How I unleashed a business idea during lockdown

In conversation with Unnati Nyachhyon

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

During this pandemic, I have recently completed my undergrad from Kathmandu University School of Management. With a lot of time on hand and with lockdowns going on; I have tried to be as productive as possible. I have always been quite into arts and painting but with studies and busy schedules I had yet to rediscover it.  Besides this I am a great foodie who likes cooking and baking. Exploring new food and culture is something I enjoy doing. 

2.  What is your small business about and when did you think of this business?

My small business is about customizable handmade, hand painted tote bags. From the design of the art to adding zippers and pockets, and having the bag in the size as one wishes with inner layers in the bags, the tote bags are totally customizable. I paint the designs and my mom makes the bag. The bag comes in three different fabrics; Nepali Kora, White Canvas and Dyed Black Canvas.

It all started after I completed my undergrad. During this pandemic it was quite scary to go out and get going with the jobs at the moment. So, most of the time, I used to be surfing social media and it happens that I wanted a tote bag but with my own custom design on it; so, I decided to make my own. The first time I painted was on a jeans bag that my mom made by up cycling my old jeans. It wasn't that bad, so I bought some fabric paints and painted on an off-white fabric that was lying around. The painting turned out to be better than what I had anticipated it to be. I asked my mom whether she could turn the painting into a tote. So, she did. I showed some of my friends and families and they seemed to like it and wanted me to make one for them too. Thus, the idea of starting a business emerged.

3. How has lockdown helped you unleash this business idea?

In the back of my mind, I had plans on having my own business but before doing so getting experience from different jobs was the prior thinking of mine. But with lockdowns going on, most corporate businesses were at halt, so this lockdown period has helped unleash my business ideas as in; it has come to be an opportunity period where I have rediscovered my hobby which was lost under the busy schedules, got artsy and productive.

4. How has your experience been about managing your online business?

Prior to launching my business, there were many trials and errors made. After months, JOMO.TOTE was launched on November 20, 2020. 

My experience regarding online business is one should have patience and good customer relationships. Since it is an online business, potential customers have doubt on the quality, delivery systems and other tons of questions to ask; clearing the doubts is very important. Taking 5-10 minutes time to address the customers’ issues helps gain trust and maintains a good relationship.