Thirty-year-old Nalini got married at an early age and had to leave her graduation half way. A successful homemaker with a doting husband and two lovely children, Nalini wanted to give wings to her dream of designing gift packages. She started a small bou
WOMEN entrepreneurs seem to be the buzz word in the franchising fraternity these days. Franchisors are betting big on the lady luck. But what's the reason for this burgeoning demand of women entrepreneurs? Is it do with her patience, adaptability, sensibility and empathy? Meet the GenNext women, who are making it big in the creative industry and putting their best foot forward via franchising.
From small to big
A woman entrepreneur comes across as a strong-headed, independent person who efficiently manages both personal as well as professional life. One such exemplary woman is Shalini Beriwal, Proprietor of Magnificence's Academy of Packaging Professionals (MAPP), who started her gift packing boutique at her home. Switching roles between a homemaker and an entrepreneur, she worked from home for three years. It was only after her boutique was in full swing, did she decide to open a studio.
The 'modern' woman, regardless of age, debunks traditional careers and steps into the business line, starting from her own home. She has a strong desire to do something generative by indulging into an array of businesses from pickle-making to power cables. Ankita Jain (27), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), OM INCREDIBLE ARTISTRY, is one of the youngest CEOs in our country. An interior designer, Ankita had a spark to show her creativity in business. Considering the present scenario of theme-based weddings and events in India, she decided to come up with specialised trousseau packing to match with the standards of designer bridal wear and designer jewellery. Jain feels: “Nowadays, people don't mind spending on exceptional packaging, as they need to have something unique in terms of creativity and to match their social status. At OM INCREDIBLE ARTISTRY, we ensure that our customers get memorable gifts that they can keep forever.”
Budding gift packaging industry
The gift packaging industry is undergoing a sea change, as consumers have become cost conscious and various gift packaging boutiques vie for customer satisfaction. To add one more facet in this blooming industry, Buds n Bites has discovered a 'chocolicious' formula. They present a unique concept in gifting by combining a bouquet of handcrafted flowers with sumptuous chocolates. Jyotsna Konpalli, Owner, Buds n Bites, says: “I felt sorry for the life span of flowers bouquet and its wastage. So, I thought of delighting both the sight and taste buds of consumers by adding chocolates to the bouquets.” Buds n Bites also offers a combination of natural flowers and chocolates to customers. Besides, the company also deals in specialised trousseau packing wherein they use handcrafted paper, flowers and pearls for decoration so that the entire package looks elegant and worth the price!
To distinguish their products from their counterparts, OM INCREDIBLE Artistry's forte, includes designer sweet boxes, 'ladoo' box, ring platter, 'thal' covers, mehandi trays, permanent rangoli, gold/silver coin boxes, ginni pouches, designer 'ghadolis', handcrafted invites, 'shagun' platter, mehandi backdrops etc. The company also deals in corporate gifting, mosaics, designer candle centrepieces, unique handcrafted invites, customised birthday products and much more.
En route to franchising
Good news for women entrepreneurs is that they can start the gift packaging business irrespective of their age, background, qualification etc. Professional women can also give a try without sacrificing on their current job. “With 100 national and international franchise outlets in the pipeline next year of MAPP whose investment is Rs 20 lakh, we will soon offer product franchising under our brand Magnificence and its stalk will cost around 8-10 lakh,” says Beriwal. They will also provide raw material, designing stock etc to a franchisee for MAPP. The expected break-even of MAPP franchise is 16 months with 100 per cent returns and 20 per cent royalty.
For housewives, OM INCREDIBLE ARTISTRY has specially carved out a home-based franchise model, wherein they can create their own identity in the creativite world and they can have a great source of income too!
According to Jain: “Franchising is the best way to spread your business in ashort span. It gives equal growth and revenues to a franchisor and a franchisee.We have franchise centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Jodhpur, Vizag and Bangkok and we are planning to expand via franchise route in more than 10 cities in the next nine months.”
With 11 franchise outlets, OM INCREDIBLE ARTISTRY also offers kiosks outlets with a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh. The company commenced its operations in 2007 and offers returns in one year with 40 per cent royalty. Jain asserts: “We provide complete set up, along with trendy and specialised product training, to all our franchisees and their staff. We also hone their skills as per the market trend. Besides, we ensure that our franchisees grow hand in glove with us.”
Konpalli too believes in franchising to make a mark in the market. She adds: “Franchising not only cuts down expenses, but also helps in better market penetration. Buds n Bites believes in the concept of employment generation and we plan to have our outlets in every nook and cranny of India.” Buds n Bites imparts flower designing and bouquet-making training to women at domestic level and help them become independent. The company prefers happening location where there is high visibility. The investment fee is Rs 2 lakh and the cost of material is also Rs 2 lakh.
Personalised touch!
Konpolli feels that women are better managers than men. But she laments that men have their monopoly in the gift packaging business, so it's high time that women gear up too. OM INCREDIBLE ARTISTRY has a bent towards women when it comes to recruitment and believes that women have a unique sense of creativity and grasping ability.
Emotions are synonymous to women and in the business of gift packaging, emotions, too, are wrapped along with a gift item. Besides, who can understand it better than women!
Play your cards well
Today's woman has set her priorities right and proudly walks with her 'head over heels'. Women are stepping out from their homes and comfort zones to set up businesses. All you need is passion and zeal to follow your dreams. Remember, there is no shortcut to success!
For housewives, OM INCREDIBLE ARTISTRY has specially carved out a home-based franchise model, wherein they can create their own identity.
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