Homemaker turns award-winning exporter of dolls

Sharadamani, an entrepreneur from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh started out as a hobbyist who makes toys and colourful handicrafts from discarded household items. But soon she graduated into an entrepreneur who exports her work of art to other countries besides selling them to a huge customer base in India.

Nellore:Sharadamani started off making dolls and handicrafts from discarded materials only as a hobby four years ago. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh who exports her handmade toys and handicrafts.

Sharadamani has won several awards and set records by making very attractive toys and awe-inspiring handicrafts. She also set a world record and entered Guinness Book of Records for making several varieties of the toys. Over the two, years Sharadamani has proved that with talent and a little hard work anyone can run a business from home.

Sharadamani sells her toys and handicrafts online to a growing customer base in India and abroad. In 2016, she started off by shaping up a few dolls from waste materials. She uses waste papers, coconut pods, plastic bottles, and coloured stones for making dolls and handicrafts. Some of her works include handicrafts depicting zodiac signs, Lord Vinayaka, the birth of Jesus Christ among others.

In the first year, she made as many as 380 toys and artefacts. She exhibited her work in multiple exhibitions and received positive feedbacks. Soon enough, honours from Telugu Book of Records, India Book of Records and Guinness Book of Records came knocking at her door.

Sharadamani, through her enticing handicrafts and toys, made it to the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2018, she made 80 toys and artefacts in various sizes, colours and shapes. She focused on making of vintage-styled toys and artefacts which have received good patronage.

The entrepreneur's Indian versions of barbie dolls have many takers. Sharadamani has made several toys that reflect Indian culture and traditions.

Customers from other states and foreigners buy Sharadamani's products online. In the last two years, the business has grown online significantly, she says.

Now she has set up a shop at her residence and also offers employment to 10 women.

She also promises to offer free training to women in making her speciality toys and handicrafts. Sharadamani is role-model for all people who are yet to find out their hidden talents.