SEM - Crafts N Designs

Published on
April 19, 2022 at 11:26:32 AM PDT April 19, 2022 at 11:26:32 AM PDTth, April 19, 2022 at 11:26:32 AM PDT

Creating bespoke gifts, laser-cut with love



What is your business about?

We offer a range of customised gift items at an affordable price - made with a laser cutter and a touch of love! We also create educational hands-on toys to facilitate the learning of science in a fun, hands-on manner.


What made you decide to start your business? When did you start?

I have a strong passion for innovating and creating, and one of my favourite tools is the laser cutter. I was first introduced to it in my secondary school days, and with the skills I picked up over countless hours in the engineering lab, I created a variety of products for school outreach events and even a charity drive. Upon graduation, I decided to get my own laser cutter to experiment with different types of products and further my passion.


Image credit: @crafts.n.designs (Instagram)


Why did you choose to take part in SEM?

SEM is an incredible opportunity for young student entrepreneurs. By bringing innovators and consumers together, it allows us to create brand awareness and refine our products -- to see what works and what doesn't -- in order to cater to the market needs.


What are some of the challenges you face as a student entrepreneur?

Time management is definitely a key challenge. The laser cutting process itself is time-consuming, with a need to perform regular maintenance of the machine to ensure smooth performance. Running a business brings in many other elements - customer relations, logistics, accounting, marketing - and there's always a need to prepare for when unexpected situations arise and things don't go according to plan.


What is one tip that has helped you in juggling your responsibilities as a student and entrepreneur well?

I treat my customers exactly like how I would like to be treated. If I am too busy with work, I would rather decline the order than inconvenience the customer by delaying the process. This mentality also helps me to keep my focus on my work when needed.


What motivates you and keeps you going in your business?

Every day, every order, every feedback serves as a new learning opportunity. I've learnt so much about the capabilities of the laser cutter, troubleshooting the most obscure issues in the middle of the night and even making custom modifications to suit my business needs. What keeps me going is my desire to continue learning at every chance I get, honing my proficiencies in my area of passion. And of course, the positive reviews of the customers and the smiles on the children's faces :)))




Mathan is an incoming undergraduate student from the NUS School of Computing (Graduating Cohort of 2026). His works are currently on sale at NUS Co-op@Central Forum under the Student Entrepreneur’s Market (SEM) programme (coming soon).


Instagram: @crafts.n.designs