Meet Reenu Sharma: Made by Reenu – Handmade gifts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reenu Sharma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reenu, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business as a hobby with making t-shirts and custom gifts for family and friends end of 2019 in my one bedroom condo. Just a matter of months later, the pandemic hit. We were in lockdown and I started to dive deeper into ideas of what I can create next. The first thing that came to mind is cultural gifts that were not easily accessible. With word of mouth, friends of family started to reach out various items they wanted to purchase such as tumblers, boards, tshirts, money banks. I wanted to create a platform to allow customers to have input in their orders and a chance for me to bring their ideas to life. One of the biggest sellers were “Sadaqah (charity) Boxes”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a full time job in the healthcare IT industry. I did not have any experience or background in business or entrepreneurship so all this was very new to me. It all started with me browsing deals on Amazon Prime Day in 2019 where I came across a heat press. I decided to take the plunge and bought it! I thought it couldn’t be too difficult. But, I quickly started to realize there was more the craft business than having a simple heat press, heat transfer paper and t-shirts! I invested in a silhouette cameo and started to learn the software to be able to create t-shirts and slowly expanded to other items. I realized the possibilities are endless with what I can create with my silhouette machine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in Atlanta for about 8 years. I would start the weekend of with exploring Atlantic Station with amazing food options such as Sri Thai, Yardhouse, CPK, and Poke Bar – and of course, Kilwins for dessert. Being in Atlanta, there are so many brunch spots to choose from! A recent favorite has been Cultivate off of Howell Mill. Following brunch, we would head over to the beltline and grab some bikes to cycle around the city and explore various parts of Atlanta – from Inman Park to Krog Street to ending the night at Ponce City Market with dinner in the food hall. Some of the best places I have eaten in Ponce City Market has been Botiwalla, Ton Ton Ramen, and El Super Pan Latino Sandwiches. We would end the night with some coffee and dessert from Cafe Intermezzo in Midtown.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest support has been my family who have encouraged me to sell my products. They helped brainstorm creative products that I have been able to create and sell. My sister-in-law has been so gracious in giving me space in her home to allow me to fulfill large orders. A special shoutout to my husband who has continuously encouraged me to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion for crafts. He helped me build my foundation for my business. I am thankful for my family!

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