I held the feedback message in my trembling hands. After pouring endless hours into creating 1200 handcrafted Diwali hampers, the words pierced my heart: “The clients were expecting more sweets, not handicrafts.”
The Weight of Disappointment
Every Macrame Kandil we made was a labor of love. Every knot was tied with purpose, every thread chosen with care. Our artisans worked tirelessly, pouring their skills and passion into each piece. We believed these creations would bring warmth and beauty to people’s homes, but somewhere along the way, the connection was lost.
Where Did We Go Wrong?
It wasn’t about the quality of our work—it never was. The issue was expectations. The corporate clients who bought our hampers handed them out to people expecting the usual Diwali treats: sweets and snacks.
This left me questioning:
- Did we misunderstand what they wanted?
- Did the corporate clients overlook what their customers expected?
- Or is there a deeper issue in how handmade art is valued in today’s world?
The Painful Truth About Handmade Art
It breaks my heart to admit this: In a country known for its rich heritage of handlooms, intricate crafts, and vibrant traditions, handmade often takes a backseat.
While the world celebrates artisanal work, often paying a premium for it, we struggle here at home to make people see its worth. As a result:
- Many artisans are walking away from their crafts.
- Age-old art forms are fading away.
- Young people are hesitant to follow in their family’s footsteps.
Finding Clarity in the Chaos
But even in the disappointment, a truth became clear:
We were reaching the wrong people.
Our real audience isn’t looking for just another Diwali gift. They want something deeper:
- A story in every knot and thread.
- A blend of tradition and modern design.
- A conscious choice that values sustainability over convenience.
- The warmth of something made by hand, not machine.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught us lessons we’ll carry forever:
- Understand Your Audience: Not everyone will see the value in handmade, and that’s okay.
- Tell Your Story: We need to share the meaning and effort behind our work more clearly.
- Choose the Right Partners: Work with those who value and support handmade creations.
- Educate the Market: Help people understand why handmade items are special and worth cherishing.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Instead of breaking us, this experience has made us stronger. We’re now more determined to:
- Find people who truly value handmade art.
- Share our journey and our passion.
- Inspire others to support artisans and traditional crafts.
- Create pieces that connect deeply with those who see their worth.
A Message to Fellow Artisans
To anyone feeling like their work doesn’t matter: it does. Your craft is important. You’re carrying forward a tradition, a piece of history, and that is priceless. There is an audience out there who will value what you do—don’t give up.
To Our Future Clients
When you choose something handmade, you’re choosing more than just a product. You’re supporting a story, a tradition, and a dream. You’re helping keep art alive and giving it a place in today’s world.
Our True North
This experience has become our guiding light. It’s shown us who we’re truly crafting for—the people who understand that a handmade item isn’t just an object. It’s someone’s time, effort, and heart.
To those who cherish handmade art: we create for you. Let’s celebrate the beauty of human hands and keep these traditions alive, together.