Little Llama crafts eco-friendly toys and wins hearts | Fusion - WeRIndia

Embarking on a journey from medicine to entrepreneurship, Dr Shweta Gupta of Chandigarh has created a buzz with her startup, Little Llama. The venture specializes in handcrafted fabric toys, earning admiration from celebrities.

Having completed her MBBS in 2012, Dr Shweta initially pursued a career as a diabetologist at Gurugram-based Medanta Hospital.

However, her entrepreneurial spark ignited when she sought unique dolls for her niece before her marriage in 2018.

Unimpressed with the options available in the Indian market, she decided to craft her own using biodegradable materials.

The positive reception to the handcrafted doll inspired Dr Shweta to explore this newfound passion further.

Rejecting the idea of importing expensive dolls from Europe, she decided to start her brand, Little Llama.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability and child health, her toys, priced between ₹700 and ₹4,000, eschew plastic and chemical paints in favour of colourful wool and linen fabric.

Despite the challenging transition from medicine to entrepreneurship, Dr Shweta’s creations gained popularity, receiving endorsements from celebrities and a loyal customer base.

Little Llama’s revenue soared to ₹15 lakhs within a year of commercialization, featuring an array of handcrafted dolls, Jungle Animals, birthday buntings, and many more.

Acknowledging the initial scepticism from relatives about her career shift, Dr Shweta remains undeterred.

While some questioned her departure from the prestigious field of medicine, her growing success and recognition have silenced many critics.

Reflecting on her creative journey, Dr Shweta shares that crafting these toys posed a unique set of challenges, surpassing even the difficulties of obtaining a medical degree.

Learning through videos, she mastered the intricate art of designing and manufacturing these eco-friendly toys.

Little Llama’s offerings have found favour among common buyers, who appreciate the eco-friendly and adorable designs. Besides, they have also caught the attention of celebrities, who endorse the brand on Instagram.

As Dr Shweta continues to carve her niche in the entrepreneurial world, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the pursuit of passion, creativity, and sustainability.

Image Credit: Littlellama Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://www.littlellama.in/