From a Schoolgirl’s Hobby to a Global Brand: The Journey of Shika Creations

Starting a business is never easy—especially when you have no family background in it. But Smrithi, the founder of Shika Creations, defied the odds. At just 14 years old, when most teenagers were busy with school assignments, she was busy creating and selling handmade terracotta jewellery. What began as a summer vacation learning soon transformed into a thriving business that has now reached international markets. Through her artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Smrithi not only built a successful brand but also empowered hundreds of women along the way. 

A Passion for Art Turned Into a Business 

Smrithi’s love for art and craft began at a young age. During one of her summer vacations, she came across terracotta jewellery making and was instantly drawn to it. "I have always enjoyed working with clay and making small doodles. When I learned about terracotta jewellery, I was fascinated by its authenticity. But I also realised that traditional clay art was slowly fading away, and I wanted to do something to revive it," she recalls. 

She had no prior knowledge of business and no guidance on how to sell her products. Determined to make it work, she approached craft shops near her house and convinced them to display her jewellery. Her first sale? A modest Rs. 50, and that too after three weeks of displaying her products at multiple stores. However, this small win gave her the confidence to push forward. Soon, she turned to social media and named her brand Shika Creations. However, there was a small issue with moving ahead with this business.

"The challenge was that many artisans were already working with terracotta. I had to find a way to make my products different. That’s when I started mixing terracotta with other elements and kept evolving my designs based on market trends," she explains. Through constant experimentation, she began blending terracotta with other materials like kemstone, pearls, semi-precious stones, and even canvas boards. 

Over the years, Shika Creations expanded its range beyond jewellery to include rakhis, wall hangings, dream catchers, fridge magnets, and customised terracotta products. Among all these, her kemstone jewellery and customised designs remain the bestsellers. Gradually, with her innovative mind and marketing, her business thrived. The young girl started receiving orders from across the country, and today, her brand has grown to ship products not just across India but to 12 countries worldwide. 

From a One-Woman Army to a Team of Artisans 

For the first three years, Smrithi single-handedly managed everything—from designing and crafting to marketing and sales. However, she soon realised that her knowledge could help others as well. She started conducting workshops and trained over 450 women and students in terracotta handicrafts, empowering them to start their own small businesses. "It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating opportunities. Many of the women I trained have started their own businesses, and 15 of them have joined Shika Creations to work with us full-time," she shares. 

Her brand also collaborates with NGOs like MRM Foundation and Bosch India Foundation, conducting skill-building workshops for underprivileged women in Karaikudi and all over Tamil Nadu. Through these initiatives, she has helped women gain financial independence, proving that entrepreneurship can be a tool for empowerment. 

Achievements and Global Recognition 

Over the years, Shika Creations has received immense recognition. During the 2020 lockdown, Smrithi ’s success story was covered by nearly 20 newspapers, including BBC Tamil, highlighting how she turned her passion into a thriving business. 

However, one of her biggest milestones came with the Global Student Entrepreneur Award (GSEA), a prestigious competition by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization spanning 65 countries. Smrithi was shortlisted in the Coimbatore chapter, progressed to the national level in Visakhapatnam, and won first place in the South Asian round. Moving further, she represented India at the global level in South Africa, where she secured the second runner-up position, becoming the only female entrepreneur from India to reach that stage. "Competing with entrepreneurs from around the world was a surreal experience. It reinforced my belief that no matter where you start from, if you are passionate and persistent, you can achieve anything," says the young lady. 

Expanding the Vision: Future Plans 

With nearly a decade of experience, Smrithi is now gearing up to take Shika Creations to the next level. She plans to divide her business into two segments—one focusing on affordable wholesale products and another dedicated to premium and luxury handcrafted jewellery. "We want to offer something for everyone—a budget-friendly range for daily wear and a high-end collection for those who love intricate craftsmanship," she explains. 

Additionally, she dreams of launching a boutique where customers can get customised outfits along with jewellery. Another ambitious goal is to create a marketplace for handcrafted products, helping artisans across India sell and market their creations. "Handmade crafts have immense value, and many artisans struggle to find buyers. Through this platform, we hope to give them the visibility and support they need," she adds. 

As Shika Creations continues to grow, her story remains an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere—proving that no dream is too big, no beginning is too small, and with the right mindset, anything is possible.