Today we’d like to introduce you to Kashvi Jain.
Hi Kashvi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started back in 2022, in 5th grade, when I started making small wooden stands for toys like minifigures and trading cards. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I had always enjoyed making things with my hands. But soon, I noticed that I truly loved working with wood. I wanted to spend my entire summer just making things from wood. I made more stands, and I would trade them for other toys. This led me to realize the true need for my products.
With this realization, I partnered with my dad to start selling my products. As the business grew, I pursued mentors to deepen my woodworking skills. I also went to garage sales to negotiate for affordable tools. My marketing efforts expanded as my skills improved. In the summer of 2024, I found a store willing to sell my products. That same summer, I applied and got accepted into the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, where participants start a business and pitch to real investors. Through this program, I launched Handmade Scholars, inspired by the mentorship gap I faced when starting K’s Displays. Handmade Scholars connects individuals in creative fields like woodworking, embroidery, and painting with skilled mentors. After months of hard work, I pitched Handmade Scholars to investors and secured full funding. Today, I manage both K’s Displays and Handmade Scholars: one focused on products and the other on people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road as a young entrepreneur has not been easy. One of the biggest obstacles has been time management to make time to get everything. Having to balance band, sports, debate, and 4 high school classes while still running 2 businesses has taught me to prioritize properly. A second struggle has been stereotypes. There have been many times when I would have people interested in my work but would back out when they found out I am a middle schooler. This stereotype has held me back at various times. Another big struggle has been finding mentors and mentees for handmade scholars due to how niche the market is. Since I am starting out local, I have been going to various craft shows and other places where I can meet possible mentors, and unfortunately, people wouldn’t always have the time or wouldn’t respond to my emails. At times this has been discouraging, but regardless I have believed in my business and have persevered.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a woodworker who creates handcrafted pieces like cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and coasters. Through Handmade Scholars I am able to connect individuals with skilled mentors. I’m most proud of being a student entrepreneur who continues to grow my business despite having limited time. Over the years, I’ve expanded my work beyond what I ever imagined. What sets me apart is my dedication and determination, when I set a goal or have a vision, I stop at nothing to make it happen.
What’s next?
As a middle schooler, I have a lot of visions for the future. For K’s Displays, I want to expand my knowledge and capabilities. I want to get more deals and sell in more stores and to more people. As for Handmade Scholars, I want to create a studio where people can come and take classes. I want to create a place for mentors and mentees to connect. In the far future, I want to take it even further and expand where I have multiple studios around the country. Additionally, I want to expand awareness about the lesser-known crafts and make sure others don’t have the same problems I did. Outside of business, I want to pursue higher education after high school in business at either Wharton or Vanderbilt. In school, I hope to make the freshman basketball team and play marching band next year. Outside of school, I play Table Tennis and will be playing through college. Additionally, I am a part of speech and debate club and want to participate and win competitions for categories such as Lincoln Douglas and Impromptu speaking. Considering I have a lot of big plans for my future, I have to stay very focused in my work to achieve my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://handmadescholars.com
- Instagram: @hand_madescholars
- Other: https://itdisplay.wixsite.com/ks-displays
Image Credits
My parents took the photos.
