About the Program

At Meraki, we believe in the power of creativity and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Our Art-Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is a testament to that belief — a transformative journey designed to empower women artisans with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.

The Meraki Art-Entrepreneurship Bootcamp took place from January 17-20, 2024 in Dehradun. It was an immersive program designed for women artisans, aimed to equip them with essential skills and knowledge by focusing on the tenets of "Learn, Experience, Plan, Apply" in the curriculum.

During our immersive four-phase program, participants dive deep into essential topics such as business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, leadership skills, and sustainable practices. Led by industry experts and seasoned mentors, our workshops provide hands-on learning experiences tailored to the unique needs of women artisans.

The Four Phases

Phase 1: Workshop Trainings

The inaugural phase commenced with esteemed speakers who illuminated the path to entrepreneurial success. Priyanka Jain and Mr. Rahul Jain, Founders of Bizwiz Learning, shared invaluable insights into business fundamentals. Aanya Wig, Co-Founder of Her Haq and LinkedIn's Top Voice for Social Impact, inspired with her journey and provided guidance on leveraging entrepreneurship for social change. Vidula Kamath, a distinguished Life Coach Entrepreneur, imparted wisdom on personal development and mindset.

Phase 2: Field Exposure

The second phase took participants on an enlightening field trip to Kamla Mahila Handicrafts, a women-led art enterprise. Led by the passionate founder, Shika, artisans were immersed in a rich learning experience covering essential topics such as raw material selection, product development, and diversification. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants gained valuable insights into exploring market linkages and leveraging the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in fostering business growth.

Phase 3: Group Activities

The third phase saw participants putting theory into practice as they applied the teachings of Ms. Vidula in a hands-on workshop. Divided into two groups, artisans engaged in the collaborative development of business plans, execution strategies, and decision-making processes. Through interactive sessions and guided exercises, participants honed their presentation skills. The highlight was a dynamic Shark Tank-style presentation, where participants pitched their business plans to a panel of judges.

Phase 4: Hands-on Application

On the fourth and final day, artisans showcased their craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit at Cafe Dehra Kettle. Meraki organized a stall where artisans proudly displayed their products, offering visitors a glimpse into the beauty and intricacy of their work. Additionally, Meraki hosted a ticketed crochet workshop, where artisans shared their expertise and passion for the craft with eager participants.

Our Philosophy

The Art-Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is not just about learning — it's about empowerment. It's about fostering a sense of pride, resilience, and determination among women artisans, empowering them to take control of their economic destinies and become leaders in their communities.

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Bootcamp Gallery

Moments from the Art-Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

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