A modest beginning driven by passion and creativity can transform into a thriving commercial enterprise, a fact demonstrated by Ritika in Patna. Through her venture Craft Age, she has reimagined ordinary candles, turning them from simple lighting tools into sophisticated home decor and gifting options. What started with an initial capital of roughly Rs 10,000 has now scaled to an annual turnover touching Rs 35 to 40 lakh. Beyond commercial success, she has successfully trained over 1,000 girls and women, empowering them to establish their own independent ventures.
Pandemic Beginnings and Expansion
Ritika initiated candle-making directly from her home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially operating on a small scale, the enterprise gradually gained momentum as consumer demand and appreciation grew. In 2023, receiving backing from the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) provided the necessary impetus to scale up production and transition the initiative into a full-fledged business. Today, her products witness strong demand across Patna as well as various parts of the country, alongside international orders.
Festive Varieties and Urli Designs
The demand for decorative items spikes significantly during festive periods like Diwali. Responding to this seasonal shift, Craft Age introduces several novel designs each year. Urli candles have emerged as a primary conversation starter this season, crafted in single-layer, three-layer, and rangoli-inspired formats. Available in multiple sizes and vibrant colors, these candles are designed to elevate home aesthetics during celebrations.
Creative Food-Inspired and Unique Concepts
Moving beyond conventional shapes, the brand crafts products that mimic familiar items. Snake candles, taper candles, conch-shell designs, and tea-biscuit shaped creations form part of the unique catalog. Customers can also find candles shaped like traditional sweets and savories such as laddu, samosa, rabri, and jalebi. With wine candles and other experimental variants currently in development for Diwali, the brand consistently adapts to evolving trends to offer fresh choices to buyers.
Eco-Friendly Soy Wax Formulation
A defining attribute of Craft Age candles is the use of soy wax as the base material. Sourced from soybean oil and infused with specialized fragrance oils, these candles are engineered to burn cleanly with minimal smoke while diffusing a pleasant aroma throughout the room. This focus on eco-friendly formulation and intricate craftsmanship drives steady customer preference.
Empowering Women and Youth Entrepreneurs
The business model extends well beyond manufacturing and sales, incorporating dedicated training programs for aspiring makers. Through online and offline channels, homemakers, students, and young individuals looking to earn supplementary income receive hands-on instruction in candle production. Having trained more than 1,000 individuals, several of her students have gone on to win regional awards for their enterprise. For those unable to attend physical training sessions, Craft Age provides alternative models like reselling and dropshipping to facilitate earnings without requiring direct manufacturing.
Journey to a Rs 40 Lakh Turnover
Reflecting on the early days, Ritika notes that the enterprise commenced with a capital of roughly Rs 10,000. Through persistent experimentation with designs, an understanding of customer preferences, and disciplined execution, the business expanded steadily to achieve its current annual milestone.
Online Accessibility and Ordering
Customers looking to purchase decorative items or inquire about training programs can access the brand through multiple digital channels. The company facilitates nationwide shipping and lists its products across official web platforms and e-commerce networks. Interested buyers can visit the official website craftedgeindia.com for festive orders or training details, or reach out via social media, WhatsApp, and the contact number 9546483598.
