Stuck in a traffic jam, when most people would be frustrated and cussing, Pratyusha Kalidindi had her ‘eureka moment’– the idea of setting up a firm that organises flea markets in Hyderabad. Having seen the success of these markets in cities like Bangalore and Goa, Pratyusha and her architect friend Likhita Santhoshi established Little Shacks this February.
Availability of quality products at affordable price in places like Bangalore and Goa only pushed the duo to start the venture. “After giving five years to an IT job, I quit it and took to indulging in creative activities. What started as a vocation has now become my passion”, says Pratyusha. Her husband Akhil Varma and their friend Rohith Chandra who initially supported the women, have now become a part of Little Shacks team.
The going for Little Shacks, however, was not without its share of hiccups – the biggest of them being fear of failure. “When we started, flea market was a new idea for the city. We were afraid that our first attempt would become a flop. We worked hard, we approached people all over India to put up stalls,” recalls Pratyusha. Their hard work paid off and more than 2,000 people participated in their maiden flea market conducted in March – a month after the inception of Little Shacks.
Baby products, jewellery, designer clothes, hand crafted products were some of the products sold at the flea market. Stall selling scrap iron articles were a major highlight.
The team is all set to conduct their second flea market on June 14 at Marakesh Convention Centre, Jubilee Hills. It was the success of their maiden attempt that motivation them for second round of flea market. The major attraction of this flea market is ‘Open Mic’, a free platform for emerging city-based bands.
“Our aim is to have 100 plus stalls which will give opportunities to 100 plus vendors. We will also have bar, various cuisines and a range of products from clothing to cookies. We are open to anyone to everything,” says Pratyusha.
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