Introduction: Tell us about yourself and your background. Hi, I’m Shubhangi. I’m a realist and at most times optimist, a procrastinator with an obsession for trying new things. I am also the Co-Founder of my Craft Stages– the final say in fashion.
Tell us about the company you have set up – when did you set it up, what services do you provide? Craft Stages is India's thriving largest Online marketplace for variety of Indian products including authentic Jewellery, Handbags, Designer Sarees , Salwar suits, handicrafts, accessories etc. I started it in 2012. I never thought that it would become this huge in less than four years.
Why did you set up the company? / What drove you to become an Entrepreneur? I have worked previously in a MNC. I always wanted to do something of my own. Entrepreneurship in e-commerce gave me the flexibility of working on my own schedule and helping other small entrepreneurs and artisans open an online shop to cater to domestic and international customers. This idea gave me immense satisfaction. I have been always keen to work on something creative in my profession so, after observing handcrafted embroidered lifestyle products has much scope these days. I could see that there is a huge opportunity of selling handcrafted products that are so much loved in the Western countries. My road trip to Jhajjar Village just supported my dream of having a social enterprise which could very well turn into a business.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success? Our greatest challenge has been competing with the prices of machine-made factory products. Initially, the artisans were also skeptical of online selling. Now, they can see the sales on craftstages.com and other ways of bulk International Orders and that helps build their trust.
Please share your future goals? This is a self-funded venture so we have to plan carefully and execute this plan in small watchful steps. We are happy with the response so far, both domestically and in international markets. We now plan to start working towards a greater offline presence. We are already collaborating with some stores in the domestic market and in the process of expanding to international markets.
Who has been your biggest inspiration? Well, my biggest inspiration is my mother who is also a successful entrepreneur and give me strength to face all the challenges practically.
Did you face any financial challenges whilst starting this venture. Initially I started this with my personal savings; later my husband helped me to come over financial Challenges, which improved my entrepreneurial life.
What are your views and opinions towards the ambiguous need to promote women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India? I have seen most women entrepreneurs struggling with guilt of not managing kids, home and business well. I just want to request them to stop being perfectionists. I feel that life is a constant juggle wherein you have to drop one of the three balls once in a while. Just take care not to drop the same ball twice. If you are ambitious, you will feel alone. Accept that. God has made us strong and capable of handling 10 things at a time; just take your first step ahead. You can do it!.
