In the bustling city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, a unique enterprise is carving its mark in the realm of sustainable business. Bhavana Gulati, a former Textile Design professor turned entrepreneur, is the visionary behind The Engraved Store. Her journey, which began in 2016, is a tale of transformation from an educator to a trailblazing businesswoman.
Bhavana's venture, born from a passion for uniqueness and sustainability, offers an array of engraved products. Ranging from wooden jewelry to customized office accessories, each item is not just a piece of art but also a personal statement. The concept is simple yet profound – engraving custom designs, texts, or images as requested by customers, thereby making each product distinctively personal.
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Despite entering a saturated market filled with established competitors, Bhavana's resolve never wavered. She faced formidable challenges in conceptualizing designs, setting up manufacturing, and navigating financial intricacies. These obstacles served as stepping stones, strengthening her determination and honing her business acumen.
A significant hurdle was establishing a brand identity in a market overflowing with choices. Bhavana invested countless hours in market research, understanding consumer preferences, and refining her marketing strategies. Another major challenge was streamlining the manufacturing process, which involved learning about supplier management, quality control, and cost efficiencies on the fly.
2016 marked the turning point for Bhavana and The Engraved Store when they joined the Walmart Vriddhi program. This association was not just a business catalyst but a transformative educational experience. The program offered insights into market trends, production optimization, and customer engagement, aligning perfectly with Bhavana’s vision of sustainable business practices.
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One of the critical learnings from Walmart Vriddhi was the adoption of eco-friendly materials and processes. This not only enhanced the brand's appeal but also reinforced Bhavana's commitment to the environment. The program also equipped her with essential skills in digital marketing and branding, enabling her to expand her reach in the digital marketplace.
The result of adopting these new strategies and practices, suggested by Vriddhi was a noticeable boost in the business's growth. Bhavana's business witnessed a 20-30% growth in sales and customer base, expanding its presence through eCommerce platforms.
Looking forward, Bhavana's aspirations are focused on expansion and sustainability. She aims to broaden her product range with innovative, eco-friendly designs and explore new markets. Central to her vision is the commitment to sustainability, a principle reinforced by Walmart Vriddhi. Bhavana plans to integrate environmentally responsible practices into every aspect of her business, ensuring that growth and ecological stewardship go hand in hand.
Bhavana Gulati and The Engraved Store stand as a testament to the power of sustainable entrepreneurship, carving a niche in the competitive world of business while fostering environmental stewardship.
Walmart Vriddhi is more than just a program - it's a commitment to equip small businesses like Bhavana’s with growth opportunities to reach greater business goals, aligned with the 'Make in India' initiative.
