A family-run venture, Lovewraps creates handcrafted and personalised gifts
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ
For over a decade, Linda and her two daughters Almira and Aldrina Cabral were the go-to people in their friends and family circles for personalised cards, creative wrapping, and keepsakes.
In 2018, they decided to share their work with a wider audience through Instagram. A close friend helped come up with the name Lovewraps and even designed their logo. That gave them the confidence to turn their hobby into something more. They began making handmade items using cloth, paper, and other materials.
There was no formal business plan, just passion and word of mouth. Their first big break came when a restaurant in Taleigao invited them to do Christmas décor. “It felt unreal to see our work in a public space,” says Aldrina. That opened the door to more projects including an upside-down Christmas tree installation for a Miramar-based hotel. Soon, their hobby grew into a full-time creative venture.
Each of them contributes in their own way to the brand. Aldrina and Linda handle projects in Goa, while Almira, an IT engineer in the US, creates for clients in the US. Linda works with cloth, crafting baby quilts, scrunchies, and bonnets. Almira brings creative ideas to the table while Aldrina who juggles Lovewraps with her job, handles social media, client communication, sourcing, and crafting. “I’m the glue,” laughs Aldrina, “sometimes literally.”
However, working as a family brings its own chaos and charm. During large orders, their home turns into a mini workshop, with even their father helping with assembly and logistics. One memorable moment was creating boho-style table pieces and décor for a wedding. “The way everything came together and the couple’s reaction, it was pure joy,” says Aldrina.
Another special project was a communion celebration where they hand-quilled wheat stalks and crafted grape bunches bead by bead. They also hosted their first origami workshop for children in collaboration with the YUVA Foundation.
Some clients have left a lasting impact. Among these is Shlok, a young boy who would say “Thank you, Aldrina” every time he walked past a name frame that they created for him. Aldrina says, “His family sent me a video, it melted my heart.”
The product range of Lovewraps includes wedding décor, bridal accessories, buntings, baby kits, cake toppers, personalised frames, and themed table pieces. Bestsellers include baby quilts and hair accessories. And every piece is crafted to hold meaning. “We grew up making cards for each other, and those notes are still tucked away. That’s the feeling we try to recreate,” says Aldrina.
Like any small business, they have faced challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, everything came to a halt. Even now, short-notice orders can be difficult, especially since everything is customised. But with help from their family and many late nights, they always manage to deliver.
Also, in the beginning, they weren’t very active on social media and missed chances to showcase their best work. “We learned that being online is really important,” says Aldrina. “Every mistake taught us something.”
Looking ahead, the Cabrals hope to expand their product line and collaborate with corporates and event planners. Their dream is to one day have a cozy Lovewraps studio and, down the line, open branches in other cities and countries. “We’d also love to collaborate with brands that value storytelling and personalisation,” says Aldrina.
