As a cottage industry initiative crafting handmade candles and home fragrance products, taking Kana Creations international was a dream come true. While India's candle exports market was booming, the challenge of finding the right space for a small, sustainable business with operational limitations was daunting.
Determined to break through, I began preparing two years in advance. We got registered with companies that verify buyers and provide genuine leads. My father—my biggest support and business partner—was instrumental in this journey. He meticulously handled all the paperwork, from obtaining export licenses to finding the right bank for international transactions. His unwavering support ensured a smooth path forward.
With our production facility equipped, packaging standards established, and export documentation in place, we were ready. Now, all we needed was the right opportunity to take the leap into candle exports.
Once we started marketing our products internationally, inquiries began flooding in via email and WhatsApp. However, the majority of them were fake. It took time and experience to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent buyers. Engaging with the business community and networking helped us develop a keen eye for identifying authenticity.
Then, one day, a potential buyer from Europe reached out. Ironically, I wasn’t in the best mood that day and didn’t take the message seriously. But the universe had its own plans. As conversations progressed over emails, chats, and Zoom calls, we built a great rapport over candle exports.
Despite thorough preparation, we encountered an unexpected roadblock—no courier partner was willing to transport candles. This was shocking given that India’s candle exports market is worth billions. I reached out to ten different shipping companies through my network, but none could help. My 75-year-old father even visited multiple offices, yet we hit dead ends everywhere.
The complexity of exporting candles was something we hadn’t fully anticipated. Strict regulations, varying policies of courier companies, and the risk of damage during transit made it a daunting task. Many carriers were hesitant due to the fragile nature of the product and the potential for melting or breakage. Understanding the importance of compliance and packaging requirements became essential for us. We had to rethink our approach, ensuring that our candles met international shipping standards while maintaining their handmade charm and sustainability.
Finally, I turned to my alumni network, which proved to be a game-changer. Through their connections, I was introduced to the right business heads at one of the courier firms. With their guidance and immense support, our shipment of candle exports was finally arranged. The delivery associate walked us through every step, making the process seamless. Most importantly, the empathy and patience shown by our buyer made the experience even more fulfilling.
Leveraging an alumni network is an underrated yet powerful tool for any business. The right connections not only open doors but also provide invaluable mentorship and insights. In our case, the support we received not only helped us overcome logistical challenges but also gave us confidence in navigating future candle exports. This experience reinforced the idea that professional networks are not just for career growth but also for overcoming business hurdles in unexpected ways.
Kana Creations has been in the industry for a decade, growing steadily while remaining customer-focused and quality-centric. While scaling is an essential growth parameter, staying true to our company’s vision is what truly matters.
What started as my dream became a reality thanks to the collective energy and support from my father, my alumni network, our delivery partner, and a kindhearted buyer who believed in us. Now, it feels like the universe itself is guiding us to spread love and healing through our handmade candles and sustainable products across the world.
Our journey in candle exports has just begun, and we look forward to illuminating many more lives—one candle at a time. As we expand, we continue to refine our processes and ensure that our candle exports reflect the highest standards of craftsmanship. The lessons we’ve learnt in candle exports have been invaluable, and we are excited for the opportunities ahead.
COFOUNDER
Kanika Gupta, Cofounder of Kana Creations, creates designer, spiritual and healing scented candles that bring light and warmth to any space. Her handcrafted pieces, designed for home decor and interiors, reflect her deep gratitude for nature and sustainability. Through her work, Kanika empowers women and fosters a sense of connection and well-being. Each creation is a tribute to her passion for eco-conscious living and bringing healing energy into the home.
Kanika is also an empath, a light worker, a life coach, Shamanic practitioner and leads Ho'oponopono Forgiveness sessions with an attempt to bring science and spirituality together.
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