Consultants in development sector play a pivotal role in guiding companies to create a meaningful impact on society and empowering communities through Research. Through strategic insights and innovative solutions, consultants assist organizations in aligning their objectives with community needs. They provide tactical solutions that integrate actionable insights, sustainable practices with ethical and social responsibilities to create more inclusive society. By fostering a culture of empowerment, consultants like Charu Sheela and Vrij Bala help orgnisations in social sector define and callibrate measurable goalsfor collective progress.

Together, Charu and Vrij form a dynamic duo, unified by their shared purpose and boundless enthusiasm to drive change. The seeds of Craft Consultancy were sown during countless engaging discussions between the two visionaries, as they sought to challenge the status quo and redefine the role of consulting in the development sector.

Below is an excerpt of Charu Sheela and Vrij Bala’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

Charu - I firmly believe in the strength of our unique backgrounds. Our journeys, starting from the ground

 level, have provided us with profound insights and a comprehensive understanding of various challenges. Giving back to society is a paramount objective we ardently embrace. With our hard-earned experiences and knowledge, we aspire to make a significant contribution and foster positive change. Empowering others and leaving a lasting impact is our shared vision, and we are resolute in accomplishing this noble mission.

Vrij - I'm thrilled to share the journey with my sister Charu., We ventured into diverse careers, engaging in profound discussions about our industries. These conversations illuminated the importance of grasping the bigger picture, akin to a foundation for a grand edifice. And for us, every routine task holds intrinsic significance.

True productivity blossoms when we comprehend the holistic impact of our daily toil on the society, knowing how our contributions reach to the community and empower the most excluded & vulnerable population. We ardently advocate for instilling purpose and vision among all stakeholders, nurturing a collaborative culture where collective efforts drive remarkable achievements.

What led you to team up and establish Craft Consultancy? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

Charu - Our shared vision to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible became the driving force behind our collaboration. As sisters, we possess a deep understanding of each other, fostering seamless teamwork. Our complementary skills and common values further solidify our partnership.

Moreover, our objective to contribute meaningfully to society binds us together, enabling us to synergize our efforts toward a common goal. With this inherent understanding and aligned vision, we embarked on building our business, knowing that our combined strength and unwavering commitment would lead to success.

The added advantage of our shared vision, values, and complementary skills positions us to create a profound and lasting impact on the world around us.

“We aim to transform into invaluable partners for policymakers, collaborating to design sustainable and inclusive policies and schemes that will uplift countless individuals”

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in terms of leading Craft Consultancy in today’s business climate? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

Vrij - In our industry, a prominent challenge lies in competing with vendors offering lower costs but compromising on quality. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering superior results. Our best cost delivery model ensures that despite our lean overhead, we offer the same exceptional quality as larger organizations. Customer delight is a paramount focus for us, and we take pride in exceeding expectations.

Our background uniquely empowers us to go beyond the ordinary, providing additional value to every project. As a result, we have cultivated a loyal clientele who consistently choose us for our solid dedication and added value. They recognize that our determination to excellence surpasses any slight cost difference, fostering lasting partnerships built on trust. We are truly grateful for our client who have been very supportive throughout our journey and have motivated us to achieve remarkable results.

Through this approach, we have built a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry, standing out for our unparalleled quality, integrity, and customer-centric mindset.

What is your vision for Craft Consultancy in the years to come? What roadmap have you set for the company?

Charu - Our vision is to create a profound impact on as many lives as possible. Currently, we stand as solution providers in the development sector, but our ambition extends far beyond. We aim to transform into invaluable partners for policymakers, collaborating to design sustainable and inclusive policies and schemes that will uplift countless individuals.

By advocating for change at the policy level, we can address India's lag in various global indicators. Our mission is to be architects of progress, weaving a tapestry of transformation that positively reverberates throughout society. Embracing this vision, we forge ahead with unwavering determination to leave an indelible mark on the world, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Charu Sheela, Partner, Craft Consultancy

Charu Sheela, an experienced professional with 24 years in Market Research and Development Sector, has held significant roles, including Group Business Director at the Social and Rural Research Institute (SRI), IMRB International.

Vrij Bala, Partner, Craft Consultancy

Vrij Bala, a seasoned Management Professional, boasts 20 years of global experience across the Research, IT, and Training/Education sectors. She excels in the use of technology in research and analysis.