Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon Indians to be ‘vocal for local’ and the entire nation applauded this step that proved to be a boost for Indian entrepreneurs. It has promoted local businesses during COVID-19 and given customers the ability and motivation to shop locally with ease. This rebranded version of ‘Made In India’ has our support, and every month, TC46 will spotlight small businesses and ventures you can champion and back easily through online and offline purchases.
Artists, entrepreneurs, visionaries and experts, Indian women are shattering glass ceilings and breaking out of boxes. Success, tied with skills and hard work, is what makes those featured in our list today an inspiration for many. And the journey, for these women of incredible talent, are stories that must be told.
This week, here are some brands we’re cheering on; check them out!
Chocolates by ChocoHaul
Indian gourmet chocolate brand ChocoHaul started as a culinary experiment by Geeta Notani; she was stirring up indulgent treats for her family and friends. Blessed with a natural flair for the culinary arts, Notani never considered converting it into a business. But when she received rave reviews about the chocolates she offered, she was thrilled. Before she knew it, orders were pouring in and she couldn’t help but keep up. Now ChocoHaul is a small, homegrown operation and Geeta is the Chief Chocolate Officer (CCO). It offers an array of chocolates:
- Almond Rocks (Best Selling)
- British Biscuit
- Chewy Coffee Delight
- Classic Milk Chocolate
- Decadent Dark Chocolate
- Crunchy Chocolate
- ChocoHaul Cheat Code (Sugar-free) (Best Selling)
Geeta has a 90% repeat order rate, a big feat for a homegrown brand that has, so far, sustained its business only on word of mouth. Let’s just say there’s a secret community of ChocoHaul lovers out there!
The average price of the products are from Rs 1,200 per kg to Rs 2,200 per kg, depending on the type of chocolates. You can find the chocolatier on Instagram.
Gifting & Decor Products by Soul_Ful_Of_Sunshine
It is correctly said that art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. Soul_Ful_Of_Sunshine is a brand born out of courage, where the creator took a leap and left her corporate job to pursue the passion of creating art. Aditee Dabke says that each product she makes is special, as she puts all her heart and soul into it and handcrafts it personally.
Instead of restricting herself to any one kind of art, with this brand she started in July 2019, she explores various types of art forms which range from very disciplined mandala art to playful doodling, and even completely limitless abstract art. She has created a wide range of standardised as well as customised home décor products and gifting products.
Based in Dombivli, a small suburb in Thane, she aims to make people happy with her art, creativity and products. Being creative was a hobby, and now, it is her way of life.
As her products are customised and can be personalised, the creator is happy to make adjustments to suit the client’s budget and aesthetic choices.
For unique gifts, personalised pieces, beautiful artifacts, and quirky decor, visit the brand’s Instagram page.
All-Natural Bathing Product by The Soap Treasures
The Soap Treasures is founded and run by Chitra Gohad. She is a designer with a keen interest in Interaction design. Though she officially launched her store in early 2019, the idea came to her during her teenage years. Chitra always had sensitive skin, prone to allergic reactions from chemicals and preservatives in her bathing products. Growing up, she largely relied on home remedies for her beauty and hygiene needs. When she heard about natural soaps and soap-making methods, she was intrigued. This led to her experimenting with natural ingredients such as fruits, flowers, oils, organic plants/seeds and flours to create handcrafted soaps that are suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin.
The Soap Treasures gives you a natural, safer and more nourishing way to achieve healthier skin. All of the products are made of oils, organic plants and fruits that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients.
- 100% pure and natural ingredients
- No chemicals and preservatives
- Relaxing fragrances
- Creative forms
Chitra’s venture expanded from a store to a soap bar outlet, and now to a one-stop solution for a range of bathing products like soaps, scrubs, bath soaks, lotion bars, revitalising bath muds and more.
The affordable brand’s natural product’s start at Rs 80. You can find their whole range on the company’s online store.
Handmade Stationery by Ekatra
With words running into lines and scribbles snaking their way across the pages, journals hold an integral part in the lives of many. From the one with a lock and key that keeps all your secrets safe to the one that fits right in your pocket, the options are endless. But there are a few that are handcrafted with love and passion for you to pen down your thoughts and to let your imagination run wild between the pages. One such home-grown brand making handmade stationery is by mother-daughter duo, Minakshi & Aishwarya Jhawar.
Ekatra was founded by Aishwarya during her Under-Graduation at Srishti Institute of Art Design & Technology. It was her mother’s support and push during a college fest where she first hosted a pop-up store. Later in the month, she was contacted by a corporate client and that is when she decided to coin the brand.
The brand deals in Handmade Journals (planners, ruled, grid), pouches, gift sets, bookmarks, buntings, desk pads and masks. Ekatra’s consumers are people who enjoy writing or journaling, usually between the ages of 18 and 40 years, along with corporate clientele.
They are firm believers of sustainability and creativity, all the products are crafted with utmost attention to details, all while ensuring zero waste. Everything that they do is guided by their manifesto—‘Celebrate little things’.
Since the brand wants to make the products accessible to a wider audience, the average price range is Rs 350. You can find their products on the company’s website.
Want us to be VocalForLocal for your brand or know someone whose work you’d like to cheer on? Drop us an email to be featured on The Channel 46 at [email protected].