From Liberal Arts to Entrepreneurship: My Transformative Journey at Ashoka

Aarya Jhaveri, founder of Candyd, started his journey into entrepreneurship with a strong desire to create meaningful, personalised gifts that capture emotions and memories. While studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Ashoka University, with a minor in Entrepreneurship, he discovered his passion for creating gifts that go beyond the material, focusing on emotional connections.

We spoke to Aarya about his venture, the inspiration behind it, and how his journey unfolded from his time at Ashoka University.

How did you begin your entrepreneurial journey, and what motivated you to pursue this path?

My journey with Candyd began during my time at Ashoka University. I’ve always been passionate about creating meaningful gifts that focus on emotional connections rather than just material value. That desire to give people a way to express their feelings and preserve memories in a unique way inspired me to start Candyd.

How has Ashoka’s liberal arts education influenced the development of your entrepreneurial mindset?

Ashoka’s liberal arts education, particularly the support from the InfoEdge Centre for Entrepreneurship, played a huge role in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset. The interdisciplinary approach at Ashoka allowed me to think broadly and connect different ideas, which is essential in entrepreneurship. The Centre created an environment where I could experiment with new ideas and test them without the fear of failure. The courses, which blended theory with real-life examples, along with the mentorship from professors who had practical experience, helped me refine my vision for Candyd and build a strong foundation for the brand.

What were the key challenges you encountered when launching your venture, and how did you navigate through them?

One of the biggest challenges was standing out in the competitive gifting market. There are so many options available, so we had to find a way to differentiate Candyd by focusing on emotional storytelling and personalisation. Another challenge was managing the logistics of scaling personalised products for bulk orders. Over time, we streamlined our production process and worked closely with designers to ensure that every product was both unique and high-quality.

How do you balance the demands of running a venture with your academic life?

Balancing the demands of running Candyd and my academic life was definitely tough, but I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system. My sister, Isha, who is also the co-founder of Candyd, has been instrumental in managing the business alongside me. In addition to her, I’ve had incredible support from our team and close friends, who helped me juggle responsibilities. Good time management and setting clear priorities were key to making it all work.

What guidance would you offer to students or alumni thinking about launching their own ventures?

My advice is to start with something you’re passionate about because that passion will carry you through the tough times. Don’t wait for the “perfect time”—take small steps, whether it’s testing an idea, building a prototype, or gathering feedback. Be open to learning and adapting because things won’t always go as planned. Lastly, surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. How do you envision your venture contributing positively to society? At Candyd, we believe that gifting is a powerful way to strengthen emotional connections. By offering personalised, thoughtful gifts, we help people express their feelings and create lasting memories. We also collaborate with local artists and designers, giving them a platform to showcase their talent. In that way, Candyd not only brings joy to individuals but also supports the creative community. Our aim is to make gifting a more meaningful and impactful experience, one that fosters connection and positivity.

About Candyd:

Candyd is a creative venture dedicated to crafting unique keepsakes that celebrate personal stories and connections. The team is passionate about storytelling and seeks to transform cherished memories into heartfelt expressions that reflect individual journeys. By breaking traditional moulds, Candyd highlights the significance of each moment, ensuring that every keepsake resonates emotionally with its owner. Committed to making memories unforgettable, Candyd combines playful creativity with a personal touch.