Biography of Karen Saldanha: Founder & CEO of Dabble- Entrepreneur
Biography of Karen Saldanha:
Karen Saldanha, the founder of Dabble, always had a deep
passion for art and creativity. As a mother, she was concerned about the safety
of art products available in India for young children. This concern became the
driving force behind her decision to create a line of non-toxic, safe art
materials for kids.
Finding Common Ground
Karen’s journey into entrepreneurship began when she met
Neha Bajaj during an expressive arts therapy course in Bengaluru. Both women
shared a commitment to raising their children with creativity and safety in
mind. They realized that many art supplies on the market were not safe for
their kids and decided to take action.
The Birth of Dabble
In May 2018, Karen and Neha launched Dabble, aiming to
produce organic paints, crayons, and art kits for children aged zero to six.
Their mission was clear: to provide safe, high-quality art products that would
inspire creativity in young minds.
A Focus on Toxin-Free Products
Dabble’s crayons are made from organic beeswax, designed to
be easy for little hands to grip and resistant to breakage. Karen explained
that many commercial crayons use paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that is
brittle and environmentally damaging. Dabble’s products are not only safe for
children but also environmentally friendly.
Backing from Experts
To ensure the highest quality, Dabble worked closely with a
team of chemists and food technologists. Their products underwent rigorous
testing at a certified laboratory, reinforcing the commitment to safety and
quality in every crayon and paint.
From Kitchen Experiments to Market Launch
The first crayon was developed in Neha’s kitchen in August
2017, after months of research and experimentation. Karen and Neha tested their
creations with their children and friends, refining their products until they
were ready for the market. Dabble officially launched in 2018, bringing their
vision to life.
Innovative Product Development
Dabble doesn’t just stop at crayons; they also introduced a
category called PlayArt. This includes uniquely shaped crayons, such as animals
and vehicles, to make art more engaging for children. They aim to bring sensory
experiences to kids, which is crucial for their cognitive and motor
development.
The Importance of Art Therapy
Karen’s experience with expressive arts therapy played a
significant role in shaping Dabble’s philosophy. She believes that art can be a
powerful medium of expression, helping children develop confidence in their
creativity. Dabble seeks to instill this belief in every child, making art an
integral part of their growth.
Biography of Karen Saldanha: Founder & CEO of Dabble- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/non-toxic, organic art materials/Dabble story
Recognition for Innovation
Dabble’s commitment to creating safe and innovative art
products did not go unnoticed. After two years of hard work, they received the
Elevate Award from the Government of Karnataka, recognizing their impact in the
field of innovation and social responsibility.
Entrepreneurial Backgrounds
Before founding Dabble, Karen had a decade-long career in
sales and development with ICICI Prudential, while Neha was an advertising and
editorial photographer. Their diverse backgrounds equipped them with valuable
skills for their entrepreneurial journey.
Building a Community
Through Dabble, Karen and Neha aim to create a supportive
community of parents who prioritize creativity in their children’s lives. They
encourage parents to allow their kids the freedom to experiment with art,
fostering an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
The Shark Tank Experience
Dabble gained significant visibility after appearing on
Shark Tank India, where they sought an investment of ₹50 lakhs for a 10% equity
stake. The experience was a turning point for them, as it showcased their
mission to a wider audience and validated their entrepreneurial efforts.
Securing Investment
On Shark Tank, Dabble successfully secured a deal, raising
₹15 lakhs for equity and an additional ₹35 lakhs in debt at 0% interest. This
funding was crucial for expanding their production and reaching more families
with their innovative products.
Emphasizing Collaboration
Karen believes that collaboration and empowering individuals
lead to positive change not just in their lives but also in their communities.
Dabble embodies this philosophy by partnering with experts and engaging with
parents to enhance the creative experiences of children.
The Future of Dabble
With a clear vision and strong community support, Karen and
Neha are determined to grow Dabble further. They plan to continue developing
new products and expanding their reach, ensuring that every child has access to
safe and inspiring art supplies that nurture their creativity.
A timeline for Karen Saldanha’s story with Dabble:
2017: Karen and Neha meet during an expressive arts therapy
course in Bengaluru, sharing concerns about safe art products for kids.
August 2017: First crayon developed in Neha's kitchen after
extensive research and testing with children.
May 2018: Official launch of Dabble, offering non-toxic,
organic art materials for children aged zero to six.
2018: Introduces innovative products like uniquely shaped
crayons and PlayArt to engage young creators.
2019: Receives the Elevate Award from the Government of
Karnataka for innovation and social responsibility.
2021: Appears on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹50 lakhs for a
10% equity stake.
2021: Secures ₹15 lakhs in equity and ₹35 lakhs in debt at
0% interest, crucial for production expansion.
2022: Continues to build a community of parents prioritizing
creativity in children’s lives.
2024: Plans to develop new products and expand reach to
ensure access to safe art supplies for all children.
