eChai with Rushabh Gandhi, Founder, Handmade Hope

Our today's guest at eChai with an Entrepreneur is Rushabh Gandhi, Founder of Handmade Hope which provides sustainable employment opportunities to economically backward groups through a cascading model of transferring skills from an entrepreneur to other members of the community in an organic loop of transmission. 

In the process of community building, they come across as many individuals and organizations who are highly skilled craftsmen at creating artistic souvenirs. Handmade Hope gives them a platform by acting as a connecting link between them and the market. Increasing their sales and helping them achieve self sustainability. 

Here is the insightful and candid conversation with Rushabh. Join the conversation to ask any specific questions to Rushabh.

You can explore Handmade Hope online store to explore amazingly beautiful products - Paper bags, Notebooks, Notepads and Candles handcrafted Handmade Hope.

Early Years : When did it first strike you to begin this venture and why? Your Eureka Moment (the moment you decided to be an entrepreneur).

"Bloom where you are planted", I really associate with this. Everyone has a set of goals and priorities. It's just so happens that mine turned out to be different. Today, I have a story to share behind Handmade Hope because of Rahul. I met Rahul at an orphanage where I usually spent my Sunday mornings. Rahul was a creative young spirit and a gifted artist. In leisure time he would draw, experiment with circuits and make clay idols. During one random visit I was told that Rahul had left the orphanage to live on his own as he did not want to be a burden to his relatives.

I met him a few days later to find that he had been selling cigarettes and tobacco products to pan shops to earn a living. A dilemma faced me, as I wanted him to leave selling cigarettes but I also understood his need to earn money. Rahul promised me to never tread the path of cigarette selling again, if provided with an income source. After putting in a lot of thought, an alternative solution began taking shape in my mind. We met after a week and I asked if he could make greeting cards. Always eager for new things, Rahul expressed his wish to learn making greeting cards. He was taught by a friend and another couple generously chipped in monetary support and infrastructure to work and learn. Like a divine intervention, every logistical need fulfilled itself.

5000 greeting cards were created and were sold within a span of two months. During this phase, realizations dawned upon me, there were and still are, thousands of Rahul's who fell prey to child labor and desolation due to lack of proper space and a channel to fulfill their need of self sustenance. Thus, Handmade Hope was born. A well conducive, formulated, set up that helped people to achieve economic independence. Today, Handmade Hope is a constantly evolving sphere of flowing creativity and opportunities. About Rahul, he has still kept his promise.

Business Venture : What is your business model and what problems does it solve? What are market opportunities? How is it different from your competitors? How do you generate revenues ? 

At every different juncture in our life, there are people who address issues that are incumbent and need to be taken care of, for at least a millennia. When I started Handmade Hope, I saw two challenges; employment and environment. So, I addressed these two together and now I have business model that works on 3 E's; engaging people into environment friendly employment. And this excites me that I can work on workable solutions for the challenges we are facing. From where I see things, plastic has been our biggest competitor. People aren't aware of the grave consequences plastic has on our environment but if people are sensitized they tend to stick to the right path. I feel elated when I have calls from shopkeepers and boutique owners that they want to switch over to paper bags.

3. Sales : How did you make your first sale and how much time it took you from starting up to closing the first sale ? How long is your sales cycle ?

Wow, now that feels like it happened decades ago. The first order we got was for newspaper

bags. It was a pre-order. We showed them samples and then we got the order. We took a month to make them. There's no concrete structure for a sales cycle. I have few clients who are our permanent tie ups. Other than that, I also get orders for events like an exhibition or weddings. We cater to the needs of the people and the customization is our biggest strength. I have a range of existing sizes, like a bag where everyday shopping or vegetables can go, a bag where clothes can fit, a bag for small gifts etc. Apart from these, we make bags as and when required.

Company Culture : What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?

Ménage, that is our company culture! Everyone is at the workshop from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening. So, the majority of their day is spent at work which is why we have a very home like culture. It's organic and very much like a family. This is also because we have kids at the

workshop and there are days when they don't feel like working. So, we even sit down and have session of games and songs with them. And we have Babita ben who is like their mother figure. She takes care of everything at the workshop like she even knows which cup I prefer to take my tea in and that pretty much makes my day. And for me as an individual it is the little things that matter and make the big picture.

Partnerships : What are your views about finding the right Co-Founder ? How did you find your business partner? According to you who is the ideal business partner?

Since, I started out in 2008 I have always handled the workshop all by myself as we kept

growing in an organic way. We have our production as and when required. But today, I feel like I am in a perfect place with life where I see the need of a co-founder because as a company, Handmade Hope has grown especially with the online store. I think you cannot find a Co- Founder. It is just someone from your everyday life with whom you are on the same wavelength as your vision but different frequency in term of skills. At the same time it has to be someone who can see the light passing through the cracks you have otherwise missed. Our Co-Founder Nimisha Ghorpade comes from a different academic background but with the same vision. We worked together for various projects and we just clicked. Having her helps me during my internal brainstorming sessions which in turn helps the startup grow. A Co-Founder isn't just someone who helps your startup grow but also a person who can criticize and show you the path which you otherwise don't see.

Hiring - How did you hire your first employee ? And in general what's your hiring policy? How important have good employees been to your success?

I don't somehow associate with the term employee. Everyone who works with me is like my

extended family. We don't have any policy as such because that would defeat the purpose of generating employment for all. If someone comes over wanting to work, I make sure that help is provided. Handmade Hope today is successful only because of everyone in the workshop. Good workforce makes the organization sustainable and prosperous. I feel privileged to have all these people in life who have been selflessly been contributing to the organization. 

Learning : How did you handle your disappointments and failures?

Disappointments and failures are an important part of life. For white to exist there has to be black and vice-versa. Also, failures make you grateful. Like every time we have an order that goes through smoothly, I feel grateful for everything that went into completing that order. Like last year, Vadodara faced massive floods and our workshop was badly hit. We had to completely shutdown our production for four months. But I did not sit down with the disappointment instead I moved to brighter zone of opportunity and our biggest comeback was the online store! It's only when you have seen the darkness of night that you start to appreciate the morning sun. So, yes I see disappointments and failures as a stepping stone and not a hurdle.

Vision: What's your vision for your venture. What do you want to accomplish in your life ? What are your future aspirations?

Vision for the venture is our 3 E's- engaging people into environment friendly employment. It's like J. K Rowling quotes in Harry Potter, help will always be provided for those who ask for it and it is something that Handmade Hope will continue to support. Through the venture what I wish to accomplish is to change the system and then move out thus making the system self sustainable.

Work-Life Balance : How do you find a balance between work family and social life?

I believe that everyone has a right to live their life the way they wish to. For some partying might get them joy for others it might be a stroll in the garden. Happiness is intangible and it's different for every other individual. My work and my people compensate my want to have a social life and my friends understand this. Just recently, a friend who loves her social life texted me saying she wanted to contribute to the society. She now funds the education for two girls for an entire year. I am happy that my work creates ripples of inspiration, it's like winning one half of a battle. 

Risks : Which was the boldest decision you ever made to have this venture work?

I feel I am fortunate that I don't need to make a bold move as everything just falls into place. You feel the need to make bold decisions when you think from your head. The heart never needs a bold decision.

Here are some amazing photos from Rushabh's entrepreneurial journey. 

image courtesy : Handmade Hope website & facebook page.