Young Edge | Hobbies, handicrafts, and hustle: How Gen Z Punekars are turning creativity into small businesses | Pune News

“Our business started as a fun project. We liked hand-painting and embroidering the tote bags. When we got a huge response at the college market, we realised it could be something bigger,” says Yashashree. “Social media played a big role in helping us connect with people and grow; most of our customers find us through Instagram,” she says. Having sold over 200 products so far, the team is now planning to launch its own website to make selling more convenient.

Gen Z creators in Pune turn hobbies like baking, crafting, and crocheting into thriving small businesses, displaying their products at college and local flea markets. (Express Photo)

Shrushti Chitnis, a 19-year-old psychology student who founded ‘Aahvi Jewels’, a handmade jewellery venture, says her inspiration came from childhood afternoons spent on crafting with her mother. “What started as gifting my friends turned into a side hustle. I use Instagram to promote my work, and though it’s still growing, it gives me creative freedom and a sense of independence,” she shares. Getting 15 to 20 orders monthly, Chitnis hopes to turn her small venture into a full-fledged business in the near future.

Transforming their hobbies into small businesses, from tote bags and jewellery to clay keychains and custom bakes. (Express Photo)

Turning creativity into handcrafted products

A similar creativity drives Pratishtha Singh, a 19-year-old media student, and Anchita L S, an 18-year-old archaeology student, founders of ‘Art.Nest.Co.’, a brand making handcrafted products such as flowers, keychains, and bouquets with clay and pipe-cleaner. “We wanted to turn our creativity into something meaningful. Social media gives us the space to share our art and connect with people. For us, it is not about building a big business, but about staying consistent and enjoying the process,” says Singh. Getting four to five orders weekly, they plan on promoting and growing their business more rigorously through Instagram.

For 21-year-old BBA student and homebaker Neha Kale, founder of ‘Spoonful of Caramel’, the pandemic became a turning point. “People still wanted to celebrate, even in lockdown. I got an oven, started an Instagram page, and began taking small orders,” she says. “Now, most of my customers come through social media and word of mouth. For me, success isn’t just profit; it is the joy my cakes bring to people,” Kale asserts. With around 30 orders monthly, Neha sees this as an opportunity to learn and grow and plans to open her own bakery in the future.

For today’s Gen Z creators, motivation isn’t driven by money, it’s driven by meaning. Every handmade product mirrors their personality and passion. They find joy not in payment receipts, but in heartfelt reviews, cherishing the trust and connection they build with every customer. (Express Photo)

Promoting sustainable, handmade crochet gifts

Meanwhile, Ananya Sonar, a 20-year-old law student and founder of ‘Fiora Creations’, uses her embroidery and crochet skills to promote sustainable, handmade gifting. “Eighty per cent of my business depends on Instagram. Managing everything alone is challenging, but seeing people appreciate my work makes it worth it. I think for Gen Z, more than earning, it’s the satisfaction and meaning we find in our work that drives us,” Sonar explains. Having completed more than 100 customised orders since last year, she plans on carrying it forward along with her career.

Each handmade product carries a story of ambition and purpose. These ventures are redefining what entrepreneurship looks like for the next generation.

(Ruta Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)