Spectrakraft – A bazaar for bohemian accessories

We have a treat of a lady joining us today! Meet Alankar – a fun loving lady that is full of energetic spirit! We love sharing new shops that have just opened and we have a newby that is less than eight months old! Show some love and help us celebrate – the glory of new shops and their beginnings!

 Building Bridges: Tell us a little bit about you, your family, and what you like to do for fun!

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I’m originally from India. I came to the United States as a student in 2006. I completed my graduate studies at the University of Maryland College Park last year before moving to San Diego. I am married and mother to a 21-month-old toddler. My husband and I love the outdoors. We love to travel, hike, and camp whenever we find time.

Building Bridges: What other hobbies do you have?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I’m also a compulsive baker.

Building Bridges: Why did you choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Spectra is the plural for spectrum; meaning an array of colors. I wanted my store to be a manifestation of that – an assortment of diverse, colorful, vibrant handcrafted bohemian jewelry.

Building Bridges: Why did you decide to open your shop and why sell on Etsy.com?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: The decision to sell on Etsy was partly influenced by its philosophy of providing independent artistes like me the exposure and platform to showcase handcrafted products. Their user interface, affordability, and communal vibe make selling on Etsy a unique experience. I like being part of this vast community of handcrafted artisans. From a business standpoint and as a relative newbie, Etsy is affordable, helps with customer in-flows, and has all the necessary backend processes in place that would have been relatively arduous if I had to depend solely on my own website. While I also have my personal website, which I am hoping will become the “go-to” place for Spectrakraft products in future; Etsy is a great place to start having an online presence. 

Building Bridges: Did someone encourage you to start a business? 

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: My family’s support through this short journey has been phenomenal. My husband was pivotal in helping me identify a creative outlet for myself, while being a stay-at home mom. And needless to say, I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of being an independent entrepreneur. This venture not only gives me the independence and flexibility I so desire, it also keeps my motivation levels up. 
 

Building Bridges: When did your shop officially open?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I opened my Etsy store on November, 2, 2013.

Building Bridges: Do you remember your first product that sold, what was it?

 

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Absolutely! How can I ever forget my first sale!! It was a pair of Orange Czech glass earrings. The wonderful lady who bought this pair is today one of my dear, dear friends and a constant source of encouragement.

Building Bridges: Any current shop promo discounts, if so when do they end?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I have a sale on for readers of this blog – 10% off on orders of $35 or more. This offer is valid until September 10. The code is: SPECBLOG10

Building Bridges: Do you take custom orders?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I absolutely do. If buyers have a specific color, design, bead in mind, I’d be happy to bring their idea to fruition.

Building Bridges: Why make handmade products?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Because it is personal, and often one-of-a-kind, as opposed to manufactured bulk goods.

Building Bridges: What do you love or hate about selling?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Since I’ve only started, success is still elusive. I’ve been very lucky to have a great support system of friends and customers who have been very kind with their encouragement and also spreading the word on my behalf. I would love if I could sell items every day. And I am confident I will get to that point. But until then, it will be a combination of happy days and frustrating days. But I am not complaining. I wouldn’t trade this sense of independence for anything else. 

Building Bridges: What is your favorite part about owning your own business?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Two things come to mind – the creative process behind each and every carefully crafted piece and the customer feedback. I enjoy the creative process – from selecting beads – to how they come together to become a physical expression of an idea. And the positive customer feedback reiterates the value of this process to me.

Building Bridges: Do you have any advice for other crafters who would like to start selling their creations?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I’m not at that stage yet where I can give anyone advice, except that despite the slow pace and frustrations that come with starting a start-up, nothing compares to the sense of independence your own efforts accord you.  So believe in yourself and your idea and go for it!

Building Bridges: Best advice you received when you went into business for yourself?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: The best piece of business advice I ever received was: 80% of your business comes from 20% of your clients. So keep them happy. And I see that trend.  Given my line of business – accessories – there are far too many options for buyers. Repeat customers are crucial and therefore customer satisfaction is vital.

Building Bridges: Do you have your own shop blog and social media sites? We would LOVE to follow you back!

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I do have my own website: www.spectrakraft.com

I am also on:

            Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Spectrakraft

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrakraft

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/alankarb/

Twitter: @Spectrakraft

Building Bridges: We love to attend craft and vendor markets - do you?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I haven’t participated in any craft or vendor market so far. For the time being, I’m focusing my efforts on creating new pieces. I’m hoping to participate in my first craft fair by the end of this year.

Building Bridges: Did you always see yourself becoming an entrepreneur?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Actually I did not. Spectrakraft happened quite by chance. When I started this venture, I had just completed graduate school and my son had just turned one. I wanted to stay home while find a creative outlet. With my husband’s constant encouragement, I decided to delve into it. It’s been a very enjoyable few months.

Building Bridges: Do you use your own products?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: Yes, I do wear my own creations. Friends and family have been very generous with their comments and encouragement.

Building Bridges: What is your most popular product on the market right now?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: My stretch bracelets. I’ve been making a lot of minimalist stretch bracelets and they’ve been received very well.

Building Bridges: What is the favorite item you make and why?

Alankar Bandyopadhyay: I really enjoy making bracelets. I’m always on the hunt for beads – very addictive. I love making bracelets because they really define the look.

Building Bridges: Alankar thank you so much for sharing your new business with us! We wish you much success and just know that if you set your mind and heart to it you will do great things! Have a blessed summer and be sure to keep in touch with us! Customers can best reach Alankar, for orders via Etsy convo or shoot her an email at spectrakraft@gmail.com.