Today we’d like to introduce you to Dipali Dewan.
Dipali, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a designer by profession, with a Master’s in Design from the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. After moving to the U.S., visa restrictions paused my career, but becoming a mother inspired me to channel my creativity in a new direction.
What began as a small passion project grew into OTB Handmadecrafts—a brand dedicated to creating handcrafted, personalized products that celebrate Indian culture and traditions. Today, I’m grateful to combine my love for design with my mission of helping families create meaningful memories while staying connected to their roots through thoughtfully crafted keepsakes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a business in a new country meant learning everything from scratch—from understanding the market and building a brand to managing operations and marketing. Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood came with its own challenges, and there were many moments of self-doubt. But every challenge became a learning opportunity. Looking back, those experiences have made me more resilient and have shaped OTB Handmadecrafts into the brand it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At OTB Handmadecrafts, I design and create handcrafted, personalized products that celebrate Indian culture and traditions. From festive décor and keepsakes to custom gifts and DIY kits, every product is thoughtfully designed to help families create meaningful memories while staying connected to their roots.
What I’m most proud of is creating products that become a part of people’s celebrations and family traditions. As a trained designer, I don’t just focus on how something looks—I think about the story it tells and the emotions it evokes. That blend of thoughtful design, personalization, quality craftsmanship, and cultural authenticity is what truly sets OTB Handmadecrafts apart.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating something that brings joy to others makes me happiest. Whether it’s a personalized gift, a festive decoration, or a keepsake, knowing that something I’ve designed becomes part of a family’s special moments is incredibly fulfilling. I also love seeing children and families connect with Indian traditions through my work. For me, design is more than creating beautiful products—it’s about creating memories and meaningful connections.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @otbhandmadecrafts
- Facebook: @otbhandmadecrafts
- Other: https://otbhandmade.etsy.com
