Story of Sweaterletters

Editor’s Note – The journey of Sweaterletters

FTEM brings to you the story of Isshika Chopra and Aadya Jaipuria who started their own business, Sweaterletters, during the pandemic. They are passionate about art and were running Sweaterletters as an Instagram blog in 2019. However, the pandemic presented them with an opportunity to convert this into a business. As the conversation unfolds between the two sisters, the journey of Sweaterletters provides some insights to finding opportunity in adversity.

The Story of Sweaterletters – In Conversation With Aadya and Isshika

Aadya: Isshika and I were intrigued by the wonderful artwork that people were showcasing on Instagram. We wanted nothing but to be able to create something by ourselves. We didn’t particularly choose art, instead it came from within us. Since childhood, we have been interested in different forms of art. Together we would dream and talk about bringing good art into this world.

Isshika: Art to us is like meditation. When we get frustrated with mundane routine, we turn to art for peace. It’s the most calming experience and gives us an outlet to express our feelings.

Aadya: We have always loved creating and learning art. So, when we were given the opportunity to learn brush lettering, we grabbed it.

The Initial Phase of Sweaterletters

Isshika: We both have always bonded over art. The brush lettering course gave us the initial impetus to set on this journey. After returning back from the classes, we would practice and bond and banter with each other. And about a year later, we started Sweaterletters. Initially it started as a blog on Instagram where we posted our artwork for our friends and family to see. However, the pandemic kind of changed it all.

Aadya: Yes, it did! Isshika’s friend actually gave us the confidence to start selling our work.

Isshika: A college acquaintance actually texted me one day and asked me if I would make a custom canvas for his friend. At that moment I was very unsure but it was exactly the push we needed. And this is how the thought of mixing business with pleasure arose and developed thereafter to take the present shape.

Aadya: Indeed! So, after we were struck with this idea, it was time for implementation. The first task at hand was actually to make a plan.

Isshika: Yes! There were a lot of things which needed to be planned out. Which products we wanted to sell? How to price them? Where can we get customers? How to market our products?

Aadya: I remember spending hours on video call with Isshika, discussing what we can sell. At that time, most importantly, we were unsure if it was possible to arrange for the raw materials in the midst of the pandemic.

Isshika: Well, ‘when there is a will, there is a way.’

Finding The First Customer…

Aadya: Together we finally figured out all the answers and set out to become businesswomen along with our student life.

Isshika: We got one customer through LinkedIn who almost finalized the order but suddenly stopped replying. One thing we still can’t deal with is rude customers. One very important life lesson I learnt is to never be rude to a person just doing their duty.

I was once selling eco-friendly pencils maufactured by the disabled, at a petrol pump, as a part of my college society, Enactus RLAC. (Enactus is an international non-profit organization which seeks to empower the weaker section of the society through entrepreneurial action. The said project was in collaboration with the Non Governmental Organization called ‘Family of Disabled’) It was very disheartening to see how ignorant and rude people were to us.

Looking back, I realized how we can sometimes be rude to people who are just doing their job. People from call-centers, small stalls on the road, individual vendors, all of them are just trying to earn money by doing what they can, and many of us are so impolite to them.

Aadya: I absolutely agree! Being kind takes nothing from you but makes the other person’s day. Talking about making someone’s day, the day we got our first order was the best feeling for both of us! We felt like we were on cloud nine.

Isshika: It was a nameplate for a friend’s sister, and I put in all my love into that piece.

Starting Our Website

Aadya: We were getting orders, but we realized we needed something more. We then came up with the idea to launch our website.

Isshika: We were excited about this new idea. Both of us being the workaholics we are, we made the entire website from scratch in two days and launched it on the third. We spent almost ten hours a day on Zoom and decided everything, from the color scheme to the tabs to the content.

Aadya: The best thing about our products in my opinion, is the love and effort we put into each order. It is not just a product for us but a piece of our heart. The trick with custom orders is to know your customers first because a good artwork is one that touches your heart before it pleases your eye.

Isshika: We try our best to add little personalized details in each piece of art. We make each order as unique as possible because that’s our specialty. You won’t find any two orders the same because no two people are alike.

Aadya: I guess that’s why we named it Sweaterletters.

Isshika: A sweater is meant to provide warmth and comfort to a person in extreme cold. Similarly, through Sweaterletters we aim to do the same. We provide customized artwork. Each piece is designed as per the customer’s wishes. We work personally with each of our customers. This ensures that they not only get what they pay for but are happier that we created exactly that which they desired.

Working Together

Aadya: We have put a lot of labour, sweat and tears into this project.

Isshika: In fact, it is more than a project for the both of us. Sweaterletters, to us, is our baby.

Aadya: It is! And I have loved every moment I’ve spent growing this baby. The one thing I love the most about this experience is getting the opportunity to do it with my cousin. Both of us have so much going on in our lives that it’s good to have one common field so that we can talk, if not every day, once every week.

Isshika: I wouldn’t choose anybody else to do this with.

Aadya: Neither would I!

Isshika: Both of us have such similar tastes and ideas that it’s almost as if we were running a business with our clones.

Aadya: The products I am a little unsure about making, Isshika is brilliant at them. And, I am more confident at some products than Isshika. It’s a well-oiled machine.

Isshika: Yes, and that is a very important part of having a successful business. You must gel well with your partner or else it won’t work.

Aadya: Isshika always comes up with brilliant ideas and manages the marketing. I handle most of the technical and writing area.

Isshika: Overall, though challenging, this experience has been very fulfilling. Being able to do it with my cousin makes it less gruesome and more enjoyable.

Aadya: If we were able to make a business out of a blog, it won’t be difficult for others.

Isshika: If we can do it, so can you!

About the authors:

Isshika & Aadya are undergraduate students from University of Delhi, India.

Isshika Chopra loves trying out new things. Her interest lies in modern lettering, singing and painting. She is passionate about trying out new things and likes to employ her knowledge and creativity in helping the disadvantaged-people of society.

Aadya Jaipuria feels that though Chemistry is her passion, she enjoys art as her go-to stress buster. She loves working with things that make a mess be it paints or chemicals. Aadya believes that if you have a messy apron at the end of the day, you have had a productive day.