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Meet Sana Khader, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Kozhikode, Kerala, who has made papercraft her business and is on a mission to inspire others to pick up their pens and reconnect through letters. Sana Khader’s journey began at a young age when her creative spirit found its expression in art and craft. Starting from the tender age of three, she discovered the wonders of paper, fashioning various creations with her nimble fingers. As she grew older, Sana Khader’s passion for crafting only intensified. It wasn’t until she reached Class 12 that she realized her talent had the potential to be something more than just a hobby.
It all started with a greeting card and an album that Sana Khader made for a friend. The response she received was overwhelming, as people marveled at her handmade creations. Requests for customized greeting cards and scrapbooks started pouring in, but Sana Khader soon realized that her efforts and time deserved recognition beyond mere appreciation. That realization marked the birth of Zannist, a portmanteau of Zana (a variation of her name) and ‘artist,’ which has now become a renowned store on Instagram.
With Zannist, Sana Khader found a platform to showcase her creativity and share her handcrafted products with the world. From greeting cards to colourful envelopes, and custom albums to printed T-shirts, her Instagram page offers a diverse range of meticulously designed papercraft items. Starting with a modest following of 300, Sana’s work quickly gained popularity, garnering an audience of 75,000 people worldwide. Even while pursuing her engineering studies, she dedicated her weekends to fulfilling orders and meticulously packaging them for shipment, often relying on her mother’s assistance and the reliable India Post.
As her business flourished, Sana’s entrepreneurial spirit soared, enabling her to fully fund her final two years of college through her craft. This unconventional path raised eyebrows among her peers, who questioned her choices and doubted her commitment. Nevertheless, Sana proved them wrong, defying expectations and demonstrating that success can be found by following one’s passion.
Over the years, Sana has executed more than 700 orders from customers across the globe, creating over 1,500 handcrafted products. Her repertoire has expanded to include illustrations, enamel pins, and designs for T-shirts. With prices ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 5,000, each item is carefully priced based on factors such as time, materials used, and artistic content.
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Sana’s love for letter writing shines through. In today’s world, where communication is dominated by digital means, Sana has managed to cultivate the beautiful tradition of letter writing. She currently has 55 pen pals from 34 countries with whom she regularly exchanges letters. For Sana, the anticipation of receiving a handwritten letter from a distant friend is an unparalleled joy that cannot be replicated. The patience and thoughtfulness involved in putting pen to paper create a deeply personal and meaningful experience that transcends the confines of technology.
To promote the art of letter writing, Sana initiated a campaign where individuals could send her a letter, and in return, she would send them three cards to share with others. Although time constraints have temporarily put this project on hold, Sana hopes to revive it in the future, continuing her mission to spread the love of letter writing.
In addition to her success in the world of papercraft, Sana Khader has also ventured into the fashion industry with her own brand, Nisa’s The Label. Nisa’s The Label is an exquisite collection of fashion-forward designs that reflect Sana’s unique creativity and vision. From stylish clothing to accessories, each piece is carefully crafted with attention to detail and a touch of elegance. Sana’s fashion brand offers a captivating range of apparel and accessories that appeal to individuals who appreciate the fine craftsmanship and distinctive style. With a growing following, Sana’s fashion brand has gained recognition for its quality and attention to detail. Looking ahead, Sana plans to establish her own website, providing a dedicated platform to showcase and sell her handcrafted products.
