It’s not unusual for what begins as a passion to turn into a profession. Many notable entrepreneurial efforts can be traced back to the pursuit of hobbies.
For instance, KI Artworks, run by Indumathy and Krishna, can be. Though civil engineers, both decided to take their pursuit of handicrafts as a hobby, further. From making cards and gifts for their classmates, they went on to do the same for others in the neighbourhood. “Our classmates were a major source of support and also our first clients,” says Indhumathy, whose home in Mandaveli doubles as office for KI Artworks, which the two friends started in 2012.
Initially, orders were brought in through friends and by word of mouth. In early 2013, they went online and created a Facebook page to promote their work. Cards, birthday decors, couple magnets, paper flowers, candles, photo frames, photo embedded pendants and designer chai glasses are some of the hot-selling items.
The cards come in various forms —for example, as a pop-up with the person’s name or a message in seven letters. They say the most challenging order they have had to service was having to create a miniature out of a random image pulled out from the internet. With a cardboard base, the models were made out of foam, measuring about a feet in height. They also make clay miniatures. The clay is hand-made by them. In the two years, they have received over 500 orders. “Profit is not the criterion,” says Indhumathy, adding “the willingness to experiment and love to create products is what keeps us going.”
The duo also conducts workshops and organises ‘crafters corner’ at kids parties. Prices range from Rs. 5 for cards to Rs. 1,850 for paper illustrative art.
