Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonal Jain
Sonal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started with a deep longing for connection as a first-generation immigrant navigating a new country, a new marriage, and a new way of life. Coming from a family of jewelers in India, I had always been surrounded by business, and before moving to the U.S., I even had my own candle-making and gifting business that was featured in newspapers and TV shows. However, when I arrived here, visa restrictions prevented me from working, which was a frustrating reality to accept.
Over time, I found solace in arts, crafts, and creativity. I explored new forms of painting and rekindled my passion for handmade creations. Once I gained work authorization, I worked Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, where I learned invaluable lessons about customer service and branding—lessons that would later shape Chamak Dhamak.
After becoming a mother, I knew I wanted to do something that kept me connected to my Indian heritage while also embracing the culture I was now raising my children in. I started Chamak Dhamak from my dining table when my youngest was two, selling handpicked Indian décor and gifts from my sister’s store in India.
Over time, I began by curating culturally inspired products and soon found my passion in creating handmade gift baskets, personalized gift toppers, and home décor, infusing my designs with both Indian traditions and modern aesthetics. What started as a small collection gradually evolved into a carefully crafted gifting experience, where every piece carries meaning, artistry, and a deep personal touch.
What started as a small venture has now grown into a brand that celebrates cultural gifting, artistry, and storytelling. I also channel my creativity into mixed-media modern art, blending my two worlds onto canvas. A recent highlight was being featured by Akron Downtown Partnership for the Downtown Akron South Asian Celebration.
Through the ups and downs, from figuring out how to start an LLC to learning how to ship across the U.S., my journey has been one of perseverance, learning, and community support. Today, Chamak Dhamak is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my culture, and my love for creating meaningful connections through gifting and art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Chamak Dhamak has definitely not been a smooth road—and to be honest, I’m still figuring things out. Building this business has been a journey filled with challenges, learning curves, and constant adaptation. As a first-generation immigrant, one of my biggest struggles has been understanding the legal and logistical side of running a business in the U.S. From dealing with visa restrictions that initially prevented me from working to later navigating how to legally register a business, set up an LLC, and handle shipping., every step has been a challenge.
Even now, I find myself constantly learning and adapting. Just figuring out how to create my own website, improve my online presence, and effectively market my business has been overwhelming. There are so many layers to running a small business—understanding SEO, social media trends, customer engagement, and managing finances and logistics—all on my own. It’s been a constant struggle to get visibility, increase sales, and scale in a way that aligns with my vision.
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is still one of the hardest parts. Raising my kids with my husband, without the support of family, while trying to grow a business from home, means I’m constantly juggling responsibilities, often feeling like I’m not doing enough on either end. Some days, I wonder if I’m on the right path, but then I remind myself why I started: to create something meaningful, stay connected to my roots, and build something that represents both my culture and my journey.
The reality of small business ownership is that it’s an ongoing challenge. It’s not just about creating beautiful products—it’s about learning how to sell them, market them, and keep growing in an ever-changing space.
But despite all of it, I keep moving forward. I remind myself that struggles don’t equal failure—they equal growth. And, as I always say :
“Man ka ho to achcha, na ho to aur bhi achcha.”
“It is good if things go as per your plan, but if not, it is even better.” — Harivansh Rai Bachchan
I’ve been running Chamak Dhamak single-handedly for eight years, because hiring employees is still something my business cannot support yet. But I have a deeper desire to grow, to bring my amazing culture, and share what I can offer the community. I am sure it will happen, but my limitations must be limited, not my dreams. My dreams are far stronger than the limits that bound me, and I’m here to break that shattered ceiling and explode into what my heart desires to bring to people and how I can help them.
When I see my kids growing and learning from all of this, I know there’s no turning back. It’s always too early to quit, and I’m nowhere near done yet.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chamak Dhamak is a culturally inspired gifting and décor brand that beautifully blends Indian heritage with modern aesthetics. My business is built on three key aspects:
Product-Based Gifting: A curated collection of culturally rich, handcrafted products from India, bringing the essence of traditional craftsmanship to the USA.
Handmade Creations : Unique pieces designed and personally handcrafted by me, including customized gift toppers, artistic décor, and mixed-media artwork that merge Indian traditions with contemporary design.
Gift Basket Creations: This is where my heart and passion truly lie. I specially curate gift baskets with a personal touch, taking the time to understand exactly what my clients are looking for, what the occasion is, and adding emotion and meaning to every item I include. Whether it’s for festivals like Diwali or Christmas, corporate events, or milestone celebrations each gift basket is designed to not only look beautiful but also carry a deep sense of thoughtfulness and care. Clients love the one-on-one attention I provide, ensuring every detail is perfect and reflects the emotions they want to convey through the gift.
Our offerings cater to both Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, Rakhi and American holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter and all the other rmilostone celebrations, Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding, Housewarming, Sympathy. Each creation—whether product-based, handmade, or assembled—carries a deep cultural connection, offering gifts that are not just beautiful but meaningful.
What sets Chamak Dhamak apart is my commitment to balancing cultures—staying rooted in my Indian heritage while embracing modern celebrations. From starting this business at my dining table to having my artwork featured by Akron Downtown Partnership for the 2024 South Asian Festival in Downtown Akron, my journey has been about creating a bridge between tradition and today’s world.
My work has also been featured on News Channel 5 and Spectrum News, recognizing the passion and dedication behind every creation. Chamak Dhamak is more than a business—it’s about cultural connection, meaningful gifting, and celebrating heritage in an authentic way.
I manage Chamak Dhamak single-handedly, curating, creating, and running the business for the past eight years with no external help or support. I’m open to taking local orders and gift basket requests directly through me. Product-based items can be shopped via my website, and for handmade pieces, you can message me directly for custom orders. My focus remains on providing meaningful, heartfelt gifts that reflect both tradition and personal touch.
I invite you to experience Chamak Dhamak and see how cultural gifting is more important than ever. Let’s celebrate traditions, embrace diversity, and make every gift truly special.
You can shop from my website and take a look at my amazing work on Instagram!I also offer appointments for personalized consultations. Feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to assist!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books
1. The Atomic Habits – James Clear
2. Think Like a Monk – Jay Shetty
3. The Man Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma
4. Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
5. The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck – Mark Manson
7. God Loves Fun – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
TV Shows:
The Oprah Winfrey Show – Oprah Winfrey
Martha Stewart Show – Martha Stewart
Podcasts:
1. Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations – Oprah Winfrey
2. On Purpose with Jay Shetty – Jay Shetty
3. The School of Greatness – Lewis Howes
4. TED Talks Daily – TED
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chamakdhamakshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chamakdhamak__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chamakdhamakbySonal/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonal-jain-06976422?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://youtu.be/aEJhg4hwuKY?si=QGcpNw5m68PjPUaH
