ELEXZINE BISSOO
THE festive season and the search for gifts have begun for many, and Crafty Mugs may help shoppers craft the perfect mug to suit any personality.
Samantha Rajkumar, from Marabella, San Fernando, is the founder and creative director of the brand, which emerged from her desire for independence – to make her own money, using skills she already had to start her own business.
Crafty Mugs, an online business, provides custom hand-painted mugs and drinkware which can be personalised to suit the customer’s vision.
[caption id="attachment_986861" align="alignnone" width="1024"] These Customised hand-painted mugs designs were wpecifically requested by clients. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
“I don't think anyone on Instagram was doing this service, so I had a really good chance of being successful since it was a unique product,” Rajkumar said. “I posted my first product, which was a Rick and Morty mug, on my Instagram page and with the help of my friends, it was shared multiple times and I got my first sale.”
And so she began her business journey in 2019.
A final-year veterinary student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Rajkumar has loved art since childhood.
[caption id="attachment_986848" align="alignnone" width="576"] Wine glass- Photo courtesy- Samantha Rajkumar -[/caption]
Rajkumar, who attended San Fernando Central Secondary, commonly known as "Modsec," said, “In my free time, I would paint on canvas to ease my stress of school. However, I never really practised other art forms, other than what I did in art class in high school up to form three.”
The 25-year-old started binge-watching mug paintings by YouTubers who crafted and sold their products on the Etsy website.
Etsy is an e-commerce platform where people come together to make, sell, buy, and collect unique items. Her favourite YouTuber is Marko Terzo, known for his specialisation in customisation and DIY art, who has over 5.4 million subscribers.
[caption id="attachment_986863" align="alignnone" width="683"] Crafty Mugs creator Samantha Rajkumar: “Depending on the design, I take anywhere from one hour to a few days. However, on average I may take five hours." - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
“Watching my favourite artists on YouTube and binge-watching mug videos, I became inspired.
“I came across a video on how to make money by painting mugs and other products. That automatically flicked a switch in my brain that maybe I can do this as well. However, I never thought I would be as successful at it as I am today.
"I did a lot of research, bought the necessary products and began painting in 2019.”
Having done numerous personalised requests, she is open to new product requests from customers. Her prices start at $100 and go up to about $400, depending on how much detail the design needs.
[caption id="attachment_986844" align="alignnone" width="852"] Photo courtesy - Samantha Rajkumar -[/caption]
“Depending on the de
