Chandigarh doctor turns entrepreneur for tiny tots

"The idea sparked when I was searching for eco-friendly European-style fabric toys for my niece, which were lacking in the local market. This inspired me to craft a brand that filled this gap and catered to diverse societal needs", Dr Shweta Gupta said.

3 min readChandigarhDec 28, 2023 08:13 AM IST

chandigarh, dr shweta gupta, indian express

Dr Shweta Gupta founder of Little Llama. (Express Photo)

Dr Shweta Gupta, a former diabetologist at Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon, transformed her passion for art and craft into the thriving brand “Little Llama.” Based in Chandigarh’s Sector 33, her handcrafted fabric toys gained immense popularity, even attracting celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, and Soha Ali Khan for their children.

How did the idea of Little Llama come about?

The idea sparked when I was searching for eco-friendly European-style fabric toys for my niece, which were lacking in the local market. This inspired me to craft a brand that filled this gap and catered to diverse societal needs.

How did you bring the idea to life?

I initiated Little Llama’s journey from my home, personally crafting each product. With increasing demand, the brand expanded onto various e-commerce platforms, ensuring wider accessibility. Supported by my husband and brother-in-law’s business expertise, I transformed my creative vision into reality.

What milestones have you achieved, and what’s next for Little Llama?

Initially starting with minimal orders, Little Llama now handles bulk orders for major retail outlets. The brand’s availability on various e-commerce platforms has fueled its popularity. Future plans include expansion through distributors and physical stores, aspiring to make Little Llama a global household name.

What role did education play in your entrepreneurial journey?

While academic education provides a foundation, practical skills, perseverance, and adaptability are equally crucial. Marks have their place, but real-world experiences and resilience are paramount in the entrepreneurial path.

How can Chandigarh support and retain entrepreneurial talent?

Chandigarh could nurture startups by providing co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and networking events to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

What government support would benefit startups like yours?

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Government backing in the form of tax incentives, funding opportunities, and simplified regulations could significantly boost the growth of startups.

How do you de-stress and spend leisure time?

I unwind through hobbies like reading, exploring crafts, and family time. Yoga and occasional creative pursuits beyond work help me relax.

Any advice for budding entrepreneurs?

I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions with dedication, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. A supportive network, staying true to values, and maintaining product/service quality are vital.

One thing you appreciate and one thing you’d change about Chandigarh?

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I admire Chandigarh’s planned layout and green spaces but suggest enhancing the city’s startup culture and infrastructure to foster innovation.

Hina Rohtaki

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter): @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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