What begins as a mother’s dream sometimes turns into a national movement. That’s the story of Tickle Your Art — a heartfelt venture from Pune that captured hearts on the grand finale of Shark Tank India Season 4.
The episode, fittingly titled Divyang Special, was more than just a business pitch—it was a celebration of human spirit, creativity, and inclusion.
🎨 When Art Becomes Empowerment
Enter Shweta Runwal, a trained architect and designer. But more than that, she’s a mother to Dhriti, a young girl born with Down Syndrome and an artist with a love for colors. Watching her daughter paint with joy and imagination, Shweta had a vision: what if this art could inspire the world?
That spark led to Tickle Your Art—a social enterprise that transforms paintings by individuals with intellectual disabilities into handcrafted lifestyle products like jewelry, stationery, home décor, and accessories. Every brushstroke tells a story, and every product carries purpose.
👩👧 A Family That Paints a Bigger Picture
On stage with her daughters Ira and Dhriti, Shweta shared her journey—one of love, resilience, and transformation. She pitched for ₹21.3 lakh in exchange for 7% equity, not just for business expansion, but to take the movement of inclusive art to the next level.
The Sharks were visibly moved. The pitch turned emotional when the family’s passion resonated with the panel. Namita Thapar praised Shweta’s strength, while Anupam Mittal and Aman Gupta were quick to show interest.
In a fun moment that lightened the mood, the Sharks were challenged to sketch their “dream house.” Anupam drew the moon instead! Why? “Because from there, the whole world feels like home.”
🤝 A Deal from the Heart
Eventually, Aman and Anupam came together to match Shweta’s ask, offering a shared deal. Namita stepped in as a mentor, while Srikant Bolla, though not investing, pledged a generous donation.
Shweta, holding back tears, said,
“We didn’t just get investors—we found believers.”
🛍️ Not Just a Brand, A Movement
Tickle Your Art is rooted in purpose. Every product is a canvas of inclusion. Every sale helps uplift artists who often don’t get a platform to shine.
As Shweta explained, “We don’t just sell art; we share a story—a story of children and adults with special needs being seen, valued, and celebrated.”
With each handcrafted piece, a portion of the profits goes directly to the artists, giving them not only financial support but dignity and visibility.
💡 Why This Matters
In a world racing for profits, Tickle Your Art reminds us of the power of empathy-led entrepreneurship. It’s a brand born out of love, shaped by passion, and powered by purpose.
For those who follow Indian startups, women-led ventures, or inclusive design—this is more than a pitch. It’s proof that when creativity meets compassion, magic happens.
