From Corporate Finance to Candlepreneur: Shruti Kundan’s Boholette Story
In a landscape increasingly populated by entrepreneurs forging their own paths, Shruti Kundan’s journey from the corporate world to the founder of Boholette offers a compelling case study in identifying market gaps and building a business from the ground up. Kundan, a former financial analyst, transitioned from a stable career at Accenture, TCS, and Genpact to launch a thriving e-commerce brand specializing in candle-making supplies and custom packaging.
Early Career and the Entrepreneurial Spark
Shruti Kundan’s professional journey began after earning a B.Com Honours in Accounting and Finance from Calcutta University in 2014.1 She spent several years honing her skills in finance and operations at Genpact (2017-2019), Tata Consultancy Services (2019-2022), and Accenture (2022-2023).2 While these roles provided valuable experience, Kundan harbored a desire for independence and creative expression.2
The Birth of Boholette
Kundan’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2023 with a passion for handmade candles. Inspired by the demand for ladoo-shaped candles on Amazon, she started experimenting with candle-making at home and launched an Instagram page, Boholette, to showcase her creations.2 With the encouragement of her husband, Pranav Shree, who acted as her mentor, Kundan took the leap into entrepreneurship.2
From Candles to Packaging: Identifying a Market Gap
Boholette’s initial success came from selling handmade candles, with a first order of 10 candles sold to a baker in Pune.2 Though, a pivotal moment arrived when Kundan encountered difficulties sourcing packaging in small quantities. Minimum order requirements from suppliers forced her to purchase 2,000 boxes, a quantity far exceeding her immediate needs.2 Recognizing a widespread problem among small-scale candle makers and D2C brands, Kundan pivoted Boholette to offer custom packaging solutions in low minimum order quantities.
Growth and Investment
Boholette’s revenue grew significantly after introducing packaging solutions. The company generated approximately Rs. 7 lakh in revenue in FY24, increasing to Rs. 17 lakh in FY25.2 As of March 2026, Boholette has earned Rs. 38 lakh in revenue and is projected to close the financial year with Rs. 40-42 lakh.2
Kundan bootstrapped the business, investing approximately Rs. 8.56 lakh to date. Initial investments included Rs. 11,000 for raw materials, molds, and initial advertising. A significant investment of Rs. 6.5 lakh was made in a semi-automatic die-punching machine to facilitate in-house packaging production.2
Operational Expansion
Initially operating from home, Boholette relocated to a rented warehouse in Noida in January 2025, and subsequently to a 1,200-square-foot facility in Pataudi, Gurgaon, in August 2025.2 The company now employs a team to manage packing, dispatch, and other operational tasks, allowing Kundan to focus on strategic growth.
Business Model and Future Outlook
Boholette operates a B2B and D2C business model, serving both individual customers and small businesses. The company offers a wide range of products, including ready-made candles, raw materials for candle-making, and custom packaging solutions.2
Looking ahead, Kundan aims to achieve Rs. 1 crore in revenue in FY27 and Rs. 50 crore within the next three years. Boholette plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities to serve a broader range of industries, including cosmetics, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals.2
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