Sucese story; sudharani marandi jhunuk crafts busines

 Sucese story; sudharani marandi jhunuk crafts busines

Sudharani Marandi, a member of the Santal tribal community from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, transformed her childhood passion for crafts into a thriving enterprise known as Jhunuk Crafts. From a young age, she was captivated by colorful quilling paper, often investing her pocket money into her craft, despite her father's initial disapproval. During her college years at Ramadevi Women’s College, Sudharani began monetizing her talent, earning approximately ₹1,000 monthly by selling eco-friendly handicrafts to friends and acquaintances. 

In 2016-17, while pursuing business management at the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development in Bhubaneswar, Sudharani's skills caught the attention of the principal, leading to the installation of a paper quilling machine worth ₹20,000. This advancement enabled her to produce around 200 items monthly, including earrings, keychains, and gift boxes. Embracing her heritage, she named her venture 'Jhunuk Crafts,' with 'Jhunuk' meaning seashell in Santali, symbolizing hidden pearls. 

Jhunuk Crafts specializes in handcrafted, eco-friendly products such as rakhis, earrings, keychains, greeting cards, tissue boxes, and decorative photo frames. Sudharani utilizes materials like paper, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and upcycled waste, including discarded cardboard and tetra packs. Her products are priced between ₹20 and ₹10,000, depending on the complexity and customization involved. The business generates approximately ₹50,000 in monthly revenue, with sales channels spanning online platforms, exhibitions, and bulk orders from both domestic and international clients, including those from the US and UK. 

Sudharani's dedication to her craft has not only provided her with financial independence but also garnered recognition from institutions like the Santali Art and Film Development Association (SAFDA), which engages her for venue decorations at their annual Baripada Indigenous Short Film Festival. Her journey exemplifies how passion, combined with entrepreneurial spirit, can lead to success and empowerment, inspiring many within her community and beyond.