The pandemic left many struggling, but for one Bengaluru teacher, job loss became the turning point for an incredible entrepreneurial journey. With a love for handcrafted dolls, she transformed a small home-based hobby into a Rs 10 lakh/year business, proving that resilience and creativity can open new doors.

1. From Classroom to Crafting: A Sudden Career Shift

Before 2020, she worked as a dedicated school teacher, passionate about education. But when the pandemic struck, job cuts left her without a stable income. Instead of giving up, she turned to an old passion—making handcrafted dolls from fabric and natural materials.

2. Building a Business from Scratch

With just basic sewing skills and minimal investment, she began:

  • Creating customized handmade dolls inspired by Indian culture.

  • Sharing her work on Instagram and WhatsApp to attract buyers.

  • Selling her dolls on online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon Handmade.

The response was overwhelming—parents, collectors, and gift buyers loved the sustainable, unique designs. Orders poured in, and within a year, her business was thriving.

3. Scaling Up: From Hobby to Rs 10 Lakh Business

To keep up with demand, she:

  • Hired local women artisans, creating job opportunities.

  • Launched a website and expanded into international markets.

  • Introduced personalized dolls, making them perfect for gifts and special occasions.

Her dolls stood out for their eco-friendly materials, hand-stitched details, and cultural significance, making them popular among conscious consumers.

4. More Than Just Business: A Journey of Empowerment

Her success is not just financial—she’s now empowering other women by teaching them handicraft skills and encouraging home-based businesses. What started as a way to survive a crisis has now become a movement for financial independence and creativity.

Conclusion

This Bengaluru teacher’s inspiring journey proves that setbacks can be stepping stones to success. With determination, adaptability, and the courage to try something new, she built a thriving handmade doll business—one stitch at a time!