This Marketplace Connects Artisans and Buyers for Unique Handmade Goods – Unfade Startup Review

In a market flooded with mass-produced goods, artisans often struggle to stand out and connect. Skilled creators, filled with talent and passion, can feel invisible, unable to reach consumers who would truly value their unique pieces. At the same time, shoppers seeking distinctive, quality items with a story behind them are met with the same impersonal products everywhere they look.

What if there was a solution—a bridge connecting these creators to the consumers who value their craftsmanship? This is where Unfade steps in. With a simple, no-commission model that charges artisans a modest monthly fee, this online marketplace empowers creators to thrive and gain the exposure they deserve.

In just a few short months, Unfade has already transformed the landscape for artisans and consumers alike, proving that when creativity meets opportunity, beautiful things happen. To delve deeper into their inspiring journey and the vision behind Unfade, we did an interview to find out more from its founder, Jayant Bhandari.

What is Unfade?

Unfade is an online marketplace designed to connect artisans of handmade products with consumers seeking unique items. You may be an artisan aged between 25 and 50, passionate about your craft yet struggling to market your products effectively. Traditional e-commerce platforms often charge high fees, limiting your ability to showcase your talent. Unfade addresses this by operating on a no-commission model, allowing you to showcase your work for a modest monthly fee of ₹199.

On the consumer side, you might be a tech-savvy individual aged 18 to 45, looking for products that reflect your personal style while supporting local artisans. Unfade serves your need for authentic, ethically made goods that tell a story. By offering a user-friendly platform, artisans can create their own storefronts, list products, and engage directly with you as a buyer.

What sets Unfade apart is its focus solely on handmade items. Unlike other marketplaces, it does not charge commissions, enabling artisans to retain more of their earnings. Unfade fosters a sense of community, enhancing visibility for creators and offering consumers a curated experience. In this way, Unfade facilitates meaningful connections between artisans and buyers.

Unfade Founders

Jayant Bhandari, the founder of Unfade, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with a clear vision to create a platform that empowers artisans. His background in marketing and business consultancy, combined with an MBA from MIT Pune, equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the startup landscape. Alongside him is Ayushi Bhatter, a co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, who brings her own expertise in handmade products and artistic ventures. Their collaboration is rooted in a shared passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to supporting creators.

The early days of Unfade were filled with challenges typical for young entrepreneurs. At just 23 years old, establishing a capable team proved to be a difficult endeavour. However, Jayant and Ayushi focused on connecting with individuals who resonated with their mission. Building a user base also required creative strategies, particularly utilising social media and leveraging word-of-mouth to attract artisans and consumers.

The impetus for Unfade arose from a personal encounter. Jayant’s experience assisting Ayushi in selling her paintings online unveiled the obstacles artisans face in reaching their audience. Recognising the untapped potential within the handmade market, they decided to combine their skills and insights to build a dedicated platform. This wasn’t just an idea; it was a reaction to a real problem in the market.

With Unfade, Jayant and Ayushi set out to create a distinct space in the e-commerce landscape, one that prioritises handmade goods and the stories behind them. By eliminating commission fees and offering a user-friendly interface, they aimed to lower barriers for handmade creators. Their understanding of both the artisan community and consumer needs shapes Unfade as a promising venture with a genuine purpose.

Interview with Jayant, Founder of Unfade

I got the chance to interview Jayant Bhandari, the founder of Unfade. He shared insights into what drives the platform and what it offers to artisans and consumers alike.

Q: Could you explain what Unfade does?

A: Unfade is an online marketplace designed to connect artisans of handmade products with consumers who seek unique items. We create an organised space for artisans to showcase their crafts and reach their audience effectively. We operate solely on a no-commission model, charging a low monthly subscription fee of ₹199. This setup helps artisans keep more of their earnings while offering consumers genuine, ethically made products.

Q: Who are the main users of Unfade?

A: Our target audience comprises two primary groups: artisans and consumers. Artisans, aged 25-50, come from urban and semi-urban areas. They are passionate about their crafts but often struggle with marketing and visibility. On the other hand, we cater to tech-savvy consumers aged 18-45 who appreciate unique, sustainable products and want items that reflect their personal style while supporting local creators.

Q: What problem does Unfade aim to solve?

A: The core challenge we tackle is the lack of an organized marketplace for artisans who create handmade goods. Many of them face difficulties finding customers because they have limited marketing skills and struggle with high fees on traditional e-commerce platforms. By offering a no-commission structure and a user-friendly platform, we empower artisans to succeed while giving consumers direct access to unique products.

Q: How does Unfade differentiate itself from competitors?

A: We set ourselves apart by not charging artisans any commissions, which enables them to sell their products without the burden of high fees. Our platform focuses solely on handmade goods, allowing artisans to tell their stories and connect with an audience that values craftsmanship. We also provide marketing support and actively promote artisans on our website, driving traffic directly to their shops.

Q: Can you share some details about your team?

A: Our team is comprised of myself and my co-founder, Ayushi Bhatter. I have three years of experience in marketing and business consultancy, and I hold an MBA from MIT Pune. Ayushi adds another four years of experience in creating handmade products and artistic ventures. Together, we share a vision to empower artisans and build a successful marketplace that supports their work.

Q: What inspired you to start Unfade?

A: The inspiration for Unfade came from a personal experience when I assisted Ayushi in selling her paintings online. I realised the challenges artisans face in reaching their customers and recognised the untapped potential within the handmade market. Our shared passion for creativity pushed us to create a platform that connects artisans with consumers seeking unique, ethically made products.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in the early days of Unfade?

A: Establishing a capable team was tough, especially at the age of 23. We had to focus on finding individuals who shared our passion and vision. Additionally, building our customer base posed a challenge. We relied on social media and word-of-mouth marketing to attract both artisans and consumers. Each obstacle taught us valuable lessons and solidified our commitment to our mission.

Q: What’s next for Unfade?

A: Looking ahead, we plan to launch in-app advertising after reaching 5,000 active sellers. This will not only enhance visibility for artisans but also create an additional revenue stream for us. We aim to continuously improve our tools and resources to help sellers effectively promote their products. Our goal is to lead the handmade market while supporting artisans as they thrive in their craft.

Feedough’s Take on Unfade

Unfade is poised to disrupt the handmade marketplace by overcoming the challenges artisans face with traditional platforms. The no-commission model is a game changer, allowing creators to retain their earnings and connect deeply with consumers who value authenticity. Jayant and Ayushi’s vision taps into a growing demand for unique, ethically crafted goods. Moving forward, focusing on community engagement and expanding marketing support could further amplify artisan visibility. If Unfade can harness data to understand consumer trends better, it will secure its position as a leader in the handmade market. Expect exciting growth as they empower artisans and reshape consumer shopping experiences.