On a warm afternoon, Sudharani Marndi sits in her home in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, meticulously working on her latest mud mirror Lippan creations. For her, this practice is far more than just a pastime — it’s the heartbeat of a thriving business.
Born into a conservative family in Odisha that valued the stability of a government job over artistic endeavours, Sudharani was drawn to the vibrancy of colours and forms from an early age.
Her father, a dedicated land revenue officer, had dreams of a secure and predictable future for his daughter — one that did not involve brushes, colours, or handcrafted trinkets. “He wanted me to follow the steady path of a government job or a career in banking. He viewed these roles as respectable and secure,” she recalls.
Her passion for art and craft often clashed with her father’s pragmatic outlook. So, when Sudharani chose to leave her job as a receptionist at a clinic, he was furious.
“To appease my father’s wishes, I joined a clinic in 2015 after graduating with a degree in science. At the same time, I was also managing orders for my handicrafts. I didn’t like the job at all, I couldn’t concentrate. I felt like I was sailing in two boats. I had to choose one. My heart led me back to my true calling — crafting. So, I left the job in less than a month,” she shares.
Sudharni’s father was enraged at her decision. “He said he would throw away all my brushes and colours. He stopped talking to me. He felt I was bringing shame to him by selling these craft items. He believed that my artistic endeavours were nothing more than a distraction — a temporary whim with no future,” adds the 34-year-old.
Despite the initial resistance from her family, Sudharani’s determination was unyielding.
In conversation with The Better India, she showcases that with perseverance and creativity, one can indeed turn a hobby into a profitable business.
Turning ridicule into rewards
Sudharani’s journey into the world of handmade crafts began over a decade ago, at a time when her life was yet untouched by the responsibilities of marriage. She started small, creating earrings, gift boxes, and greeting cards — each piece echoing her artistic vision.
In 2015, she ventured into business when she started receiving small-scale orders from college friends. This gradually escalated into a full-fledged enterprise, ‘Jhunuk Crafts’.
Sudhrani has no formal training in handicrafts. “I would keep experimenting on my own, and fail multiple times before finalising a product,” she shares. “I do not use any fancy materials or tools, only simple materials. I use newspapers, plastic jars from my kitchen, cardboard, and discarded tetra packs as well. I once made a birdhouse from a tetra pack, and the video of it got more than seven lakh views.”
Sudharni’s intricate creations, made from simple and eco-friendly materials, have evolved over the years. She has expanded her repertoire, meticulously handcrafting over 100 different items, each showcasing her resourcefulness with simple materials and her profound imagination.
Her products range in price from Rs 20 for a paper bookmark to Rs 1,000 for a nameplate or photo frame. Today, she receives bulk orders from both offline exhibitions and online marketplaces, earning around Rs 40,000 per month.
What started as a modest venture has blossomed into a thriving business from her home in Srikakulam. She began gaining traction, selling her artisanal works across India and even receiving international orders, including from the USA and Japan.
From local creations to global recognition
Sudharani’s journey was not without its setbacks. Navigating a tricky balance between the expectations of a conservative family, the emotional storm at her home, and her own aspirations was a constant challenge.
Yet, with every piece she sold, Sudharani inched closer to her dream — saving diligently, learning the ropes of business through her studies in business administration, and finding solace and support in her husband’s encouragement after marriage.
Today, her home doubles as her creative sanctuary and business hub. She skillfully balances her household responsibilities with her entrepreneurial pursuits, dedicating hours each day to her craft.
The rewards are evident — not only in financial success but also in the newfound respect she has earned from her father, who now actively supports her business. “The changing tides have brought my father’s respect, whereas he once saw only shame in my artistry. When he witnessed my success, he gradually became my ally. Now, he even helps me with orders and recognises the dedication that once seemed so frivolous,” she shares.
She says this change was evident when she moved homes after her marriage. “Once, my mother asked me to clear my almirah, or she would be forced to sell my leftover craft items to kabadiwalahs (scrap dealers). But my father resisted. He announced that those were products of my hard work and needed to be cherished,” smiles Sudharani.
KC Marndi’s view of his daughter’s work has completely transformed. These days, he joins her at offline exhibitions, helping her manage orders at the counter. “As parents, our main concern is that our children succeed in life. Ever since she was a child, she has been crafting, and I always worried she might not thrive in this field. But witnessing her passion and dedication has changed my perspective. This isn’t just a hobby for her — it’s her passion. We feel immense pride knowing she receives orders from abroad. She often gifts us key holders and photo frames with our family photos, which serve as a constant reminder of her incredible talent.”
Sudharani is not just crafting beautiful art — she is crafting a life that honours her passions, bridging generational dreams and contemporary aspirations with grace and determination.
“I remember as a child, I couldn’t afford to buy greeting cards for Teachers’ Day. While my friends purchased expensive Archies cards, I felt left out. One card cost at least Rs 200 back then. I would go to the shop and admire them but never buy one. So, I decided to make a handmade card on my own. Those memories are still fresh, but now I no longer feel less than anyone. There is still so much to learn, but I am glad I have come this far,” she reflects.
As she puts the finishing touches on her latest mud and mirror creations, Sudharani prepares to share yet another batch of her handicrafts with the world.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All images courtesy Sudharani Marndi
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