Leaders

Life’s toughest challenges often hold the potential to transform into a source of inspiration for change and growth. Supriya Tumne’s professional journey tells a similar tale. Her journey from the corporate corridors of an IT firm to the creative helm of KNT Creations India, tells a tale of personal loss turning into something meaningful.

Supriya’s journey with KNT Creations India began with her being the quiet support behind her husband, Kedar Tumne, who had founded the company. Her story then was propelled by purpose and perseverance, when she chose to take ahead his artistic vision after his untimely demise.

In 2017, Supriya transformed KNT Creations into a place where artistry and emotions exist together. Under her guidance, the company has become a leader in rock artistry and garden design, known for transforming spaces into experiences that merge Indian heritage with contemporary aesthetics. From facing early challenges to training her own team alongside focusing on sustainability, Supriya has led the company with calm determination and ingenuity.

In an interview with Women Entrepreneurs Review, Supriya Tumne talks about her remarkable journey of rebuilding dreams with grace and creating art that endures.

Take us through your professional journey so far? What inspired you to foray into the field of What art and design.

I am a software engineer by qualification, having earned my Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Cummins College of Engineering for Women. To complement my technical background, I later pursued a Diploma in Business Management.

I have always been driven by the desire to create something of my own. However, with family respon­sibilities, I began my professional journey in the IT industry. My professional journey began at Persistent Systems in 2004, where I started as a Software Develop­er and subsequently specialized in medical device soft­ware testing and compliance.

Over the years, I advanced to the roles of Project Manager and eventually Account Manager, gaining extensive experience in technology delivery, client relations, and team leadership.

Around the same time, my husband, Kedar Tumne, established KNT Creations India and I supported him through every challenge and milestone. After his un­timely demise in 2017, I stepped in to lead the compa­ny, determined to carry forward his vision and keep the business thriving. What began as a role of quiet suppor t transformed into one of lead­ership and purpose; from being a spectator to becoming a player driving the dream ahead.

Introduce us to KNT Creations. Share its core philosophy and your role as Director.

At KNT Creations, we craft art that breathes life into spaces, inspiring joy and wonder. From modest garden designs to bespoke installations, our three-decade jour­ney reflects creativity, innovation, and growth. Blend­ing Indian craftsmanship with global aesthetics, we deliver exceptional quality that has earned the trust of renowned clients worldwide. Today, our artistic solu­tions span across India and beyond, positioning KNT Creations India Pvt. Ltd. as a pioneer in rock artistry and garden design.

As Director, I oversee production, finance, logistics, and human resources, ensuring seamless operations aligned with our vision of world-class garden art. My role balances creativity and efficiency; optimizing re­sources, streamlining workflows, and leading a dedi­cated team committed to excellence and innovation.

Every difficulty teaches you something valuable and helps you grow. Problems shouldn’t be feared; they should be embraced as opportunities to learn and improve. As my husband often said, “Don’t be afraid to fail — be afraid not to try, because even failure teaches you more than not trying at all.”

What challenges did you face while scaling KNT Creations? How did you overcome them?

In the beginning, the market was niche and relatively new in India. Product development, educating custom­ers about our offerings, acquiring clients, and finding skilled labour were among the major challenges we faced.

We chose to tackle one problem at a time, and as we gradually established ourselves in the market, we developed in-house expertise, trained our own skilled workforce, and built strong relationships within the in­dustry.

These efforts eventually enabled us to expand into international markets. From a technological perspec­tive, we are embracing rapid advancements such as AI integration to strengthen our operations. At KNT Cre­ations, we leverage AI tools to expand our global reach and enhance the visibility of our FRP products.

Simultaneously, we remain deeply rooted in tradi­tional artistry. Our skilled craftsmen continue to infuse creativity and cultural depth into every design. This seamless blend of technology-driven innovation and timeless craftsmanship forms the cornerstone of our current focus and growth strategy.

Today, one of our key challenges is imitation by oth­er players; an issue we are actively addressing through continuous innovation and strengthening our brand identity.

How is KNT Creations blending innovation and sustainability while planning its new experience centre?

At KNT Creations, we are committed to delivering unique, innovative products through continuous research and development. Our focus remains on enhancing custom­er experience by constantly introducing fresh designs and creative concepts.

Taking this vision further, we are planning to estab­lish our own experience centre- a space where custom­ers can immerse themselves in our creations beyond the exhibitions we participate in.

On the manufacturing front, we are adopting sustainable practices by optimiz­ing our processes, reusing materials, and minimizing waste, ensuring that our growth remains both responsi­ble and future-focused.

Which professional milestones are you most proud of?

I feel truly proud to have carried forward the vision my husband had when he founded this business. Continu­ing his dream with the same dedication and taking it to new heights has been one of my most fulfilling achieve­ments. I believe challenges are an inevitable part of life; instead of dwelling on them, I focus on finding solutions.

How do you see India’s art and design evolving in the future?

In the age of artificial intelligence, as the world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, people will yearn even more deeply for what feels genuinely human, heartfelt, and authentic. That is where the timeless and irreplaceable value of craftsmanship will truly shine. In an artificial world dominated by algorithms and auto­mation, we craftsmen will continue to create what ma­chines simply cannot- pieces that embody emotion, in­dividuality, imperfection, and soul.

Each handcrafted creation will serve as a reminder of our innate creativity and the warmth of human ex­pression. While digital tools and technologies will un­doubtedly help us reach and connect with a global audi­ence faster and more efficiently than ever before, the true essence of art and design will forever lie in the human touch — in the passion, thought, and care that go into every detail. Technology may evolve to replicate many things, but it will never replace the originality, intuition, and creative artistry that define human creation.

Supriya Tumne, Director of KNT Creations India Pvt. Ltd

Supriya Tumne is the Director of KNT Creations India Pvt. Ltd., a leading rock artistry and garden design company based in Pune. A former IT professional, she began her career with Persistent Systems before stepping into the creative industry to continue the legacy of her late husband and founder of KNT Creations.