The Hand Made Store Impact; Ashwini R. Kurup, a designer and entrepreneur who loves blending innovation with tradition, reflected in her creating The Handmade Store
‘The Hand Made Store’, Crafting eco Friendly Handicraft Products for Sustainability, Ashwini Kurup, CEO
The Handicrafts industry has been there since ancient time and proven for decades that Handicraft industry can be termed as backbone of India’s rural economy. India’s rich heritage and diverse cultures, which are in demand and highly valued all over the world for their beautiful designs and high-quality products are displayed by the Handicraft industry.
Being counted as one of the sustainable products the Handicrafts industry also generates significant forex for the country while preserving its cultural heritage.
Ashwini R. Kurup, a designer and entrepreneur who loves blending innovation with tradition. Her passion for sustainability and craftsmanship reflected in her creating The Handmade Store, a platform dedicated to offering unique, handcrafted products made by local artisans.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design from NIFT and an MBA in Operations Management, my journey is all about combining sustainable practices with creative excellence
As the founder of The Hand Made Store, Ashwini specialize in crafting eco-friendly corporate gifts for clients such as IDBI Bank, MGM Hospital, and the Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai.
Her extensive knowledge of textile design, combined with practical experience, equips me to continue evolving in this field and contribute to its sustainable growth.
FounderLabs spoke to Ashwini Kurup who is also involved in innovative biotech solutions as a director of Mycel bioscience pvt. Ltd. Ashwini says’ ‘My journey is driven by a commitment to eco-friendly practices and supporting the local artisans and community’.
At Mycel she aims at creating vegan leather from agricultural waste, and serve as the Chief of Operations CEO at koreammr.com.
‘From weaving macramé to shaping pottery, I believe in the transformative power of art. Let’s embark on this creative journey together’.
FounderLabs: What inspired you to start the entrepreneurial journey in The industry?
Ashwini: My inspiration came from a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and a desire to promote sustainable living. Seeing the immense talent among local artisans and the potential for creating eco-friendly products, I was motivated to bridge the gap between artisans and conscious consumers.
This led to the birth of The Handmade Store, which combines my passion for creativity and sustainability.
FounderLabs: How does your company help its customers through its services and what are your core products?
Ashwini: The Handmade Store provides customers with unique, high-quality handcrafted products that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
Our core products include eco-friendly home decor, accessories, and personal items.
By sourcing directly from local artisans, we ensure authenticity and support for the artisan community. We also educate our customers on sustainable living practices, helping them make informed choices.
FounderLabs: How did you win over your first customers and how has been your growth journey?
Ashwini: Our first customers were attracted by the unique, handcrafted nature of our products and our commitment to sustainability.
Through word-of-mouth, social media, and participating in local markets, we built a loyal customer base.
Our growth journey has been marked by continuous learning and adaptation, expanding our product range, and enhancing our online presence to reach a wider audience.
In 2019, we embarked on a journey that would forever transform how we perceive our daily use products to handcrafted sustainable alternatives.
The Hand Made Store partnered up with indigenous communities of Indian heritage craftsmen in order to promote fair trade and sustainability through traditional handcrafted products for the modern ethically conscious.
FounderLabs: What are some of the biggest challenges you faced or are facing?
Ashwini: One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring consistent quality while scaling up production. Balancing the artisans’ traditional methods with modern demands requires careful coordination.
Additionally, educating the market about the value of sustainable, handcrafted products in a competitive environment has been challenging. We constantly work on overcoming these hurdles through innovation and customer engagement.
FounderLabs: What has been your biggest ‘A-ha’ moment so far?
Ashwini: The biggest ‘A-ha’ moment was realizing the impact of our eco-friendly corporate gifting line.
The positive response from customers and the media highlighted the growing market for sustainable products. It reinforced the idea that there is a significant demand for what we offer and motivated us to expand our eco-friendly product range.
Additionally, I enjoy conducting workshops and sessions on textile theory and workshop for fashion students..
FounderLabs: What motivates you to keep going?
Ashwini: The positive impact we make on the community and the environment keeps me motivated. Seeing artisans thrive and customers embrace sustainable living is incredibly rewarding.
Additionally, the constant innovation and the challenge of creating something new and valuable drive me forward. Knowing that our efforts contribute to a better, more sustainable world is a powerful motivator.
FounderLabs: What advice would you give to a new business owner?
Ashwini: My advice would be to stay true to your vision and values. Build a strong foundation based on quality and authenticity. Be adaptable and open to feedback, as the market is constantly evolving.
Networking and building relationships are crucial, so don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors and peers. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your mission, and persist through challenges.
FounderLabs: Would you like to mention some of the mentors who played a key role in shaping you and your business to reach where you are today?
Ashwini: I have been fortunate to have several mentors, friends and family who have guided and supported me throughout my journey. Their wisdom and experience have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
While I’d prefer to keep their names private out of respect, I’m deeply grateful for their contributions to my growth and the success of my ventures.
FounderLabs: What market opportunities do you see and what are your plans for future growth?
Ashwini: There is a growing market for sustainable and ethically produced goods. We plan to expand our product range and explore new markets, both locally and internationally.
Collaborating with more artisans and integrating innovative materials like our biotech leather are also key areas of focus. Additionally, we aim to enhance our online presence and leverage technology to reach a broader audience.
FounderLabs: Elaborate on recent funding acquired. and plans ahead if any
Ashwini: While we haven’t received external funding yet, we have been self-sustaining through reinvestment of our profits. Our focus has been on organic growth, leveraging our resources efficiently, and building a strong foundation.
Read our Blogs: https://founderlabs.in/innovation-global-expansion-startup-ecosystem-technologies/
Moving forward, we plan to explore funding opportunities that align with our mission of sustainability and innovation.
Our future plans include launching new product lines, increasing production capacity, and expanding into international markets.
We are also looking to enhance our technological infrastructure to streamline operations and improve customer experience.
‘ My journey is driven by a commitment to eco-friendly practices and supporting the local community says Ashwini’.
Her work is showcased at www.ashwinikurup.com and www.thehandmadestore.co.in.
