The lockdown inspired two 13-year-olds Zoya Irani and Nyrika Mehta to independently launch their individual businesses retailing products they design and get manufactured.
"I design angel and fairy artefacts, wall hangings, magnets, key chains, car and wall hangings…also name plates,” confident 13-year-old Zoya Irani told Parsiana on January 20, 2022. "I was doodling and while I was at it my dad (Uraaz, a businessman) asked me to make more religious designs…He said he would help me get them manufactured.” Uraaz showed her samples available on online media. "I sketched them, modified them and made them my own so that they do not look like copies. The largest artefact she has designed is an 18’’ farohar in wood, she told us. "My brand name is ZoEy… It combines my name and that of my younger sister Eyva… Otherwise she would feel left out!” Prices for her products range from Rs 100 to 1,800.
Zoya Irani and her products
Uraaz took Zoya to a friend who fabricates wooden and acrylic showpieces. "I told him what I wanted to make and he told me what would look nice… I had drawn all the items I wanted…He helped me to make more.” When queried about the name of the manufacturer, the shrewd businesswoman-to-be told us, "Sorry that is a secret!” On the cards is a "whole new line of products which I will do after my exams…It could be key chains… or magnets…Sorry that is a secret too,” she chimed.
The eighth grade student of Gokuldham High School at Goregaon says she is squeezed for time. "We take stock regularly, do all the ‘pre-order stuff’ with the manufacturer. Mom (Diana, an ex-teacher) takes orders and handles backend work. "As of now I am involved in my business and totally enjoying it…Who knows what will happen later?” she said.
The young entrepreneur can be contacted on Instagram: @zoeydesigns2021 or via Diana on +91 9821688343.
Nyrika Mehta got the idea to start The Lush Palette toward the end of 2021. "I found that during the Covid lockdowns, lots of young people had started creating and designing products and services that appealed to them. I wanted to design and recreate various types of stationery, room decor and gifting items that I enjoyed myself and felt that others might find appealing as well. I’ve always been interested in web designing and enjoy being creative, so starting a small business which allowed me to do both these things seemed like a good idea,” wrote the 13-year-old seventh grader in The Cathedral and John Connon School, in an email to Parsiana.
"I got started with my creatives toward the end of last year and designed/ set up my own website during my Christmas vacation. It was fun to have a business where I created my own products, handled social media/ marketing, as well as sourced suppliers, bought packaging, found affordable delivery options, as well as from my parents Lyla and Jamsheed, learnt a bit about finance and profit!
Nyrika Mehta and her creations
"The products that The Lush Palette currently offers are mini tote bags, ‘to do’ lists, wall collages and mini polaroid pictures. I have many ideas for more products.” Prices range from Rs 10 to Rs 350 plus delivery charges of Rs 60. A gift hamper for Rs 900 is also available. Payment can be made through the website
www.thelushpalette.com. Nyrika can be contacted on
thelushpalette@gmail.com and Whatsapp 9920166467.