Scrolling past stories of people promoting their small businesses has become a familiar sight for today\u2019s youth: a fresh batch of cookies just out of the oven, a review from a happy customer, or an announcement of fresh stock. Across Pune, many Gen Z entrepreneurs are transforming their hobbies into small businesses, from tote bags and jewellery to clay keychains and custom bakes. These small ventures aren\u2019t just side hustles for them, but expressions of individuality and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n
For classmates Diksha Sasane, Mrudula Kshirsagar, Shruti Rajopadhye, and Yashashree Parab, 20-year-old BCA students, what began as a fun project soon turned into \u2018Tote Tales\u2019, a small venture where they hand-paint and embroider tote bags.<\/p>\n
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\u201cOur 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,\u201d says Yashashree. \u201cSocial media played a big role in helping us connect with people and grow; most of our customers find us through Instagram,\u201d she says. Having sold over 200 products so far, the team is now planning to launch its own website to make selling more convenient.<\/p>\n
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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)<\/p>\n
Shrushti Chitnis, a 19-year-old psychology student who founded \u2018Aahvi Jewels\u2019, a handmade jewellery venture, says her inspiration came from childhood afternoons spent on crafting with her mother. \u201cWhat started as gifting my friends turned into a side hustle. I use Instagram to promote my work, and though it\u2019s still growing, it gives me creative freedom and a sense of independence,\u201d she shares. Getting 15 to 20 orders monthly, Chitnis hopes to turn her small venture into a full-fledged business in the near future.<\/p>\n
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Transforming their hobbies into small businesses, from tote bags and jewellery to clay keychains and custom bakes. (Express Photo)<\/p>\n
Turning creativity into handcrafted products<\/strong><\/p>\n A similar creativity drives Pratishtha Singh, a 19-year-old media student, and Anchita L S, an 18-year-old archaeology student, founders of \u2018Art.Nest.Co.\u2019, a brand making handcrafted products such as flowers, keychains, and bouquets with clay and pipe-cleaner. \u201cWe 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,\u201d says Singh. Getting four to five orders weekly, they plan on promoting and growing their business more rigorously through Instagram.<\/p>\n For 21-year-old BBA student and homebaker Neha Kale, founder of \u2018Spoonful of Caramel\u2019, the pandemic became a turning point. \u201cPeople still wanted to celebrate, even in lockdown. I got an oven, started an Instagram page, and began taking small orders,\u201d she says. \u201cNow, most of my customers come through social media and word of mouth. For me, success isn\u2019t just profit; it is the joy my cakes bring to people,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n Promoting sustainable, handmade crochet gifts<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, Ananya Sonar, a 20-year-old law student and founder of \u2018Fiora Creations\u2019, uses her embroidery and crochet skills to promote sustainable, handmade gifting. \u201cEighty 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\u2019s the satisfaction and meaning we find in our work that drives us,\u201d Sonar explains. Having completed more than 100 customised orders since last year, she plans on carrying it forward along with her career.<\/p>\n Each handmade product carries a story of ambition and purpose. These ventures are redefining what entrepreneurship looks like for the next generation.<\/p>\n![\"For](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/entrepreneurs-1-4.png\")
For today\u2019s Gen Z creators, motivation isn\u2019t driven by money, it\u2019s 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)<\/p>\n
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