Kashif Khan and Adnan Bakshi, two engineering graduate cousins, introduced the concept of epoxy furniture in Kashmir.
Epoxy resin furniture is one of the latest trend in furniture market and is known for high performance strength and durability. When applied to wood, epoxy acts as a sealant that hardens to create a lasting bond.
Epoxy furniture is waterproof which makes it ideal for wooden tables or furniture. Though the concept of epoxy furniture is new in Kashmir, it is already in good demand outside the state.
The venture Divine Epoxy furniture is purely the first of its kind in Kashmir. This venture is all together the new idea and introduction of the resin epoxy in combination with wood which is a great theme. Kashif and Adnan started this venture a year ago.
“We have been working on resin epoxy and we have also done a lot of research work,” the duo said. They started the research work in 2020 and practically started in 2021.
According to the duo, the basic idea of starting the epoxy venture is to boost the wood industry of Kashmir and moreover generate employment for the youth.
The duo said, “The source of ideas depends on your interest and on how you use your resources. Surfing the right thing on the internet, depending on your interest, is very important for ideation.”
The material resin epoxy used is procured from outside the state and the wood is easily available here.
The making of Epoxy furniture requires skilled labour which can be a good source of employment generation. “We have very few people as of now, but we will train more people,” the duo said.
The journey has been difficult for the duo initially because of less resources available here in Kashmir.
“There is no one to teach the basics but with a lot of research and hard work learning makes things easy,” the duo said. The duo believes the most unexpected struggle was the introduction of resin epoxy in the wooden industry and market of Kashmir. They market and sell their products through their social media handle (divine_epoxywork).
“The grass root work i.e., reaching from small scale wooden industry to higher ones is still in progress,” they said. The cost of the products varies and depends upon the material used and labour. The venture started with resin epoxy tables and resin wall clocks. The duo said, “Combining the resin epoxy with the handicrafts of Kashmir can help to revive the Kashmir walnut wood carving industry and can enhance and prove a boon to the overall wooden industry of Kashmir.”
Since, the venture is in its initial stage they only sell in Kashmir only but in near future will plan to sell globally.
“We would love to show the people how the combination of walnut wood of Kashmir and resin epoxy can do wonders,” the duo said. The experience has been wonderful for the duo.
“From just knowing the idea about resin epoxy to its practical usage it has been a wonderful experience as all the things are new and we have learned a lot of things,” the duo said. They believe the perfection in working with resin epoxy only comes through experience.
