Behind the Scenes of My Handmade Crochet Journey
Turning a 'daddi amma wali hobby' into a full-time passion. Here is the real, unpolished story of my crochet business, from finding therapy in a hook to the daily hustle of managing everything solo.
Someone once mockingly called my business a "dadi amma wali hobby". Well, I'm proud to say this hobby now empowers women and sustains me. I am proud to be a dadi amma. Old is gold.
My biggest flex is that I self-learnt crocheting via YouTube while going through a really dark phase in my life. This craft was my therapy, and I'm so grateful for how it changed my life's direction.
My butterfly effect: If I hadn't had PCOD, left my job, and challenged myself to learn crochet during that dark phase, I wouldn't be running my own business and living my dream life today.
A year ago, my PCOD was at its worst. I left my job and picked up a crochet hook as a distraction. Today, I'm celebrating one year of my business. I haven't stopped, and I ain't stopping now.
I started a crochet business just for fun, and now I am the creator, model, social media manager, designer, and everything else for my business. It's a beautiful journey, and I love what I do.
I'm working late because I am the crocheter, the small business owner, and the photographer. This is the reality of the solo-preneur hustle, and it's all worth it.
POV: balancing personal life and work as a small business owner. After a long break, I'm coming back stronger, taking small steps every day to get back on track.
My father, a true businessman, taught me this lesson: be patient and trust in your hard work. I'm so blessed to have my family and friends supporting my small business every step of the way.
A glimpse of my pop-up corner at a local cafe. What you see are people admiring my work; what you don't see is me dancing in a corner because every sale and smile means the world.
Our pretty little corner is now live at ATE, Saket. Come by to feel the magic of my handcrafted pieces, shop your heart out, and sip on some coffee.
About The Hustle: Behind the Scenes
People often see the final, perfect product, but behind every stall setup is a constant struggle with the elements. Whether it is rain, wind, or blazing sun, I have learned that 'jugaad' (resourcefulness) is the most important tool in any maker's kit. When you reach out to me, you are not just getting a product; you are supporting the long, often sweaty hours I put in to make sure every stitch is just right.
My journey as a crochet artist did not start in a fancy studio. It began in 2022 during a difficult phase where I was struggling with PCOD and needed a way to quiet my mind. I picked up a hook and some yarn, and suddenly, those repetitive motions became my therapy.
On December 10th, 2022, I officially launched 'A Handcrafted Gaatha', and honestly, I had no idea it would grow into what it is today. I am the designer, the creator, the social media manager, and the person packing your orders. When I say every piece is handmade, I mean it—I am sitting here with the yarn, the hook, and a lot of patience.
Running a small business in Delhi NCR is a wild ride. You will find me at exhibitions and pop-ups, often battling the weather to get my display just right. I have moved from just making things for fun to managing custom bulk orders for weddings and corporate teams. Whether you are looking for quirky keychains, personalized name signs, or a custom amigurumi plushie, I approach it the same way: with 100% cotton yarn and a lot of care. If you have an idea, let's talk about it. No machines, no shortcuts, just me and my love for the craft.
Tanisha Kharbanda
I’m Tanisha, the face behind A Handcrafted Gaatha. I turned a simple crochet hook into my full-time business, handling everything from designing to social media and stall setups. It’s a wild, colorful, and honest journey, and I’d love to share it with you.
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