We had the good fortune of connecting with Yogita Kapoor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yogita, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have done doctorate in Microbiology and was working as a Microbiologist in India. I have been associated with reputed colleges and hospitals in India and having more than 10 years of experience.
When we moved to Singapore 2019, I couldn’t get any job in my profession (because of work visa issue). Since childhood, I was always passionate for art and craft. I have created so many paintings, candles and craft materials.
I remember when I was in grade 10, I made a basket full of wax roses using leftover wax. I kept that basket on the centre table in living room and recieved many compliments from everyone visiting our house.
I always wanted to pursue art & craft as my career and found it as an opportunity to start my career in Singapore.
One day on FB, I found a position of candlemaker and applied for it. I got selected and started taking in- person candle making workshops and recieved a very good response.
And then Covid started and I couldn’t continue to work. But after taking physical candle making workshops for couple of months, I got an idea how is the market of Singapore and researched to start my own company- regarding requirements, registration and investments
I registered my company in January 2021 and nurtured during tough Covid time when Singapore market had taken a giant fall and most of the businesses were forcing their end.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I take candle making, soap making, slime making, bath bomb making, ceramic tile painting & many other workshops

Being a lecturer for around 10 years, it was easy to share my knowledge and practical skills with the participants but there were many hiccups like to buy the materials ( as Singapore is a small country, everything need to be imported), rental, continuously changing Covid rules & regulations (number restrictions, distance measures & compulsory ART test) language barrier ( people speak chinese) and many others.

I have learnt one thing that nothing is impossible in life and if you believe in yourself, you can make everything possible.

Taking workshops is like a meditation for me as at the end of the workshop when I see happy and satisfied faces, it gives me an immense of amount of joy & satisfaction. Also, a purpose especially during Covid time that I am doing something to the humanity

The purpose of Craft and Joy is to provide an environment to the participants to EXPRESS themselves using their CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are many interesting places in Singapore.

If your friend is obsessed with taking pics then you should take him to Gardens by the Bay, a scenic paradise for nature and photography lovers.

For sandy beach lovers, you can go to East coast park for cycling and to relax; kayaking and later enjoy food at the restaurants or Hawker centre.

To enjoy the spectacular view of Singapore and Italian cuisine at rooftop, you should definitely take your friend to Lavo, Marina Bay sands.

If your friend is obsessed over animals, there’s no way you can miss out Singapore Zoo. With its open enclosures built to resemble natural habitats, the Singapore Zoo is just the place to check out over 2800 animals. You can also go for night safari & river safari in the evening.

Also, you should not miss to take your friend for cupping or acupressure or massage after a long day to relax.You can also book Singapore heritage tour to know more about the history.

Other attractions are- Singapore flyer, Jewel indoor fountain, Sentosa, bird park etc.

For shopping, Orchard Road is a place not to miss and then head to Casino at MBS to win some money.

You should also take him/her to Chinatown for souvenir shopping and to enjoy Laksa – a popular dish of Singapore.

And of course, dont forget to bring your friend to Craft and Joy’s candle making workshop to have a memorable time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am very grateful to my mother as she enrolled me in many art and craft activities during my childhood. She also taught me sketching and paintings.
My daughter who is the biggest inspiration and my husband – my pillar. He always push me to achieve my goals.

I am also thankful to my husband’s friend Mr Shailendra Agarwala who is also director of my company. Without him, I couldn’t think to start my own business.

And to all the people who gave us opportunity to serve them.

Website: www.craftandjoy.org

Instagram: CRAFTANDJOYSG

Facebook: CRAFTANDJOYSG

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.