When someone talks about building business ventures, our mind picture business schools, professional degrees in management, finance or tech, and boardrooms. Rarely do we think of “arts” which are largely still seen as a hobby rather than a serious career choice where someone can build a successful business. But here is a woman entrepreneur who has challenged the idea by building a thriving business through something as niche as the elegant, intricate craft of calligraphy.
Meet Pooja Bhagwat who turned her lifelong passion for beautiful writing into a luxury brand that caters to high-end clients, not just in India but internationally as well. But her journey wasn’t a conventional one. It was born out of a deep desire to reconnect with her true calling and escape the relentless grind of corporate life.
What led Pooja down the Entrepreneurial Path
Pooja Bhagwat studied at an Arts College, where she honed her calligraphy skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. After graduation, she started working with advertising agencies. Initially, the fast-paced environment was exciting, but over time, the demanding nature of the job left little room for creativity. She slowly started losing the joy she felt for the industry. Looking for a respite, she picked up her calligraphy pen again, and everything changed.
“What started as a way to break the monotony quickly turned into something much bigger. Holding the calligraphy pen again felt like both a release and a return to myself,” Pooja recalls. This led to the birth of Ink & Bliss in 2017, a calligraphy and design studio, with the vision of providing custom calligraphy services for luxury brands, corporates, and events.
Building a Design Studio out of Calligraphy
Ink & Bliss specializes in premium calligraphy and engraving services that are in high demand for luxury brands, weddings, and bespoke gifting. Her clients turn to her for her creative services during special occasions such as Valentine's Day, Diwali, Christmas, store launches, and exclusive announcements.
Apart from corporates and brands, she also provides custom commission work for individuals, such as writing heartfelt love letters, engraving glasses, or personalizing luxury items like perfumes and gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and special celebrations. Pooja also offers on-site services for weddings, where she personalizes wedding favors on the spot. With a starting price of Rs. 30,000 for on-site services and custom commissions beginning at Rs. 3,500, her work is sought after for both its exclusivity and craftsmanship.
What makes her unique is that her services go beyond traditional calligraphy, incorporating Foiling, Vinyl Cutting, Engraving, Painting, and Calligraphy in regional languages. This allows her to cater to a diverse range of needs and clients (from corporates to individuals) to create truly unique and customized pieces that cannot be found elsewhere. Pooja doesn’t see calligraphy as just a service, she is creating experiences. “I want my clients to feel something when they see the final piece,” she explains. Apart from this, Pooja also offers a variety of calligraphy courses, so beginners and advanced learners get a chance to learn the art and refine their skills.
Overcoming Challenges in a Niche Industry
When Pooja started, there were very few professionals in the field, and there was little awareness of the industry’s potential. Finding quality tools, a mentor, and educating clients about the value of calligraphy required persistence.
With no set path to follow, given how niche this industry was, she created one for herself. She consistently kept refining her skills and expanding her portfolio with new writing styles, establishing herself as a leading name in the industry. She also embraced digital calligraphy services, catering to clients who need large-scale printed materials. By showcasing her work on social media (especially Instagram), engaging with her audience, and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her process, she has built a strong community around her brand.
Validation with big Milestones and Achievements
Today, Pooja has worked with renowned international and national brands like Christian Dior, Jo Malone London, Massimo Dutti, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, Estee Lauder, Taj Mahal Palace, and Tira Beauty. She has been part of prestigious events such as the opening of Jio World Plaza, Nykaaland, and the Ambani family’s celebrations.
Pooja also recently became the first woman in India to receive an IAMPETH certification in Calligraphy, an honor that demands a score of at least 90%. Not only did she earn the certification, but she did so in two different writing styles.
What started as a personal pursuit of creativity has now evolved into a business. Pooja has redefined the role of calligraphy in today’s world, proving that an art form rooted in tradition can be turned into a successful business idea.
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