A quirky touch to the mundane

Their products have a homely feel. With quirky designs and bright colours lighting up homes, they stand true to their name — ‘Enthucutlets’. This craft start-up was started by two enthusiastic young women, Antara and Namrata, in 2010.

Antara, who was a professional in graphic designing and branding, quit her job when she had a baby. Soon she realised that she had a lot of time on hand and decided to put her creative streaks to use. Thus ‘Enthucutlets’ was born.

They make hand-made organisers — black-boards, storage boards, magnet boards, gift boxes, pin-up boards and frames. Their products are made from different raw materials like banana fibres, pine-wood, cardboards, craft items from different factories and  handloom items for handmade accessories. As Antara enjoys making personalised items, they also make bags and purses from old saris and fabrics.

 Antara says, “We decided to make organisers because these are what people mainly need. Our customers include home-makers, children, teachers, professionals and corporates. Our products are bought by those who have a personal need. It was a little window-like-market which we decided to tap into.”

Every year, she starts planning by March and get everything in place by August. The she sells her products online or by participating in flee markets. They also have products that are stitched for different occasions. “I try to recycle everything and enjoy personalising orders which are according to people’s requirements.

Although the colour, design and product line is decided by Antara, ‘Enthucutlets’ work with a group of rural women in Sirsi, as part of a Self-Help Group initiative who make the products for them. Her eye for designs and colours change according to the cumulative needs of the market. “As I love kitchen art work, most ideas come from there.”

Antara hasn’t planned any of her projects for the future and says that there is no rush to do so. There are a lot of challenges throughout as managing one’s business is not easy. She explains that from the planning stages to the final sell-out, it is a long drawn out process but she loves her venture. Not wanting to go back to her corporate job, Antara says, “It was a leap of faith that we took and the discipline of starting this business that got us here. There are a lot of pressure months for us throughout the year but we do get adequate support from friends and family.” 

As one of the outlets to express creativity, she hopes to expand in the near future so that more people can join in. Through this venture, she also hopes that her love for art and design can increase among people. “I feel that everyone should have something personalised for themselves. Art with quirky touches always bring back good memories and exude a feeling of happiness.”