Bhubaneswar, Ap 4: Sudharani Marndi has made a successful profession out of her passion for handicrafts, even after being discouraged and questioned by her family. She quit working as a receptionist in 2015 to pursue her interest in making things, much to the disapproval of her father. He desired her to be professionally employed, but Sudharani was resolute about pursuing what brought her joy.
Having no formal education, Sudharani started to work with natural materials such as newspapers and plastics. She designed exclusive handmade products, and her small enterprise, Jhunuk Crafts, slowly developed. Her products from paper bookmarks to decorative name tags and photo frames became popular within India and across the globe with orders from places such as the USA and Japan.
Sudharani’s decision to leave her job was met with disapproval from her father, who even threatened to throw away her crafting supplies. But she stayed focused and worked hard. Her dedication paid off when her craft items started gaining attention. She now earns around Rs 40,000 a month and receives bulk orders from exhibitions and online platforms.
Her path has not been smooth, struggling with family expectations and her passion. But over time, her father's attitude changed. He now attends exhibitions with her and is proud of her achievement. "I used to think it was just a hobby, but now I see how serious and successful she is," her father says.
Sudharani’s story is one of resilience and determination. She started with small creations like greeting cards and earrings and has now built a thriving business. She continues to inspire others, showing that with hard work and passion, it’s possible to turn dreams into reality.
