Entrepreneurs feel Christmassy

With Christmas knocking at the door, a lot has been going on behind the curtains— from quite frequented places to “far-from-the-limelight”, small ventures— everybody is trying to whip up the best.

As DC looks around, these Chennaittes have been burning the candle at both ends. They have already quite shown off their managerial skills in life as they pull off their routine livelihood job and also their hobby, which translates into earning an extra penny, especially during festive seasons like Christmas.

Maslyne has a skincare line of her own which she rechristened as Muriel in sweet memory of her mother four years ago. The skincare expert who has been supplying customised kit for facial, pedicure, manicure and body treatment, to standalone salons and spas for the last 18 years has never made it an excuse to not nurse her childhood hobby.

The woman who has walked in the footsteps of her mother shares, “I would highly get inspired seeing my mom baking cakes and those days it was all manual and no machines. I have been baking since the age of 10.”

Giving a glimpse into her Christmas specials, she reveals, “I have a Christmas hamper this time around which will comprise plum cake, cookies, home-made wine, brownies, marshmallows and a natural pure honey called bee queen.”

Quite challenging especially when it’s an era of smart phones and thus terrific reach, Maslyne has already become quite a darling in the city’s bakers’ circle only through word of mouth.

Tinu Santiago, a 23 year old just-out-of-college interior designer, has been a pillar of strength in her brother’s Christmas store “Trinity Christmas” in Adyar. The owner of a similar store in Bangalore, herself, Tinu shares how the siblings are trying to inculcate healthy practice in a fun way. “We are giving away organic soaps made in the shape of Christmas tree and snowflakes to people who shop for more than `5,000.”

Tania Samtani is deeply devoted to her family business that deals in film equipment rental across the world. The 35-year-old, who takes care of the administration and finance sections of the company ardently had taken a fancy to baby merchandise right after the birth of her son Drona which eventually led her to run an instagram page The Dro Sto, apparently named after her son.  

“All through my pregnancy, I found myself extensively researching baby stuff - the staples, the indulgences and the “Oh so cute, I must have it!” I then realised how much potential was out there. What caught my eye was the charming array of ideas for room decor, in particular accessories. The choices were myriad; but I found some of them were either very expensive or unavailable in India. That’s when I decided to try my hands at putting some frames together for my son’s room. I felt great doing it, and was further thrilled when my little labour of creativity, gathered a lot of love. While I continue to prioritise my family run business, I decided to pursue this hobby as a ‘hobbusiness’.” The page that boasts of bibs, teethers, toys, baby blankets, stationery, tones of unicorn goodies has something in store for this Christmas. “We are taking part in a Christmas carnival for kids that will showcase gifts specialised for kids in the age group 0-4 years,” Tania shares.