In the heart of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, a small room echoes with the rhythmic strokes of brushes and the gentle rustle of recycled materials. Here, Sudharani Marndi meticulously crafts her latest mud mirror Lippan creations, a practice that has transcended mere hobby to become the soul of her thriving business, ‘Jhunuk Crafts’. Once burdened by societal expectations and familial disapproval, Sudharani has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, transforming her passion into a global enterprise.
Challenging Norms with Courage
Born and raised in a conservative family in Odisha, where the notion of a secure government job overshadowed artistic pursuits, Sudharani was drawn to the vibrant world of colors and creativity from a young age. However, her father, a dedicated land revenue officer, had different dreams for her. He envisioned a stable career, far removed from brushes and trinkets.
“He wanted me to follow a secure path, like a government or banking job. He believed those roles were respectable and reliable,” recalls Sudharani. To honor her father’s wishes, she joined a clinic as a receptionist in 2015 after completing her science degree. Yet, her heart remained tethered to her craft.
“I felt like I was sailing in two boats. I couldn’t concentrate and felt unfulfilled. Eventually, I had to choose, and my heart led me back to crafting. I quit my job within a month,” she shares. Her decision met with severe disapproval from her father, who viewed her artistic endeavors as a frivolous distraction. “He threatened to throw away all my brushes and colors and stopped talking to me. He felt ashamed of my work.”
Turning Ridicule into Rewards
Despite the initial resistance, Sudharani remained undeterred. Her journey into handicrafts began over a decade ago with small creations like earrings, gift boxes, and greeting cards. In 2015, as word of her talent spread among college friends, she began receiving small orders. What started as a modest venture soon blossomed into ‘Jhunuk Crafts’, a full-fledged business.
Remarkably, Sudharani had no formal training in handicrafts. “I kept experimenting, failing multiple times before finalizing a product. I use simple materials like newspapers, plastic jars, cardboard, and discarded tetra packs. I once made a birdhouse from a tetra pack, and the video received over seven lakh views,” she says with pride.
Today, her handcrafted items range from paper bookmarks priced at Rs 20 to intricately designed nameplates and photo frames costing Rs 1,000. She now earns around Rs 40,000 per month, with bulk orders coming from both offline exhibitions and online marketplaces. Her creations have found homes not only across India but also internationally, with orders pouring in from countries like the USA and Japan.
From Local Creations to Global Recognition
Sudharani’s journey was not without its hurdles. Balancing familial expectations with personal aspirations was a constant challenge. However, with each sold piece, she edged closer to her dream. Her studies in business administration helped her navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, while her husband’s encouragement after marriage provided the emotional support she needed.
Today, her home serves as both a creative sanctuary and business hub. She juggles household responsibilities with her passion for crafting, dedicating hours each day to her work. The transformation in her father’s perspective is perhaps her greatest achievement.
“The changing tides have brought my father’s respect. Where he once saw shame, he now sees dedication and success. He gradually became my ally, helping me with orders and managing offline exhibitions. He now recognizes the hard work he once dismissed as frivolous,” Sudharani shares.
Her father’s newfound pride was evident when her mother once suggested selling leftover craft items to scrap dealers. “My father resisted. He said those were products of my hard work and needed to be cherished,” she recalls with a smile.
Crafting Dreams with Determination
KC Marndi’s view of his daughter has completely transformed. He now stands by her side at exhibitions, helping manage orders. “As parents, our main concern is our children’s success. I always worried she might not thrive in this field. But seeing her passion and dedication has changed my perspective. It is no longer just a hobby; it is her life. We feel immense pride knowing she receives orders from abroad,” he says.
Sudharani’s journey from being a small-time creator to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to resilience and determination. “I remember feeling left out as a child when I couldn’t afford greeting cards for Teachers’ Day. While my friends bought expensive cards, I made my own. Those memories are still fresh. Now, I no longer feel less than anyone. There is so much more 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 continues to craft not just beautiful art but a life that bridges generational dreams with contemporary aspirations. Her story is an enduring reminder that passion, when pursued with perseverance, can turn rejection into global recognition.