In a world filled with fast fashion and high turnover, a young entrepreneur from Chandor, Goa, is making waves with her sustainable, handcrafted crochet clothing brand, Blushboww. At just 23, Ciena Fernandes has built a successful small business with a unique ethos of minimal waste and personalized, made-to-order garments. Her story is one of creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship—a journey that started during a time of stillness and uncertainty but has now blossomed into a thriving brand.
The Beginning of Blushboww: A Lockdown Discovery
Ciena’s journey began at the age of 19, during the nationwide lockdown when, like many, she found herself with ample free time but limited ways to fill it. She stumbled upon her mother’s old scrap yarn and began experimenting with crochet. Initially, her intent was simply to pass the time and create pieces for herself. However, as she began sharing her work on social media, interest grew, and Blushboww was born.
“Crochet wasn’t something I planned to turn into a business. It just happened,” Ciena says, reflecting on her early days. Driven by a desire to create unique and sustainable clothing, Ciena’s brand quickly gained traction, thanks to her dedication and the personalized nature of her designs.
Embracing Sustainability and Reducing Waste
One of the core values at Blushboww is sustainability. Unlike mass-produced clothing brands, Ciena’s approach is inherently eco-friendly. She doesn’t produce in bulk; instead, each piece is custom-made to order. This strategy not only minimizes waste but also ensures that every garment is crafted to fit each customer perfectly. By not carrying excess inventory, Ciena reduces her environmental footprint and avoids the pitfalls of overproduction.
Moreover, Ciena finds creative ways to use even the smallest scraps of yarn. Recently, she crafted a vibrant cushion cover entirely from leftover yarn bits, showcasing her commitment to waste reduction. For her, sustainability isn’t just a selling point; it’s the guiding principle behind Blushboww.
“The goal with my small business is to create as little waste as possible,” Ciena explains. In an industry where waste can be significant, her approach sets her apart as a responsible entrepreneur making a difference.
Learning the Ropes of Business and Promotion
Although Ciena’s creativity and craftsmanship were never in question, she admits that the business side presented challenges. With no prior experience in sales or marketing, she initially struggled to promote her work and reach a wider audience. Navigating these hurdles, however, has become an integral part of her growth as a business owner. Over time, she has learned the importance of effective promotion and engaging with her audience, especially through social media.
“Networking and telling people about my brand have been key,” she notes. Attending events and connecting with other entrepreneurs have been game-changers, allowing her to form valuable relationships that continue to elevate her brand. Ciena also emphasizes the importance of showing up and creating content consistently—a strategy that has helped her establish a dedicated following.
Balancing Personal Well-Being with Professional Growth
Being a solo entrepreneur can be challenging, and Ciena understands the importance of mental well-being. Whenever she feels overwhelmed or demotivated, she takes a break to recharge. Spending time with her puppy or organizing her workspace often helps her regain focus. This balance between work and personal time has been essential in maintaining her motivation and avoiding burnout.
“It’s crucial to take a break when needed,” she advises. Ciena’s mindful approach to self-care is a testament to her understanding that a successful business requires a healthy, motivated founder.
Achievements and Plans for Growth
Ciena’s hard work and dedication were recently recognized when she was awarded the Go Womania Business Award in the Established Category. This accolade represents a significant milestone in her journey, affirming the impact Blushboww has made within her community and beyond. The award is not just a testament to her skill, but also a recognition of her efforts to build a brand that values sustainability and creativity.
Reflecting on her journey, Ciena takes pride in having reached a place of independence—she now lives on her own, supported by her business, alongside her beloved puppy. However, she is far from complacent. With plans to expand Blushboww, Ciena envisions employing women artisans in her area, giving them the opportunity to earn an income while contributing to her growing brand.
“Currently, I’m the sole owner and employee of Blushboww, but I hope to involve other local artisans soon,” she shares. By empowering women in her community, she not only aims to expand production but also foster a supportive network for other creative minds.
Embracing Networking and Community Engagement
Initially hesitant about networking, Ciena has since recognized its power in driving her business forward. Attending local events and meeting other entrepreneurs has opened doors for collaboration and support that were previously unavailable to her. By building connections, she has been able to find valuable resources and advice that continue to shape Blushboww’s growth.
“Networking has helped me immensely,” she says. Her experience highlights the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing opportunities to learn and grow from others in the industry.
Social Media as a Strategy for Success
In today’s digital world, social media is a critical tool for small businesses. Ciena is keenly aware of this, and she actively maintains her online presence, sharing her creations and engaging with her followers. She believes that being active on social media and consistently showcasing her work has been instrumental in building her brand’s visibility.
“Social media is crucial. It’s how I reach my audience,” she explains. Ciena’s emphasis on online engagement has not only allowed her to connect with customers but also helped her build a community of crochet enthusiasts and supporters of sustainable fashion.
Looking Ahead: Building a Website and Expanding Production
As Blushboww continues to grow, Ciena has set her sights on creating a dedicated website to streamline orders and make her brand more accessible. Moving away from handling orders solely through Instagram, she hopes that a website will offer her customers a more professional and seamless shopping experience.
Additionally, she is planning to bring on a few local women artisans, allowing her to scale production without compromising the quality or handmade essence of her products. This step marks an exciting new phase for Blushboww, transforming it from a small, single-person operation into a collaborative effort that supports the local economy.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ciena’s journey has taught her many valuable lessons, and she is passionate about sharing her experiences with others. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: remain consistent, embrace social media, and never underestimate the power of networking.
“Tell anyone and everyone about your business,” she advises. By taking every opportunity to promote her brand and connect with others, she has grown Blushboww into a respected name in sustainable fashion. Ciena’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that with patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn, success is achievable.
Conclusion
Ciena Fernandes embodies the spirit of a modern entrepreneur—creative, resilient, and environmentally conscious. From her humble beginnings during the lockdown to receiving prestigious awards and expanding her business, she has shown that true passion and commitment can turn a simple hobby into a meaningful career. Blushboww stands as a beacon of sustainable fashion, offering unique, handmade crochet pieces that not only delight customers but also contribute to a better, greener world. Ciena’s journey is a testament to the power of small businesses in creating positive change, both in fashion and in the community.
