Latest news with #RajatJaiswal
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
From a Silent Start to a Social Movement: Loving Crafts Redefines Gifting & Women Empowerment in India
VMPL Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 23: In 2016, without financial backing, marketing muscle, or even family support, two close friends--Rajat Jaiswal and Ankita Ahirwar--quietly launched a homegrown gifting brand from their living room. Today, that humble idea has transformed into Loving Crafts, one of India's fastest-growing personalised gifting brands with a community of over 5 lakh+ customers and 2+ lakh Instagram followers. But Loving Crafts is more than just a brand--it's a movement rooted in storytelling, sentiment, and social change. A Gifting Brand with Purpose Loving Crafts creates handcrafted, emotionally driven keepsakes--designed to make moments last. Their bestsellers include: * Wooden Engraved Frames * Miniature LED Frames * Scrapbooks and Albums * Valentine's Hampers * Birthday & Anniversary Gifts * Sibling and Friendship Mementos From engraved memories to glowing frames, every product tells a personal story. "We started Loving Crafts because we believe every bond deserves more than a mass-produced gift. People want to feel remembered--and we help them do that," say co-founders Rajat and Ankita. Empowering Women, One Gift at a Time What truly sets Loving Crafts apart is its mission. The brand now employs over 70 people, 99% of whom are women from underprivileged backgrounds. These women are not just workers--they are designers, artists, and contributors to thousands of heartfelt gifts sent across India. "Most of our team had never worked before. Today, they are not only earning but leading production, design, and customer happiness. This is what real empowerment looks like," says Ankita. From Instagram DMs to Global Recognition Loving Crafts started with zero followers and word-of-mouth sales. Fast forward to 2025, and the brand boasts a loyal community of gifting enthusiasts, returning customers, and emotional stories shared through social media. Their Instagram community of 200,000+ followers is filled with testimonials, user stories, and viral reels that capture the essence of meaningful gifting. The Future: Tech Meets Emotion The brand is now moving toward the next evolution of gifting: * QR-coded surprise messages * Video greetings embedded in frames * Art collaborations to turn love stories into collectable keepsakes Rajat and Ankita aim to merge digital memories with tangible, handcrafted experiences--keeping the soul of gifting alive in a tech-savvy world. Customer Voices: Gifts That Stay with You "I gifted a miniature LED frame to my husband, and he had tears in his eyes. It wasn't just a gift--it was a memory brought to life." -- Priya D., Mumbai "Knowing my purchase supports women's empowerment makes every gift feel twice as meaningful." -- Meena S., Delhi About Loving Crafts Loving Crafts is a personalised gifting brand based in India, founded by Rajat Jaiswal and Ankita Ahirwar. The company handcrafts gifts that carry emotional value while empowering underprivileged women through dignified employment and skills training. With nationwide delivery, high-quality craftsmanship, and a mission that blends heart and purpose, Loving Crafts is setting a new benchmark in the Indian gifting industry. For media inquiries, collaborations, or interviews, please contact: support@ Based in India | Ships PAN India
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Why Millennials And Gen Z Prefer Cafés Over Traditional Restaurants
Last Updated: Millennials and Gen Z don't just want to eat out, they want to belong somewhere. And cafés, with their warm lights, good brews, and open vibes, offer just that. The café culture in India is brewing hotter than ever, and it's not just about coffee anymore. For Millennials and Gen Z, cafés have become the new cultural hubs, spaces where lifestyle, work, creativity, and connection seamlessly blend. From aesthetically pleasing interiors to flexible workspaces and innovative menus, cafés are replacing the formality of traditional restaurants with an experience-first approach that resonates deeply with today's youth. 'Millennials and Gen Z have redefined dining culture, increasingly favoring cafés over traditional restaurants," says Rajat Jaiswal, Pilot and Co-founder, WAB Cafe and Keydroid. 'This shift is driven by lifestyle choices, social habits, and evolving work patterns that align more with the casual and versatile nature of cafés." He highlights that the informal, flexible vibe of cafés makes them ideal for everything from solo productivity to social catch-ups. With simpler, more affordable menus and photogenic spaces that suit their social media habits, cafés are exactly what younger consumers are looking for. 'It's more than just food, it's an experience," he adds. The Rise of Café-First Hospitality Rajan Sethi, Managing Director, Bright Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., echoes this sentiment, having witnessed the evolution firsthand. 'Over the past decade, we have seen a clear shift in how Millennials and Gen Z approach dining, and cafés have naturally become the spaces they gravitate toward," he says. Sethi's brands, like Espressos Anyday and OMO – Soul Food Community, are built around this café-first mindset. 'With Espressos Anyday, we've created an everyday café that feels like your own corner in the city," he explains. 'Whether you're working solo or brainstorming with friends, the vibe is intentionally casual yet inspiring." Meanwhile, OMO takes it a step further by merging food and philosophy. 'OMO is for people who want their dining spaces to align with their values—offering grounding meals, seasonal ingredients, and a calm, conscious atmosphere," Sethi says. The rise of the 'laptop and latte" work culture, particularly in metros like Delhi and Gurgaon, has made cafés a modern-day second home and office. Social, Sensory, Shareable What's also redefining this space is the experiential element. According to Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, 'At Barista, coffee is more than just a beverage, it's a lifestyle and cultural experience, especially for Millennials and Gen Z." He points out that these generations crave connection, ambiance, and self-expression. Barista caters to this demand with curated offerings like Coffee Bubble Tea, Iced Tiramisu Latte, and live brewing sessions, trendy, flavorful, and highly Instagrammable. 'Through experiential marketing, playful menus, and community-driven spaces, we've made Barista a go-to destination where coffee culture meets contemporary lifestyle," Agarwal says. It's not about fancy dining, but about engaging environments that balance affordability with innovation. A Safe, Creative, Comfortable Space Shreya Ghai, owner, Bean & Coffee Kitchen, beautifully sums up the emotional value cafés offer: 'For Millennials and Gen Z, a café isn't just a place to eat or drink, it's an extension of their lifestyle. It's where work happens, friendships grow, passions are explored, and everyday moments become memorable." She emphasizes that what people seek today is comfort without formality, creativity without judgment, and connection without pressure. 'It's about being surrounded by warm lights, familiar faces, and the quiet hum of inspiration," Ghai shares. 'At Bean & Coffee Kitchen, the stories shared at every table are as important as the food on it." The Bottom Line What we're witnessing is not just a shift in dining preferences but a broader cultural evolution. Cafés have emerged as the modern-day living rooms, creative studios, and informal workspaces for younger generations. They combine aesthetics, affordability, flexibility, and community, qualities that traditional restaurants often lack. In short, Millennials and Gen Z don't just want to eat out, they want to belong somewhere. And cafés, with their warm lights, good brews, and open vibes, offer just that. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 16:28 IST News lifestyle » food Why Millennials And Gen Z Prefer Cafés Over Traditional Restaurants Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
