The latest episode of Impulse Model Entrepreneur Stories shines the spotlight on Praweshika Pradhan, a remarkable handcraft artist from Siliguri. Episode 25, directed by documentary filmmaker Lewis Levent Özcan, captures the inspiring story of Praweshika’s journey from turning scrap into art during the pandemic to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her online store, Handcrafted Tools.
Praweshika’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and transformation. What began as a lockdown hobby of turning household scrap into beautiful decorative items quickly gained attention from friends and neighbours, leading to the suggestion that she start selling her creations. Encouraged by the positive response, Praweshika took to Instagram to promote her unique products, and her first order came from Darjeeling. Today, she ships her handcrafted items to eight or nine states across India, including major cities like Delhi.
Starting with home décor items such as wall hangings, yam hangings, and dreamcatchers, Praweshika’s product line has since expanded to include accessories like keychains and jewellery. Her handmade jewellery is designed with the trendy aesthetics of the current generation in mind, drawing inspiration from the northeastern parts of India. A key feature of her work is her commitment to sustainability—Praweshika avoids using plastic, opting instead for metal and paper in her designs. Even her packaging is eco-friendly, made from newspapers and reused materials from online deliveries. She also includes handwritten thank-you notes with each order, a personal touch that resonates with her customers.
Praweshika works out of a dedicated room that her father helped set up for her, allowing her to turn her passion for crafting into a profitable business. Her success story is a testament to how creativity and determination can be transformed into a thriving business, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impulse Empower, a programme by Impulse Social Enterprises, has been instrumental in documenting such success stories. Through partnerships with Meta India and other regional organisations, Impulse Empower highlights the achievements of small- to medium-sized businesses in the Northeast and North Bengal. These entrepreneurs are not only driving economic growth but also contributing to social upliftment by creating local jobs and promoting sustainable practices.
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Lewis Levent Özcan, a documentary filmmaker and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Impulse Empower Incubation Hub, travelled across the region to capture stories of entrepreneurs like Praweshika, whose businesses are fostering positive change. Through the lens of Özcan and the support of Impulse NGO Network, these stories bring to light the incredible potential of local entrepreneurs in driving systems change and economic resilience.
The documentary, produced by Gezmek Films and Hasina Kharbhih, is part of a broader effort to prevent unsafe migration and exploitation in the region by promoting sustainable entrepreneurship.
Also read | Turning passion into business: Zaben Murry’s jewellery success in Nagaland