From headbands to handbags, Vania Sharma—a young crochet artist and founder of Precious Pearls by Vani—is weaving dreams one stitch at a time. Inspired by her mother and fueled by fashion, she balances school and business with grace, turning criticism into confidence. Her mantra is “Chase your dreams, no matter your age’—because handmade dreams are the most precious.

The Initiation

Vania Sharma, a passionate and creative 11th-grade student, has turned her love for crochet into a blossoming venture called Precious Pearls by Vani. For the past two years, she has been skillfully crafting handmade crochet items—ranging from keychains and bracelets to other intricate handwork pieces. The name of her brand holds special meaning: “Precious” reflects the love and care behind her handcrafted creations, while “Pearls” symbolizes the delicate, beaded beauty of each piece. Her path into the world of crochet began unexpectedly. About three years ago, she watched her mother crochet with graceful precision. At first, it didn’t spark much interest. But as time went on, Vania found herself quietly observing her mother’s hand movements—curious and intrigued. Then, during a summer vacation, she picked up the hook and yarn herself, just to give it a try. That one simple decision unfolded into a creative passion, and eventually, a small business was built on skill, patience, and heart.

Gurus & Role Models

Two years ago, Vania learned the art of crochet from her mother—a skill that soon blossomed into her own entrepreneurial venture. From the very beginning, her mother was her guiding light—holding her hand through every stitch, encouraging her to believe in the quality of her creations, and helping her build confidence in both her products and herself. As a young business owner, Vania finds inspiration in fellow entrepreneurs, especially those her age or older who run similar businesses. She considers them her role models, as their careers motivate her to keep going and never give up on her passion. On a personal level, her biggest inspiration remains her parents, particularly her mother—who not only taught her crochet but also played a vital role in shaping her success.

The Talent

Crochet Artist Vania’s business primarily operates through an online platform—Instagram (@preciouspearlsbyvani)—where she showcases and sells her handcrafted creations. In addition to her digital presence, Vania actively participates in offline stalls across Udaipur and takes part in social events like carnivals, bringing her vibrant collection to a wider audience and connecting with customers in person.

Achievements

Vania Sharma is not only a creative entrepreneur but also a budding innovator and a multi-talented student. She was selected at the national level for a science project competition, where she had to develop an original idea. Along with her partners, she created Urja Vahan—an affordable, eco-friendly tractor designed to help farmers with limited budgets. Their innovative project was chosen to represent their school, marking a proud moment in her academic career. Beyond academics, Vania has also excelled in extracurricular activities. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, she won first place in a citywide drawing competition in Udaipur. Her talents also extend to sports—she has represented her school in three district-level competitions, including two in athletics and one in badminton, showcasing her versatility and passion across diverse fields.

A Bit More

Vania has always had a deep love for fashion and creativity since childhood. From designing her own headbands, headphone covers, and soft toys to crafting keychains and custom clothing, her personal style shines through everything she creates. She even handmakes her own purses, costumes, and tops—bringing joy not only to herself but also to those who shop from her growing brand. At the heart of her business, ‘Precious Pearls by Vani’, lies a unique strength: customisation. Vania is passionate about crafting pieces that reflect the individual style and needs of her customers. Whether it’s color, design, or form, she ensures every product is tailored to perfection, making each item truly one-of-a-kind. Balancing school and business is no easy feat, but Vania manages it gracefully—with her mother’s unwavering support. She admires how effortlessly her mother juggles responsibilities. Whenever Vania needs to study, her mother steps in to manage the business, and when there’s time to focus on orders, Vania takes the reins. This partnership allows her to maintain harmony between her academics and her passion. Her path hasn't been without challenges. In the early days of learning crochet, harsh comments from others shook her confidence. But her mother’s words became her anchor: “If you believe you can do it, you can. And if you love it, don’t stop—keep doing it.” Ignoring negativity, Vania pushed forward—and today, she’s proud of how far she’s come, doing what she loves most. Music, especially any song by The Beatles, lifts her spirits and inspires her. Their melodies keep her going and brighten her creative space. To fellow young dreamers, Vania shares a heartfelt message: “If you have a dream—chase it. Don’t let your passion fade. Age is just a number. Believe in yourself, find a mentor—or be your own. But whatever you do, don’t let your dreams die.”