Journey of Sushmita Kaneri: Founder of Gullakaari & TechPose -Entrepreneur

Journey of Sushmita Kaneri: Founder of  Gullakaari & TechPose -Entrepreneur

Journey of Sushmita Kaneri:

Sushmita Kaneri’s journey as a social entrepreneur is rooted in her passion for empowering communities. With a background in software engineering, she found her true calling in addressing social issues, particularly those affecting artisans in India. Sushmita’s story began to unfold when she realized the importance of transparency and accountability in charitable contributions, especially during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Educational Pursuits in Blockchain

In her quest to bridge technology and social impact, Sushmita participated in a mentoring program at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, focusing on Blockchain. This program aimed to empower young women for leadership roles in the blockchain space, and Sushmita was selected as one of the top 36 applicants worldwide. This experience not only enhanced her understanding of emerging technologies but also connected her with like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference.

Entrepreneurial Skills Development

To further hone her entrepreneurial skills, Sushmita enrolled in the "Do Your Venture" course at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. This hands-on program, supported by the National Commission for Women, taught participants how to test their business ideas systematically. With valuable tools and techniques at her disposal, Sushmita gained the confidence to explore her entrepreneurial ambitions further.

 Journey of Sushmita Kaneri: Founder of  Gullakaari & TechPose Entrepreneur /livelihoods of tribal and rural artisan/age/net worth/investor/Sushmita K

Founding Gullakaari

In July 2021, Sushmita founded Gullakaari, a platform dedicated to promoting the livelihoods of tribal and rural artisans in India. With a vision to create sustainable income opportunities, Gullakaari focuses on supporting handicraft communities through methodologies and market access. Sushmita’s goal was not only to uplift artisans financially but also to ensure that their rich heritage and art forms thrived in a modern context.

The TechPose Initiative

In parallel to Gullakaari, Sushmita co-founded TechPose, which focuses on creating transparent crowdfunding solutions for social transformation. The platform allows donors to track their contributions and witness the direct impact of their support. By combining technology and social good, Sushmita aimed to foster trust and accountability in the philanthropic space.

Challenges and Discoveries

Sushmita’s journey was not without challenges. As her transparent donation platform gained popularity, she observed a troubling trend: beneficiaries became overly reliant on aid. This realization prompted her to shift the focus towards sustainable livelihood projects. Determined to understand the needs of various communities, she traveled to remote tribal and rural areas, discovering the vibrant yet struggling artisanal communities that would inspire her next steps.

Empowering Artisans

Moved by the artisans’ stories and the challenges they faced, Sushmita recognized the urgent need for a platform that not only provided financial support but also offered skill training. Gullakaari evolved into a powerful ecosystem that helps artisans preserve their traditional art forms while making them relevant to contemporary markets. This dual approach ensured that artisans could thrive sustainably without losing their cultural heritage.

Reviving Heritage

Through Gullakaari, Sushmita has successfully revived numerous dying art forms. The initiative has empowered over 100 artisans, making them self-sustainable and enabling them to earn fair compensation for their intricate work. By fostering a sense of pride in their craft, Sushmita has played a crucial role in preserving India’s rich ethnic traditions, which are deeply rooted in its villages.

Building a Supportive Community

Gullakaari has also created a community where artisans can share their experiences, learn from one another, and collaborate on projects. This supportive environment not only strengthens their skills but also boosts their confidence, enabling them to market their products effectively. Sushmita’s commitment to fostering this community has transformed the lives of many artisans, helping them regain their dignity and purpose.

Creating Market Opportunities

Sushmita’s vision extends beyond just supporting artisans financially; she aims to connect them with broader market opportunities. By facilitating access to online platforms and promoting their handcrafted products, Gullakaari helps artisans reach a wider audience. This exposure not only increases their income potential but also allows them to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of their art to a global market.

The Impact of Technology

With a background in technology, Sushmita leverages digital tools to enhance the reach and visibility of artisans’ work. By incorporating technology into traditional crafts, she ensures that artisans can adapt to changing consumer preferences while preserving their authentic techniques. This fusion of old and new not only enriches the artisans’ offerings but also creates a compelling narrative that attracts conscious consumers.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Sushmita Kaneri’s journey is a testament to the power of combining technology with social entrepreneurship. As Gullakaari continues to grow, she remains committed to her mission of supporting artisans and reviving traditional art forms. With plans to expand her initiatives and reach more communities, Sushmita’s vision of a sustainable future for artisans in India is becoming a reality, inspiring others to join the movement for social change.

A timeline for Sushmita Kaneri’s journey as a social entrepreneur:

2015: Completes a degree in software engineering, realizing her passion for social issues.

2020: Recognizes the need for transparency in charitable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Participates in a blockchain mentoring program at Frankfurt School, gaining global recognition.

July 2021: Founds Gullakaari to promote the livelihoods of tribal and rural artisans in India.

2021: Co-founds TechPose, creating transparent crowdfunding solutions for social transformation.

2022: Shifts focus towards sustainable livelihood projects after observing dependency on aid.

2022: Travels to remote areas to understand artisans' needs, shaping Gullakaari's approach.

2023: Revives dying art forms, empowering over 100 artisans through skill training and market access.

2023: Builds a supportive community for artisans to collaborate and share experiences.

2023: Leverages technology to enhance artisans’ visibility and connect them with global markets.

2024: Plans to expand initiatives and reach more communities, driving sustainable change.

 Journey of Sushmita Kaneri: Founder of  Gullakaari & TechPose Entrepreneur /livelihoods of tribal and rural artisan/age/net worth/investor/Sushmita K