Rinchen Dolkar’s Journey with ‘The Blooming Beads’
Rinchen Dolkar, originally from Sikkim and now settled in Bhutan, has transformed her passion for creativity into a thriving home-based business known as ‘The Blooming Beads’. A former teacher who found solace in crafting during her free time, Rinchen officially launched her venture in 2022 from her
residence in Motithang, Thimphu.
“My passion for learning and creating new things led me to start my small home-based business. I used to do a lot of DIY projects in my free time, which brought me a sense of solace,” Rinchen shared.
In her home, she has cultivated a diverse range of handcrafted products, including jewelry, keychains, crocheted items, and more. Each piece reflects her dedication to craftsmanship and her penchant for innovation. The Blooming Beads is not just a business but a manifestation of Rinchen’s journey into entrepreneurship fueled by her love for creating art. Her venture serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating how hobbies can evolve into successful enterprises with dedication and passion.
Rinchen’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in every meticulously crafted item, each bearing a unique touch that resonates with her customers. Her ability to merge creativity with business acumen has garnered a loyal clientele who appreciate the authenticity and charm of her handmade creations.
As Rinchen continues to expand ‘The Blooming Beads’, her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions. Through her business, she not only enriches her own life but also contributes to the artistic tapestry of her community, one bead at a time.
“My creative process is influenced by my mood. When I’m feeling upbeat and motivated, I enjoy playing some music and immersing myself in crafting Jewelry, often building up my inventory. On days when I need a break, I allow myself to rest and recharge. However, when I receive orders, I prioritize my customers’ needs and ensure that everything is completed efficiently and to their satisfaction,” she exclaimed.
Rinchen also shared about common customers ordering her products, many of her customers request personalized items, such as Jewelry or keychains with their names, which adds a special touch. Rinchen also often creates a couple of keychains or bracelets, and items featuring the trendy evil eye design. These personalized and trendy items are very popular among youths and young people, so she also designs as per the demand of customers. When pricing her handmade Jewelry, keychains, and crocheted items, she starts by calculating the cost of raw materials used in each product. Next, she factors in the time and effort required to create the item, assigning a reasonable hourly rate to her labor. Finally, she adds a small margin to ensure a fair profit, while also covering any additional business expenses. This method ensures her prices reflect the true value and craftsmanship of her work.
To fuel her creativity and keep her designs fresh, she regularly explores a variety of online sources. She said “I visit social media platforms to discover the latest trends in Jewelry, keychains, and crocheted items. From these platforms, I gather ideas and techniques that I can incorporate into my work.” She also watches YouTube tutorials to learn new skills and refine her craft. These online resources provide a wealth of inspiration, helping her blend popular styles with her unique artistic touch.
“The biggest challenge I face right now is not having a local delivery spot, shipping times are taken longer, causing delays in getting products to customers. This is the main challenge of a home-based business. Whereas about my plan, since I run my store entirely by myself, I can’t expect it to reach great heights too quickly. I want to take things slow and ensure I can manage everything on my own. My goal is to maintain stability and grow at a manageable pace,” Rinchen shared.
On the final note to aspiring entrepreneurs, she shares, “Follow your heart, and always remember: if you think you can, you will.” These words reflect her belief in the power of passion and determination in pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. She encourages others to trust their instincts, stay committed to their goals, and embrace the challenges that come with starting and growing a business.
Today, Rinchen’s passion for learning and creating new things has been the driving force behind starting her home-based business. It all began with a desire to explore her creativity and share her unique creations with others. Today, her products have become the go-to destination for people looking to give Jewelry as gifts.
