“Making Handmade Crafts Can Be Very Therapeutic” – Founders of ‘Dream Craft’, Stephanie and Embhah From Shillong Chats with R&L

Isn’t it wonderful to be surrounded by crafty people who make their surrounding world a little more intriguing with magnificent handiworks? And how lucky are we have so many people joining this passion filled hobby! In earlier days, making handmade crafts used to be an activity to engage in during their free time.But with time, it has become even more valued as these hobbies help you relax and destress, while also creating many unique opportunities to earn a living!

Today, we have Embhahlang N Mawlong, creative head of “Dream Craft” and his wife Stephanie P Basaiawmoit, who is an assistant professor by profession while also helping her husband whenever she is free! “Dream Craft” is a design and craft business which specializes in all sorts of paper crafts such as – invitations (wedding, birthdays, other events), notebooks, custom made boxes, cake toppers, wedding service books, return favour boxes and packages, décor props, etc. Each products are made with utmost love and care. Let’s find out more!

We had a chat with Stephanie P Basaiawmoit and Embhahlang N Mawlong, founders of “Dream Craft” from Shillong, Meghalaya. They talk to us about how their venture got started, it’s specialities, their products and services, etc.

Founders of “Dream Craft” (L-R) Stephanie P Basaiawmoit and Embhahlang N Mawlong

Hello! Please introduce a little about yourself.

Hi, We are husband and wife team – Embhahlang N Mawlong and Stephanie P Basaiawmoit from Shillong, Meghalaya. Embhah has done his MBA and I, Stephanie has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Both of us are born and brought up in Shillong, Meghalaya. Currently, Embhah is an entrepreneur and the creative head of ‘Dream Craft’. While I am working as an assistant professor and I juggle between that job and helping out Embhah in Dream Craft.

Tell us about your venture “Dream Craft”. What’s so special about it?

Dream Craft is a design and craft business which specializes in all sorts of paper craft: invitations (wedding, birthdays, other events), notebooks, custom made boxes, cake toppers, wedding service books, return favour boxes and packages, décor props, etc. Now the business is expanding even outside of paper craft, we also provide customized services for boutonnieres, bouquets, flower girl baskets, etc. Currently, we are an online based business but we are looking forward to open our office cum shop, very soon.

Dream Craft provides one of a kind personalized services where each product is made with the utmost care and love. We do take pride on providing quality products which are unique and cater to the wants of the clients.

Wedding invitation scroll in golden theme by the “Dream Craft”

Wedding invitation scroll in golden theme by the “Dream Craft”

Wedding favour boxes by the “Dream Craft”

Wedding invitation cards by the “Dream Craft”

What is the story behind the name “Dream Craft” and the brand concept?

We were racking our brains over a name for our business, we wanted people to know that we deal with customized products which are especially made according to their wishes. Eventually, we agreed upon Dream craft which really signifies that whatever you want or wish for, can be crafted into a reality.

How did you come up with the idea and what was the inspiration behind it?

It started 2 years ago, when we were looking for event planners for our daughter’s first birthday celebration. Her birthday happened to fall right in the peak of the wedding season here, so all event planners were booked. We then decided to do it by ourselves and it all turns out pretty great – which made our daughter’s birthday all the more special since we had our hand in everything for her day. It was since then that Embhah realized he had a God-given talent to design, create and make things that we just look in admiration on pinterest into a reality. With that he decided to give this venture a try which so far is growing by leaps and bounds even if it’s still online based.

Bouquets, baskets and head wreaths by the “Dream Craft”

DIY ring pillow for a wedding | by the “Dream Craft”

A colorful spread for 1 year old birthday party | by the “Dream Craft”

How has your upbringing influenced your work or working style?

Embhah is very disciplined, hardworking, calm & practical; and also a perfectionist when it comes to creativity. I think all these qualities really translate into his work ethics and showcase the God-given talent he has into each of the products of Dream Craft. We love doing what we do and we always think of new hypothesis to experiment and work on.

Both of us really love this creative outlet where we can not only help people get what they want, but also gives ourselves the opportunity to create something new and interesting each day. It is very rewarding and therapeutic since it’s our passion.

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? And what are the challenges that you face?

Embhah has always wanted to be an entrepreneur because he had always admired other renowned entrepreneurs who were brave enough to take risks and make an impact on society. Venturing into this business definitely came with challenges – everything we have done is self-taught. It takes hours of research and planning, trial & error which eventually culminated into invaluable stepping stones to only dream bigger and better.

Tell us some details about your products and where can we buy them?

We have a wide range of products – invitation cards, greeting cards, tags, paper flowers, boxes, boutennieres, bouquets, head gear, notebooks, bookmarks, hymn books, toppers (cake, cupcakes), props, etc. The prices vary according to the size, materials chosen, quantity, etc with a minimum of 5 rupees on custom made products. All these are available on order.