SPOTLIGHT ON: SUNEHRI CARDS

PROPRIETOR: Mrs. Sunehri

New No.:6/Old No:22, Kandapa Naikan Street, Near Elephant Gate Police Statio,

Sowcarppet, Chennai- 600 079

Mobile- 9841784842.

What initiated you to start this business?

I was very good at creative works right since my school days. What initiated me was not to be dependant and also not to waste my creative talent. I used to do handmade cards when I was in school and college and I gift it to my friends, my friends loved the way I did it. So that thought now initiated me to explore it more.

How long have you been running this business?

My company is just born, which is three months old. It is called Sunehri Cards. And there are about 5 employees under me as of now.

Who is your role - model?

I, Me, Myself (grins). Well there is nothing as such a role model for me. I thought of it and I did it.

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

They were surprised initially when I came up with the idea, but still they weren't apprehensive about it. Because they have seen me right since my early age doing cards at home. So they knew how good I was and they supported me to the fullest. Thanks to them.

Who are your target audience?

We have a range of cards for every occasion, catering to every individuals taste. As of now we are targeting the middle class people, if the business goes even well, then we have a plan of targeting the upper middle class also.

What are your goals for the year ahead?

Sunehri Cards should become popular based on the tastes of our customers. People should like it from heart and have a feeling of satisfaction when they give it to us for orders. I would also like to improve on my card making skills and give some out of the box designs to my customers.

What was your initial investment for the business?

My initial investment was around Rs. 50,000/-

Did you face any hurdles as an entrepreneur?

No, I did not face any problems till now. Like I said my company is just three months old, I have not come across any obstacles. I can handle if any in future, because I feel I am good at crisis management skills.

What are your tips to fellow entrepreneurs?

A woman starting a business should first cater to the needs of her target group. About what they like, and what they dislike. She should not target profit as the motive, instead customer satisfaction as the main objective. Finally, the entrepreneur should itself love what she is doing only then will she get motivated to do more.

How do you multitask home and business?

My family has always been supportive for this venture of mine. In fact we have sat as a family to make cards. I shuttle between home and my shop, usually I'm there at the afternoons till the evening. I really don't feel it as a hindrance. I love my home as much as I live my work.

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

About 4-5 hours, but it even depends on the amount of customers I have every day. I spend equal time for both home and business.

When did you achieve your break even profit?

Majorly during the M.O.P. Bazaar this year. I made huge money there, and also got few orders. Glad I put up a stall. I achieved my target within those two days itself.

Is your business profitable?

Any business initially will have glitches, likewise even mine did. But later on it picked up after knowing what the business world is, I improved my skills on it. I'm happy about the profits I get as of now.

How did you establish your client base?

I don't have any such clientele right now. Since iv just started it, I'm looking out for fairs and exhibitions. That will form my major client base.

Have you thought of taking up some training to improve your business?

Not at all. I used to take part in a lot of creative activities in school and college. That was my base. I developed on what I knew and explored more on it with the help of my friends and family members.

What is the competition like in this business?

Competition is present in any kind of business. We need to take it in the right spirit and work to the best of our abilities. My competitors are my critics, and I learn a lot from them, like motivation, and will power to achieve more.

What are the challenges you face in doing your business?

Greatest challenge for me is customer satisfaction. Cards are more on a personal basis, so the customer should feel from heart the essence of it and like it. Hence customer satisfaction is my satisfaction. Or I lose.

How does your family cooperate in running this business?

Like I said my whole family sits together to make cards and also design them. So they know each and every detail of what my moves are in this business. End if the day they are also a part of my business.

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

It developed me to what I should be. More practical, more matured and steadiness in the decisions I make.

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

Yes definitely I will. Right now I have about 4-5 employees. In a few more months I do have a plan of expanding and making people aware of card making as a profession itself.