On most evenings in West Delhi, a second-floor apartment transforms into something special. Cushions covered in sequins, ribbons sprawled across tables like sleepy snakes, half-done soft toys wait patiently beside a wall stacked with baskets and handmade pots and at the centre of it all sits Pooja Rana, needle in hand, bringing handmade creations to life.
What began as a quiet hobby has now evolved into a thriving home-based art and craft business – a one-woman workshop of ideas, textures, and dreams stitched together.
Apply For a Business Loan
From School Projects to Small Sales: How It All Started
Pooja grew up in Punjab with a strong interest in art and craft. Even as a student, she sold ceramic pots and tissue flowers. “I remember making teddy bears that sold for just ₹50,” she smiles. “They were in craze back then. I never thought my home-based art and craft business would one day support my family.”
After her marriage, Pooja moved to Delhi. Her husband was in the police force, and she became part of the Delhi Police Welfare Society. That’s where her passion found purpose.
“Once, I made 200 heart-shaped teddies for an Independence Day event. The then Prime Minister’s wife was the guest. She spoke to me for a few minutes and appreciated my work, taking one of those teddies home for her grandchild. That moment still keeps me going.”
Building a Craft Business from Home as a Single Parent
Life took a difficult turn after she lost her husband. But Pooja kept going – both as a mother and a maker.
She converted her home into a workspace and classroom for her home-based art and craft business. From pot painting, soft toy making, and best-out-of-waste crafts, her catalogue slowly grew. She also began taking evening classes, charging ₹1,500 to teach students school project work and creative craft ideas.
“My living room is my business. I do all my production, teaching, and even packing here. But I want more.”
Her creations – from fabric-painted cushions to handcrafted gift baskets and flowers are sold locally and through WhatsApp. She also collaborates with schools in Delhi, such as DAV, to design large-scale 3D models for exhibitions and concerts.
Taking the Leap with a Business Loan for Women Entrepreneurs
Despite steady income, growth was hard to fund. Her dream was clear – move beyond her home, rent a real shop, and hire staff. “But rent in my area is ₹30,000 a month, and the deposit alone was ₹2 lakh,” she explains.
Through Mahila Money, Pooja secured a ₹2 lakh business loan, which will help cover the deposit, stock, equipment, and the salaries of two helpers.
“This loan gave me confidence. For the first time, I feel like my art is finally becoming a proper business.”
What’s Next: From Retail to Event Decor Business Ideas
Pooja’s vision is sharp:
- Launch a full-fledged shop in Delhi
- Build a team
- Expand online via platforms like Amazon and Meesho
- Eventually, enter the event decor space
“I’ve helped event managers before, but now I want them to come to me. I want to start my own event company someday,” she says.
Her 5-Year Vision: A Chain of Stores and a Creative Empire
Over the next five years, Pooja hopes to establish a chain of art and craft shops across Delhi and Punjab, while also expanding a parallel business in event-based decor services. “I don’t just want to teach art. I want to show how it can become a livelihood,” she says.
Her business, Pooja Art & Craft, is now UDYAM-registered, has a monthly revenue of ₹1 lakh, and profits averaging ₹50,000 – all from a home-based art and craft business started with heart and very little capital.
Final Word: Creativity Can Be a Career
Pooja’s journey is a reminder that women entrepreneurs in Delhi and across India are building businesses in places most wouldn’t expect: on dining tables, in society halls, during school project seasons, and on festival prep nights.
“All I need now is that one shop. Then I’ll show everyone how art becomes business,” she laughs.
With a small loan and a big dream, Pooja is no longer just making soft toys. She’s shaping a future filled with endless possibilities.
Read more success stories:
How Prema’s Provision Store Business in Bengaluru Became a ₹70K Profit Success Story
How a Single Mother Entrepreneur Found Her Calling as Dr. Mital, the Skin Doctor
How Tehseen Built Three Businesses with Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money.
