She Believed, She Could, So She Did - Sunayana Gawade

Sunayana Gawade

“The Walls between Art and Engineering exist only in our minds” this is so true for Sunayana. The ease with which she transitioned from being a working professional in a MNC to an art and craft enthusiast is mesmerizing. She received art as a heritage from her father. She was raised with two siblings and has always been a very active person. Physical agility was shown in her Basketball and mental agility in her art and craft projects. Her independent personality always was inclined towards entrepreneurship. But everyone around her believed, education followed by a job in MNC, were essential for living a good life. So, family didn’t allow to pursue her dream, to do more in the field of art. She went on to do her graduation and post-graduation in computer science. Once, she was married, her passion for art was forgotten while juggling professional and family responsibilities.  After working close to a decade as a software engineer, she still felt amiss. In the initial years after marriage, finance was a priority as she was building a family. After her second baby arrived, she decided to quit her job to focus on her kids and family. Now with some extra time in hand, it was more frustrating to not work for her dream. This looks like story of every working women, who prioritizes everyone but her own self and her dreams. But, Sunayana did change her story and emerged as an inspiration. Let’s now hear, more about the transformation from her.

1. What service(s) or product(s) do you offer/manufacture?

I provide customized home decor items under the brand name “Craftlets”. I work with different types of clays and make miniatures, name plates, wall decors, fridge magnets, resembling images, clay works on mugs, clay musical instruments, clay murals & many more. We also deal in decoupage and mix-media articles.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunayanaCraftlets/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunayanacraftlets/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKMDT5VhPU8pzbUkCpkxKHw

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/919923875796

2. How did you get your idea or concept?

One day while surfing on social media, I got to know about air-dry clay and its uses. Since childhood I was good at drawing and some other artistic work. I was searching answers outside when I had to peek within me for inspiration. I learnt basics of clay modelling and started my own creations. The appreciations received for my creations, boosted me to give my best to improvise and encouraged me to take my work at professional level. I started taking workshops on clay modelling, response was more than expected. It is very blissful experience when you teach, and your students do well. That was the start of my journey under the brand name "Craftlets".

3. What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?

 My day starts early morning at 5 am with exercise. Health is wealth and a healthy body helps cultivate a healthy and creative mind. After, I wind up all household chores, afternoon time is for my craft - clay modelling. Work is scheduled as per priority of orders and workshops. I also market my products on social media. I play multiple roles thought the day - wife, mother and entrepreneur while prioritizing is my kids. I loved reading books so manage to get some time early morning (when rest from exercise) or late evening once in a week to read books.

 4. What are some of the mistakes you wish you could have avoided?

 The first and fore most mistake - I started very late. Secondly, didn’t pay required attention to social media marketing.

5. Are you happy and what would you change?

 Yes, I am very happy that I transformed my hobby into profession. I wouldn’t change a thing.

6. A quote you stand by...

 We should live our own life. Listen to your instinct and do your best - "Believe in yourself."

So true, “Believe in yourself”, this is exactly what Sunayana did and achieved all her dream! She is a personified definition of “good girl”. Her story and talks how the traditional approach don’t always guarantee satisfaction. Also dreams never die, they just go into the background, waiting for you to wake-up one day and realize them. Yes, I did say wake-up, these dreams need you to wake-up from your deep slumber and they push you towards a journey of self-realization and contentment. Let’s take the first step today!