Introduction
Each successful business begins with a story often marked by courage, curiosity, and creativity. In India, a nation of entrepreneurs, thousands of small and micro businesses are born from an idea or passion. Some arise from kitchens, others from garages, and still others from the spark of a shared vision between couples.
This is the inspirational narrative of Ananya and Rohan, a young couple from Pune who transitioned from a weekend hobby to a full-blown business. As a couple with limited resources but unlimited belief, they built a homemade candle brand that now is sold all over India. Their story illustrates how small businesses can thrive in the digital era — often, again, through the power of platforms like WhatsApp, Google My Business, and LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) — and that passion, coupled with consistency, can truly light your way.
The Beginning: A Hobby That Sparked an Idea
Ananya had a successful career as a graphic designer and found joy in making handcrafted candles as a stress relief. Rohan was impressed by her creativity, but never thought much about it and certainly not about a potential business.
In the spring of 2020 when everything stopped for the lockdown, Ananya began posting photos of her candles on Instagram. They were truly unique in that they combined beautiful pastel colors with soothing scents in perfect packaging. Soon she began getting requests from her friends to buy them as gifts. Soon her orders began to grow — first curious friends then their friends began to order.
It was at this time that Rohan said, "Why don't you make this a real thing? Let's think about naming this passion."
And with that, LumaLights was born — a table top candle making business started right from our living room console.
Turning Passion Into a Real Business
At the beginning everything was handmade — pouring wax, designing labels, etc. Ananya focused on the creative side and Rohan did all the packaging, delivery, and online business set-up.
They didn't have the funds to build a fancy website or order a professional photo shoot, but they had something even better, a very clear purpose. They wanted to help bring some calmness and positivity to the world with their handcrafted candles.
To engage customers, we simply started small with free and effective tools that all small businesses can access.
Step 1: Creating a Google My Business Profile
Their first step was to set up a Google My Business (GMB) page. It helped their small home setup appear on Google Maps when people searched for “handmade candles near me” or “home decor gifts in Pune.”
They added:
- Photos of their candles
- Address (hidden for privacy)
- Phone number
- WhatsApp contact link
- Working hours and delivery areas
This move immediately gave them credibility. Within weeks, their store started appearing in local searches — and they even received a few bulk orders for birthday return gifts.
Step 2: Using WhatsApp Business to Showcase Products
Next, Rohan set up a WhatsApp Business account. Instead of responding to messages manually, they used automated replies for quick customer support.
Their catalog featured:
- Product images
- Descriptions and scent details
- Prices
- Customization options
Example:
Product Name: Lavender Bliss Jar Candle
Description: 100% soy wax candle with lavender essential oil. Burns for 40 hours.
Price: ₹499
With this, customers could browse and place orders directly — no website required.
They shared their catalog link in social media bios, printed QR codes on packaging, and even added it to their LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) listing to attract local buyers.
Step 3: Registering on LocalShouts for Visibility
While Instagram and WhatsApp helped with direct communication, the couple needed a way to reach local customers searching online. That’s when they discovered LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) — a digital platform that helps small and micro businesses build local credibility.
Their LocalShouts listing showcased:
- Verified business details
- Product categories
- Customer reviews and ratings
- Direct links to their WhatsApp and Instagram pages
This gave them instant local visibility and helped them rank higher on Google for searches like “handmade candles in Pune.”
Step 4: Leveraging Social Media for Storytelling
Instead of posting random product photos, Ananya focused on storytelling. She shared small glimpses of their journey — testing new scents, wrapping candles at midnight, or preparing for Sunday pop-ups.
This honesty resonated deeply with people. Customers didn’t just buy candles; they bought into their story.
They used Instagram Reels to show behind-the-scenes moments — mixing wax, pouring fragrances, tying ribbons. Every video was shot on a phone, yet each told a heartfelt story.
Within six months, they had built an authentic community of 8,000 followers who eagerly awaited every new collection.
Step 5: Collaborating with Local Cafés and Boutiques
As sales grew, the couple wanted more offline presence. They reached out to local cafés and boutiques in Pune, offering small displays of LumaLights candles on consignment.
One café placed their candles on tables with small QR codes that linked directly to their LocalShouts profile. Curious visitors could scan the code and order instantly through WhatsApp.
This partnership was a turning point — bringing in both sales and local exposure.
Step 6: Managing Orders and Building Trust
To ensure smooth communication, Rohan created a simple workflow:
- Customer messages on WhatsApp.
- Product options shared from the catalog.
- Payment made via UPI or WhatsApp Pay.
- Confirmation message and dispatch update.
Each order came with a handwritten thank-you note, a small free tealight candle, and a QR code linking to LocalShouts for reviews.
The couple personally followed up after every order to ask:
“Hope you enjoyed your candle. Would you mind sharing a review or photo?”
This approach led to authentic user-generated content (UGC) and a growing collection of positive testimonials that boosted credibility.
Step 7: Expanding Beyond Pune
Once their local reputation was strong, they started delivering across India using affordable courier services.
They used Google Ads’ Local Campaigns and “Click-to-WhatsApp” ads to target nearby customers. Since their LocalShouts listing already ranked locally, the ads gave them national reach.
They soon began receiving orders from Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad — with some customers even requesting custom scents for wedding giveaways.
Step 8: Learning, Adapting, and Growing
Like many small businesses, obstacles would arise (short supply of wax, delivery issues, packaging problems). They chose not to be discouraged by these challenges but take a lesson from them.
They tracked sales data to see which candle scents sold best, determined which designs had repeat customers and discovered which months spiked in customer demand (like Diwali and Valentine’s Day).
They used their analysis of patterns to create seasonal collections that took off online.
They also offered personalized gift sets that involved a custom name and packaging that received promotion through their LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) page and WhatsApp broadcasts.
Step 9: Hiring Local Women, Adding Team
As the order volume increased it became difficult to handle it all by themselves. Instead of outsourcing, the couple wanted to give back to the community, so they taught local women in their neighborhood the skills they needed to do candle-making and packaging without sacrificing the quality of the product.
LumaLights currently employs five women in their community who work part-time from home, assisting the couple with the growing order volume.
Not only has this lessened their workload, but they assisted in creating local jobs in the area and transitioning their small business into a source of empowerment for their community.
Step 10: Building Long-Term Loyalty
The couple believes that good relationships build strong brands. Every month, they send WhatsApp updates to loyal customers:
- Early access to new collections
- Birthday discounts
- Candle care tips
- Holiday greetings
They also host small pop-up stalls at community events and markets, where they share their journey in person. Their story inspires other small entrepreneurs to believe that passion, when guided by purpose, can become a sustainable livelihood.
Results: From Hobby to Full-Time Business
Today, LumaLights delivers over 600 candles a month to customers across India. Their revenue has grown fivefold since the first year, and 70% of sales come through repeat buyers or referrals.
Here’s what helped them succeed:
- Authentic storytelling that connected emotionally
- Consistent communication via WhatsApp Business
- Verified online presence through LocalShouts and Google My Business
- Personalized packaging and follow-ups
- A commitment to quality and local craftsmanship
What started as a couple’s weekend hobby is now a registered small enterprise with dreams of exporting their products abroad.
Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners
- Start small, start smart. You don’t need a fancy office or big investment. Begin with what you have.
- Use free digital tools. WhatsApp Business, Google My Business, and LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) can help you reach customers effectively.
- Tell your story. People connect with authenticity, not perfection. Share your journey openly.
- Value every customer. Personalized touches like thank-you notes go a long way.
- Be consistent. Growth may be slow initially, but steady effort compounds.
- Give back. Involving your local community builds goodwill and purpose.
The Heart of Their Success
What truly made LumaLights stand out wasn’t just beautiful candles—it was the warmth behind the brand. Every design reflected Ananya’s creativity, and every operation carried Rohan’s precision. Their teamwork turned a simple hobby into a full-time business that continues to inspire other Indian couples and entrepreneurs.
Their journey proves that in India’s growing digital economy, anyone can build a meaningful business—if they’re willing to learn, adapt, and connect with customers sincerely.
As Rohan says,
“We didn’t just build a candle brand; we built something that connects hearts through light.”
How LocalShouts Helped
LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) played a key role in helping the couple get discovered by new customers. Through verified listings, local SEO visibility, and a direct contact system, they attracted organic traffic without heavy advertising.
The platform continues to help small businesses like LumaLights grow by connecting them with local customers searching for authentic, nearby products.
Conclusion
The story of Ananya and Rohan is a reminder that passion, when nurtured with consistency, can become more than a dream—it can become a livelihood. Their journey from a living-room hobby to a nationwide candle brand showcases what’s possible when creativity meets strategy.
For every small business owner in India, whether you bake cakes, paint pots, or design clothes—remember: your idea matters. Start where you are, use tools like WhatsApp and LocalShouts, and share your story proudly. Success doesn’t need millions; it just needs meaning.
FAQs
1. How did the couple start their candle business?
They began by making handmade candles at home during the lockdown and gradually turned it into a registered business using free tools like WhatsApp Business and LocalShouts.
2. What digital tools helped them grow?
Google My Business, WhatsApp Business Catalogs, and LocalShouts (https://www.localshouts.com) helped increase visibility, manage customer interactions, and build credibility.
3. Do I need a website to sell my handmade products?
Not necessarily. WhatsApp Business and LocalShouts can help you sell locally without investing in a website.
4. How can LocalShouts help small businesses?
LocalShouts helps you get discovered by local buyers, showcase verified reviews, and connect directly through your listing—ideal for small and micro entrepreneurs.
5. What lessons can other small business owners learn from this story?
Start small, use free tools, share your story honestly, and focus on relationships. Authenticity always attracts loyal customers.
6. What’s next for LumaLights?
The couple plans to expand into home décor products and open their first retail kiosk while continuing to employ and empower local women artisans.
