On a warm afternoon, Sudharani Marndi sits in her home in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, meticulously working on her latest mud mirror Lippan creations. For her, this practice is far more than just a pastime — it’s the heartbeat of a thriving business.

Born into a conservative family in Odisha that valued the stability of a government job over artistic endeavours, Sudharani was drawn to the vibrancy of colours and forms from an early age.

Her father, a dedicated land revenue officer, had dreams of a secure and predictable future for his daughter — one that did not involve brushes, colours, or handcrafted trinkets. “He wanted me to follow the steady path of a government job or a career in banking. He viewed these roles as respectable and secure,” she recalls.

Her passion for art and craft often clashed with her father’s pragmatic outlook. So, when Sudharani chose to leave her job as a receptionist at a clinic, he was furious.

“To appease my father’s wishes, I joined a clinic in 2015 after graduating with a degree in science. At the same time, I was also managing orders for my handicrafts. I didn’t like the job at all, I couldn’t concentrate. I felt like I was sailing in two boats. I had to choose one. My heart led me back to my true calling — crafting. So, I left the job in less than a month,” she shares.

Sudharni’s father was enraged at her decision. “He said he would throw away all my brushes and colours. He stopped talking to me. He felt I was bringing shame to him by selling these craft items. He believed that my artistic endeavours were nothing more than a distraction — a temporary whim with........

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