A global marketplace for handmade and unique items, Etsy, is known for promoting a community of 4.4 million small but unique sellers from all over the world. Out of this massive seller community, there are 81% sellers as women with extraordinary stories and beautiful products range. To celebrate International Women’s Day, the brand shared some inspirational stories of such women who have pursued their passion and now became small-scale global sellers through the e-mart.
Comfy Mommy by Ruchi Pugalia (Lucknow) — 20k sales and counting!
A saving grace for almost every new mother, Ruchi’s venture is slowly but surely becoming the one-stop-shop for new mothers everywhere. By letting her creativity and love for fabric lead the way, Ruchi’s journey started from National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad) and took a pause towards the film industry where she worked as an Assistant Director for a while, on prominent films such as Behja Fry and Mix Doubles; she eventually settling into creating soft, floral gowns, robes and other maternity wear items. With soft fabrics and widely appealing designs, Ruchi managed to hone in on the niche market where women are just starting their journey into motherhood and are finding themselves, their comfort and feel-good style.
EkDori by Abhilasha (Pune) — dreaming big !
If you’re looking for a story that inspires you to take the plunge and follow your dreams, there’s no better story than Abhilasha’s. Her long time dream turned into a passion project when she decided to start creating her own dresses, sarees and kaftans. Each piece embodies the three important aspects of her venture – that they are ethical, unique and most importantly – all handmade. With vibrant colours and dreamy, swirling designs, Abhilasha welcomes you to create your own whimsical wonderland – one handmade item at a time.
KincheByPayal by Payal Jaggi (Gurgaon) — an ode to womanhood!
A veteran in the fashion and home decor industry, Payal has over 15 years worth of experience as a designer, manufacturer, curator and more. However, out of all the roles that she has played over the years, a lover of vintage fabrics has been her favourite. Armed with more than a decade’s worth of knowledge and experience, she decided to start creating vintage jackets and even dedicated the first to Goddess Uma. However, when she realised how there were many more women that needed to be celebrated, she decided to branch out and today her Etsy shop features garments, home decor, jewellery and accessories as well. Showcasing a steady rise in her venture with 600+ sales in six years, she is championing women power everywhere she goes.
Reshabymedhavini by Madhavini (Jaipur) — loyalty for Indian crafts!
Looking for a way to reminisce about the past without leaving the present? Medhavini has the answer! By creating handmade, organic and ethically made clothing, Medhavini’s venture chooses to bring age-old Indian crafts to the forefront by using environmentally-friendly materials. Her quirky prints, comfortable garments, leather journals and bags got her rising to the top, all the way to becoming an Etsy Design Awards Finalist.
Papermelon by Devi Chand (Chennai) — eco-friendly jewellery!
Papermelon strives towards a fresh take on eco-friendly jewellery by creating intricately designed masterpieces, all with paper! Devi Chand, the creator and designer started her journey from the National Institute of Fashion Technology and went on to work in a design firm. However, the itch to create something new and on her own soon took over and slowly led her towards crafting. Papermelon, with its environment-friendly approach and organic materials, has seen it’s creation travel to over 30 countries since its inception and an impressive sale of 1000+ products on Etsy shop.
SmallIdeaByShirali by Shirali (Ahmedabad) — woman on the go!
If you’re hesitant about pursuing your dreams or wondering if it’s possible to do so, Shirali’s here to show you how. A confessed one-woman army with an “I can do it” attitude, Shirali is known to bring big smiles with her small creations! With 100+ orders from over 17 countries in the three years since she began, Shirali aims to provide unique, realistic and intricately designed handmade pieces. From fridge magnets to stud earrings, Shirali aims to combine her love for food with her 12 years of experience as a fashion designer and merchandiser, giving her tiny pizza dangle earrings give a whole new meaning to snack on the go!
(The stories of these Indian women entrepreneurs is courtesy Etsy)
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