Enterprenuer
Devi Chand is the founder of paper melon. This company makes eye-catching jewelry, home decor, and gift wraps using upcycled newspapers and magazines.
The pieces are made from strips of paper, which are then rolled into beads and coated with a water-resistant sealing agent.
They are then dried on Devi’s balcony. They are then used to make beautiful pieces such as hanging wall art, hanging earrings, layered necklaces, playful clocks, and paper flower bouquets.
These pieces are unlike any other jewelry or home decor store.
Devi’s husband helps with shipping, and Devi’s young daughter assists with packaging and creating thank you cards.
Devi is overwhelmed by the popularity of the shop. She rolls all the paper herself and holds her work in high regard.
Devi founded her venture in 2009. Devi started her experience in 2009.
The brand is now an eco-conscious business that makes a sustainable product and business decisions.
She has a zero-waste policy and uses very little energy in her studio.
What is the story of Papermelon?
When I was a child, I loved to make things with paper. Later, I studied design at NIFT.
After nine months working for a design company, I decided that corporate life was not for me.
My design education was my only help when I started my own business.
All I had was an enthusiastic self and a stash of colorful paper.
To ensure the highest quality and durability, I researched the tools, materials, and techniques extensively extensively.
One of my experiments led me to make my first paper beads by rolling a strip of paper over a toothpick.
It was beautiful and messy, but I loved how delicate and unusual it was.
This was just the beginning of many hours spent making paper beads and perfecting my art.
Papermelon was created in 2009, and I began selling my creations online.
How do you stay productive?
Pre and post Covid workdays are very different because my studio is part of my home, and I only care for my daughter during the day.
Pre-Covid, my child used to go to school at 8 a.m. and return by 3 p.m.
This was my work time,, and I ended the day with a good night’s’s sleep.
Then, we spent time together and visited friends and places.
With the advent of virtual schooling, things are a lot more flexible. Based on her class times, I allocate small amounts of work time each day and plan accordingly.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Sketching is something I do a lot of. I sketch a lot whenever I get a new idea.
It may not be immediately possible to turn the design into a product.
Otherwise, it may be lost. One day, I might find the right paper for my design.
I can feel it when it is. Then, I create the prototype.
What’s your favorite trend?
I am excited by the sustainability movement in fashion and the small steps brands take to become more sustainable in production and packaging.
What habits make you productive?
This is my handwritten list of tasks for the month, the week, and the day. It allows me to concentrate on the essential things.
The list will enable me to prioritize and get the tasks done in the correct order.
My productivity is also improved when I group similar jobs.
I can create and stock up on some days, but I am also glued to my computer on other days.
What’s your advice for the Noob?
It doesn’t matter if you are perfect. You have to do what you have to.
My perfectionist nature has often hampered my productivity. I also want to remind my younger self that I should not be afraid to try new things and assume what works without trying.
Many resources are available to help you learn new skills and take your business to higher heights.
What is one thing we can all agree on?
The newsletter is a better return on your time than social media. Because everyone does that, I tried to be social media activities for my business.
This is a waste of time that doesn’t yield the results I want. The monthly newsletter is something I enjoy sending out.
It’s fun, personal,, and makes me feel like I’m speaking to people who care about my business.
What do you recommend as an entrepreneur?
In everything I do, consistency is critical.
I have set goals for myself, such as launching a new line and a monthly newsletter.
It is important that I do as little as possible and as consistent as possible as a solo-woman business.
What’s your rich strategy?
The 90/10 Rule. This is one of my favorite concepts for time management and life.
This principle states that 90% of your outputs will be determined by 10 percent of your activities.
This principle has dramatically changed my approach to setting goals and helped me reduce overwhelm. It also allowed me to maximize growth.
How do you overcome Failure?
My sales depended too heavily on an external platform.
When rules and algorithms changed, little,I could do little, and my sales began to drop.
But I quickly started my website, and instead of waiting for sales to come in, I started generating them.
Can you share a business idea?
Flipping websites. It’s a joy to transform physical spaces through thought and creativity. The future is digital,, and I see lots of potential in websites.
What’s your recent best buy?
This amount was spent to set up my balcony garden and some compact shelves.
Growing up, I loved gardening. But my apartment was too small to allow me to continue. It’s so refreshing and fulfilling to get to work in the garden at night.
What are your favorite Softwares or Apps?
Google Keyword Tool – Simple, but it serves its purpose.
It provides all the keywords information I need to target the right audience.
Which book would you recommend?
The War of Art Steven Pressfield. This book is for those who struggle with self-doubt and procrastination.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Beauty is everywhere, you just need to look.”
Marty Rubin
TL;DR by Devi Chand
- Innovators are always trying to reduce the negative impact of their inventions on the natural world.
- Combining is a powerful tool for innovation. You just need imagination and perseverance to find answers in unexpected places, and combine them.
