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Have you ever come across dolls that tell a story of tradition, strength, and entrepreneurship? Imagine a simple doll dressed in desi attire going viral and becoming the face of a flourishing business. Sounds like the plot of a Bollywood movie, doesn’t it? But this isn’t a film script; it’s the incredible story of Divya Tejaswi, a biology teacher turned traditional doll maker. Divya’s venture, Lalitha Dolls, began as a mere flicker of hope during a time of despair but has now blossomed into a business earning a whopping Rs. 10 lakh annually. So, what’s so special about these dolls? Let’s dive into her inspiring journey.
The Journey of Crafting Doll
Divya’s story is one of reinvention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, so did her career. Both she and her husband, who were teachers, lost their jobs. With financial pressures mounting, the couple found themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation. One day, while looking at her daughter’s doll, an idea struck Divya like a bolt of lightning. Instead of letting the doll remain just a toy, she decided to dress it in traditional Indian attire, inspired by her mother’s creative talents. It was a simple act of creativity born out of necessity. When she shared the picture on social media, little did she know it would go viral. People were fascinated by the intricate details and cultural touch in her designs. This led to her first-ever bulk order; 20 personalised dolls. Encouraged by the response, the traditional doll maker realised she was onto something special. With sheer determination and a sprinkle of jugaad, she launched Lalitha Dolls, focusing on handcrafted, theme-based dolls that celebrated Indian culture.
But the initial days were far from glamorous. Divya struggled with sourcing materials, learning the craft, and handling customer expectations. Late nights, trial and error, and unwavering support from her family defined this phase of her journey. It wasn’t just a business; it was a lifeline for her family.
How Divya Tejaswi Turned Dolls into a Rs. 10 Lakh Business
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Fast forward a couple of years, and Lalitha Dolls isn’t just a small home-grown venture anymore. Divya’s dedication and craftsmanship have turned her business into an internationally recognised brand. Her dolls have travelled to homes in the United States, Canada, Malaysia, and even Korea! The unique selling point? Each doll tells a story. Whether it’s a bride and groom for a wedding, a traditional baby shower setup, or festive dolls dressed in sarees and kurtas, the attention to detail is unmatched. Divya’s ability to capture the soul of Indian traditions in miniature form has struck a chord with people around the globe.
Her success didn’t come without challenges. Balancing creativity with scalability, ensuring quality while meeting growing demands, and stepping into an uncharted market were daunting tasks. But Divya’s mantra was simple: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. She employed five women artisans, empowering them with skills and steady incomes, further expanding her venture’s reach. Today, Lalitha Dolls generates an impressive Rs. 10 lakh annually. Media features and online praise have catapulted her brand into the spotlight, making it a symbol of resilience and creativity. And this is just the beginning. The entrepreneur dreams of opening a physical store to showcase her creations, taking her artistry to even greater heights.
"I was always into academics and coming from a farmer background we faced difficulties to get into another stream. I used to work for college and later after getting married I moved to Bengaluru and started teaching working for a school. All thanks to my husband who supported me to start this business in tough time, starting a business is not easy and investment is must and should in any business, we had nothing but paused our house rent for two months and invested that money on business, thankfully we got supportive owners who also supported when we didn't pay the rent," she was quoted saying in a video.
Takeaway From Divya's Journey
In a world where many gave up during the pandemic, Divya Tejaswi turned her misfortune into a golden opportunity. So, the story isn’t just about dolls; it’s about finding opportunity in adversity, embracing creativity, and holding onto hope even when the odds are stacked against you. Her journey reminds us that innovation doesn’t require grand resources—it begins with small steps and big dreams. If a biology teacher can transform her life by dressing dolls, what’s stopping us from exploring our hidden talents? Her success also highlights the importance of supporting local artisans who are preserving our rich heritage while creating something truly unique. By championing ventures like Lalitha Dolls, we not only appreciate the beauty of tradition but also empower individuals who are keeping cultural legacies alive.