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From hobby to business: How one Yakutia mom built a crafting empire

A single online lesson sparked a revolution. Now, her handmade creations are inspiring a wave of local artisans—and she's just getting started.

The image shows an old business card with a picture of a necklace maker on it. The card has text...
The image shows an old business card with a picture of a necklace maker on it. The card has text written on it, likely describing the necklace maker's services.

From hobby to business: How one Yakutia mom built a crafting empire

A mother of four from Yakutia’s remote Olenyok District has turned a crafting hobby into a thriving business. Anna Karavaeva’s journey began with a simple online tutorial and a self-made serving set. Now, her work is celebrated across the republic as part of the Year of Labour initiative by the My Business Center. Karavaeva first discovered cotton cord crafting through a social media masterclass. Her skills quickly caught attention when she created a serving set for her own use—only to receive her first client order for it. Encouraged by the demand, she secured a social contract with the local Department of Social Protection to formalise her business.

Her success hasn’t gone unnoticed. The My Business Center recently spotlighted her story as an example of entrepreneurial spirit during the Year of Labour. Karavaeva credits Aida Gogoleva for providing crucial support along the way. Now, she has bigger plans. Beyond taking custom orders, Karavaeva aims to open her own workshop and retail space. The store would not only showcase her creations but also support other local producers in the region.

Karavaeva’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: start acting on ideas within three days. Her own path—from a single online lesson to a recognised business—shows how quickly passion can turn into opportunity. With her workshop project on the horizon, her work continues to inspire others in Yakutia’s growing craft community.

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