We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Azhahini Krishnamoorthy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Azhahini, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
As a designer of phone cases, I found inspiration to donate 50% of my sales to various charities due to a desire to make a positive impact on the world. I witnessed firsthand the struggles that some people face and feel compelled to help in any way I can. I’ve always believed in the power of giving back and wanted to use my business as a platform to make a difference. My decision to donate a portion of my profits shows that I am committed to not only creating beautiful designs but also using my platform to do good in the world. Some of the charities I have donated to in the past include American Red Cross, Feeding America, UNICEF, Women For Afghan Women, American Foundation For The Blind, Bark Rescue CA, and many more. These charities have been carefully selected based on their mission to make a positive impact on society and help those in need. I believe that by supporting these organizations, I can help make a difference in the world and contribute to creating a better future for everyone.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
From a young age, I have always had a passion for art and creativity. I have spent countless hours drawing and painting, honing my skills and expressing my creativity. My hard work and dedication paid off when one of my artworks was displayed at the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara. As someone who has always loved art, I was constantly on the lookout for new ways to express my creativity and share it with others. I knew that I wanted to create something that was not only beautiful but also practical, something that people could use and enjoy every day. That’s when I had the idea of creating hand-drawn designs for phone cases using digital software. I loved the idea of combining the traditional art form of drawing with modern technology to create a product that was both unique and functional. The result was a range of protective phone cases that were not only beautiful but also durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily use.
In June of 2021, I finally took the plunge and launched my own business. I was thrilled to be able to offer something that was not only a reflection of my creativity but also a practical and useful accessory that people could enjoy every day. My product line consists of unique phone cases and pop sockets for all kinds of devices, from iPhones to Androids. I have pre-existing designs that customers can order from my social media pages, including Instagram, Facebook, Etsy and Twitter. Additionally, customers can request custom orders and work with me to create a unique design that perfectly fits their style and personality. The best part is that 50% of every sale goes towards supporting various charities, allowing me to use my passion for art to make a positive impact on the world.
As a small business owner, one of the things that I am most proud of is the connections that I have made with my customers. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that my products have had on people’s lives, and to receive so many happy reviews and feedback from satisfied customers. Knowing that my hard work has paid off and that my products are making a difference in people’s lives is truly fulfilling. Additionally, I have had the privilege of connecting with other small business owners, learning from their experiences and exchanging ideas and advice. As a teen, it is through these connections and collaborations that I have been able to grow my business and continue to improve and innovate. Another thing I am proud of is using my talents to help my community and those around me. It’s always a great feeling to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and incorporating this into my business is a great way to give back. I’m not only improving the lives of others but also creating a unique business with a loyal customer base that shares my values. I am grateful for the opportunities that being a small business owner has given me, and for the amazing people that I have met along the way.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Initially, I planned to create phone cases by hand, using resin, fake flowers, and jewels that I would personally handcraft. I invested in the necessary equipment and materials but soon realized this approach would be too time-consuming and impractical for my business. I had to change my plan and find an alternative way to create phone cases to decrease the time-to-market.
During this time, I also started exploring my interest in digital art, and I realized that I could leverage this skill to create unique phone case designs. So I pivoted my business idea and started to print my digital art designs directly onto phone cases. This approach allowed me to focus more on the creative aspect of my business rather than spending hours on production.
However, this new approach had its challenges. I had to experiment with different printers, temperatures, and materials to find the best combination for printing high-quality phone cases. I had to learn through trial and error, adjusting my approach until I found the optimal process. Ultimately, my efforts paid off, and I developed a successful process that allowed me to produce high-quality phone cases while still having time to focus on my passion for design.
This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and openness to new ideas. It also showed me that sometimes, the best path forward may not be the one we initially envisioned and that it’s essential to be flexible and willing to change direction to achieve success. Through persistence and a willingness to learn, I was able to transform my business idea and find a way to turn my creativity into a profitable venture.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
To expand my customer base, I have organized both online and offline events to showcase my business. For instance, I set up a pop-up shop in my high school where students could view and purchase my phone cases. This event was successful, and I was able to generate lots of interest in my products and make new connections. Furthermore, my presence on social media has played a vital role in the growth of my business. I regularly post new designs, reels, and TikToks multiple times a week to attract new customers and expand my reach. Furthermore, I recently organized a social media competition that challenged my followers with creating a creative phone case that would be available in my shop. This endeavor allowed me to gain interest from people all over the country and establish a rapport with a large audience. Additionally, offering discounted prices during holiday periods throughout the year has been extremely beneficial in expanding my customer base. I offer multiple channels for customers to place their orders, including messaging me on any of my social media pages or visiting my Etsy shop directly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Hiniscases
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiniscases/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiniscases/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hiniscases