Innovation

The Soulcrafted Store crafts beautiful home decorations using safe, natural materials, giving you eco-friendly options to beautify your space. But they're about more than just pretty décor - they empower local women in villages, providing jobs and rewarding quality work, building a stronger community from the ground up. even for the homestays business they employ local women for their business , this give them emplyoment and also to showcase there skill and help them to come out of poverty ,By providing fair wages and a platform for artisans, it uplifts communities, fosters cultural preservation.

Aishi's commitment to promoting organic and environmentally friendly products demonstrates her dedication to sustainable living. Despite initial uncertainties, she found a unique value proposition in organic and locally sourced items, connecting them to India's rich rural crafts. Aishi also emphasizes the importance of storytelling behind each product, encouraging conscious consumption and building long-term relationships with customers.

Inspiration

Her inspiration lies in bringing back the old-world charm and sustainable practices, aiming to revive them for a modern audience. Aishi's business philosophy centers on promoting mindful consumption, reducing waste, and appreciating local communities, provide opportinities to those women who lack of opportunites and also give them a chance to showcase there artistic skills and help them to come out of poverty , through the incorporation of tribal art and crafts into her work. Overall, Aishi Sengupta's innovative solutions encompass economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to decent work and economic growth and responsible consumption and production ." she believes in in taking small steps, not make huge leaps and bounds." "Aishi is inspired by the vintage and sustainable practices of the past, aiming to revive them for a modern audience." Her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to local communities, and dedication to values such as sustainability, mindful consumption, and cultural preservation. Her journey reflects a fusion of personal vision and a desire to create positive change, making Soulcrafted a unique and impactful business. These all things keep inspiring her every time

Overall impact

Aishi Sengupta's innovative venture, Soulcrafted, commenced with the establishment of a homestay in Shantiniketan, India. The immediate effects were palpable in the empowerment of local women who found stable employment and additional income through managing the accommodations and cooking for guests. This short-term impact was pivotal in fostering economic stability and community support.

As the business expanded to manage seven homestays, the long-term effects on both the local women and the communities became more pronounced. The sustained employment opportunities provided a stable source of income, contributing to the economic growth of the communities involved. The success of Soulcrafted during the pandemic, with an increased demand for safe and secluded stays, showcases its resilience and adaptability, hinting at the long-term viability of the business model.

Evidence supporting these impacts can be observed in the sustained success and growth of Soulcrafted. The initial homestay's success prompted the expansion to multiple locations, and the ongoing management of these properties remotely suggests a robust and scalable model. Additionally, Aishi's vision for future expansion into South India and her commitment to replicating the successful homestay model indicate a long-term strategy for continued positive impact. The positive testimonials and support from local communities further substantiate the enduring effects of Soulcrafted, both in the short term and as a sustainable business contributing to economic empowerment and community development.

Business benefit

As Soulcrafted adopted a unique business model centered around homestays managed by local women, several positive outcomes have unfolded. Since its inception, the revenue generated by the business has steadily increased, reflecting the success of their approach to sustainable and eco-friendly living. The expansion of the homestay business to seven locations has not only raised revenue but has also resulted in the employment of a significant number of local women. This employment model, coupled with additional income through cooking for guests, has contributed to economic stability and upliftment in the communities where Soulcrafted operates.

The commitment to employee well-being is evident in the incentive structure where local women not only receive a fixed compensation but also bonuses for quality work. This approach has likely played a role in increased employee retention, as the workforce is motivated and invested in the success of the business. Additionally, the positive impact on employee well-being is likely to extend to the broader community, fostering a sense of empowerment and community support.

Moreover, Soulcrafted's success during the pandemic, as people sought safe and secluded accommodations, demonstrates the adaptability of the business model and its resilience in challenging times. The positive financial trajectory, coupled with the evident social impact, has likely opened up new markets and investment opportunities for Soulcrafted, attracting those who value ethical and sustainable business practices. The combination of revenue growth, community impact, and adaptability positions Soulcrafted as not only a successful enterprise but also a catalyst for positive change in both local communities and the broader market.

Social and environmental benefit

Soulcrafted's innovative business model yields significant benefits for both society and the environment. The "who" in this equation encompasses not only the founder, Aishi Sengupta, but also the local women employed by the business. Through the establishment of homestays, these women receive stable employment, empowering them economically and providing a source of income that contributes to their well-being and that of their families. The expansion to multiple locations broadens the scope of positive impact, reaching various communities and fostering economic stability on a broader scale.

The "what" revolves around the core offering of Soulcrafted – high-quality home décor items made from organic and environmentally safe materials. By prioritizing eco-friendly living and sustainable production, Soulcrafted contributes to responsible consumption and production practices, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The use of organic materials not only enhances the quality of the products but also minimizes environmental harm, supporting biodiversity and reducing the ecological footprint.

The positive effects on society and the environment are ongoing and have been particularly relevant during challenging times. Amid the pandemic, the business experienced increased demand for safe and secluded stays, showcasing the adaptability of the model and its ability to meet societal needs. Soulcrafted's commitment to environmental sustainability and support for local communities through employment and economic empowerment exemplify how innovative business practices can create a positive ripple effect, fostering a symbiotic relationship between commerce and societal and environmental well-being.. also the business aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to decent work and economic growth and no poverty, reducing gender inequalities and no poverty

Interview

AISHI SENGUPTA, Founder