Meet Jaipur Siblings: From Rs 5K Candle Hobby to Gifting Business
The Success Story of GiftwithTwist: A Sibling Business Journey
Imagine your kitchen transforming into a creative laboratory on weekends, with wax, fragrances, and colorful molds taking center stage. This was the scene in the Khandelwal family kitchen in Jaipur, where siblings Unnati and Udit Khandelwal embarked on a journey that would lead them to the creation of GiftwithTwist.
Back in June 2023, Unnati and Udit, with backgrounds in digital marketing and still in college respectively, delved into the world of candle-making after a nudge from their parents. Armed with just a few YouTube tutorials and a meager investment, their hobby gradually blossomed into a thriving personalized gifting venture that now serves customers not only in India but also internationally, having recently fulfilled a substantial order of 500 customized candles for Dubai.
Evolution from a Hobby to a Business
- The journey began with humble beginnings, from spilled wax to broken utensils, but these initial hurdles only strengthened their foundation.
- What started with a nominal investment of around Rs 5,000 soon turned into a flourishing business endeavor due to their passion and determination.
The turning point arrived during Diwali in 2023 when a corporate order for 200 candles marked a pivotal moment for GiftwithTwist. It was then that Unnati and Udit realized the potential of their creations beyond mere experimentation. The fun hobby was now a serious business opportunity in the making.
Diversifying Beyond Candles
Although candles laid the foundation of GiftwithTwist, the siblings soon recognized the importance of diversification to expand their offerings. Moving away from being solely a candle-centric brand, they rebranded to GiftwithTwist, symbolizing their vision for a versatile gifting enterprise.
Today, their product line includes handcrafted scented candles, personalized gifts, festive hampers, return gifts, and customizable corporate gifting solutions, showcasing their dynamic approach to cater to a broader market.
Balancing Entrepreneurship with Careers
What sets GiftwithTwist apart is that both siblings maintained their professional careers alongside nurturing the business. Unnati excels in digital marketing while Udit thrives in PR, blending their expertise seamlessly into the fabric of their venture.
Utilizing their skills in marketing, photography, and social media, they meticulously grew GiftwithTwist without compromising their individual career paths. The synergy between their professions and the business reinforced their operational efficiency and strategic growth.
The Art of Sibling Collaboration
- Initial disagreements and teething problems are part and parcel of any business journey, especially when your co-founder is also your sibling.
- Unnati and Udit learned to capitalize on their differences, channeling their disagreements into constructive outcomes for the business.
Family support played a pivotal role in their entrepreneurial voyage, with parents serving as mediators during challenging times and extended family members becoming early patrons of their products.
Lessons Learned and Forever Evolving
GiftwithTwist stands as a testament to the notion that commencing a business doesn't always necessitate a monumental investment or a foolproof plan. Unnati and Udit's journey exemplifies the significance of perseverance, adaptation, and learning from each experience, no matter how messy or challenging.
Embracing Evolution and Continual Growth
With each order fulfilled and every creative idea explored, GiftwithTwist continues to evolve, mirroring the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of Unnati and Udit. Their story serves as an inspiration for aspiring business enthusiasts, emphasizing that the entrepreneurial journey is as much about starting small as it is about progressing, learning, and persisting.
Source: The Better India