many IT companies.

PROPEITOR: Mrs. Naina Punjabi

25/54, Puram Prakasam Road, Balaji Nagar, Royapettah, Chennai 600014

Mobile 9884469807

What initiated you to start this business?

I had a vested interest in handicraft, tailoring, painting and the like. I was never forced to do something.

How long have you been running this business?

I have been running this business for the past 8 to 9 years.

Who is your role - model?

I have not had a specific role model. This business venture was my own brainchild.

How did your family react when you proposed this idea of starting business?

I began pursuing this even as I was a teenager. My parents were really supportive. Even at times of failure, they would always appreciate my efforts. So that put me on the right track and gave me a 'never say die' attitude.

Who are your target audience?

My handicrafts can be given away as wedding and festival trousseau. It is mainly targeted against gift givers.

What are your goals for the year ahead?

Try to garner little more fame so that it helps my business. Apart from that I wish to expand my business and reach out to more people. My products are affordable, so I believe I can achieve my goals.

What was your initial investment for the business?

I invested only Rs.2000 initially.

Did you face any hurdles as an entrepreneur?

Sometimes we cannot predict. There are times when raw materials are in excess and there is absolutely no flow of customers. It so happens at times when there is an overflow of customers and I don't have enough raw materials to meet their demand. I have to plan strategically to come out of such tricky situations.

What are your tips to fellow entrepreneurs?

One should first be appreciative of the efforts of others. Negligence of other's efforts, will take us no where. Apart from that, positive thinking plays a crucial role in churning out success. Hard work and a 'never say die' attitude is inevitable.

How do you multitask home and business?

I don't spend time watching TV. My son is quite grown up and once he's away at school, I utilize the time to work.

How much time do you devote to your business per day?

I begin working at around 12 noon, once all my household chores are over. I work till my son returns from school, around 4 O clock. So it works up to around four hours a day. It also depends on the orders I receive.

When did you achieve your break even profit?

Well, though the amount I invested was small, it took me around 3 to 4 months for me to surface it. This is solely because I price my products at a cost effective rate.

Is your business profitable?

It is very profitable. Though my margins are less, I am happy with what I earn. I am able to meet my expenses at ease.

How did you establish your client base?

It was mainly through word of mouth. I also took the efforts to personally visit shops and liaise with the owners. They allowed me to leave back samples and eventually customers got back to me.

Have you been a role model to anyone?

(Laughs). Well.. I can say yes. Many of my nieces have taken inspiration from me and have started taking up classes. They plan to begin a business in due course of time.

What is the competition like in this business?

I haven't sensed any direct competition. There are so many people around. However their expertise differs from mine and there is whole lot of difference between my design ideas and theirs. However I keep myself updated.

What are the challenges you face in doing your business?

Keeping myself updated about the latest art pieces available in the local market. I have to devise ways to accommodate new stuff into my products.

How does your family cooperate in running this business?

I have never failed to give attention to them. They in turn support me always with their encouragement. It has been flowing smoothly.

How has this business helped you grow as a person? /Has this business venture changed your personality or life?

I have attained a lot of confidence. I get to meet a lot of people. Their appreciation adds fuel to my interest.

Do you propose to expand your business in terms of production, providing employment opportunities etc?

Mine is a small time business and I have already appointed two girls to assist me. I feel, I would not be needing more resources in terms of manpower.