Craft-Connect

Where artisans meet the world.

Craft-Connect is an AI-powered marketplace platform that helps local artisans create, market, and sell their crafts online. It combines AI tools with a marketplace ecosystem to simplify product listing, storytelling, pricing, and marketing for artisans, while allowing users to discover and purchase authentic handmade products.

---

Features

For Artisans

• Catalog Builder: Generate product titles, descriptions, keywords, and translations (English, Hindi, Gujarati) from basic inputs like name, category, image, and notes.
• StoryTeller Behind the Art: AI-generated unique stories for artisans, communities, and regions.
• Price Suggestions: Smart price recommendations based on material, size, and effort.
• Marketing Content Generator: AI-generated Instagram captions, WhatsApp statuses, and 30s ad scripts in multiple languages.
• Trend Analysis: Insights into trending products and categories to guide sales and marketing.
• Chatbot Support: AI assistant to answer questions and guide artisans in using the platform.
• Product Management: Save drafts, finalize pricing (smart or manual), and push products to the marketplace.

For Users

• Browse and purchase authentic artisan products.
• Follow artisans to receive updates on new products and stories.
• Personalized recommendations using trend analysis insights.

Admin

• Manage artisans, products, and marketplace activity.
• Access analytics and monitor platform usage.

---

Technology Stack

• Frontend: Next.js + TypeScript + Tailwind CSS
• Backend & Auth: Firebase (Authentication, Firestore)
• AI Integration: Gemini 2.0 Flash API for content generation and insights

---

Pages & Layout

• Homepage: Hero section, featured products, artisan spotlight, CTA buttons.
• AI Tools: Dropdown menu for all AI features (Catalog Builder, StoryTeller, Price Suggestions, Marketing Content, Trend Analysis).
• Marketplace: Product grid with filters, product details, and follow/buy functionality.
• Dashboards: Separate dashboards for artisans (product management, analytics, AI tools) and users (purchases, following, activity).
• Profiles: Public profiles for artisans and users with product showcase and activity.
• Chatbot: Floating AI assistant for guidance and queries.

---

Installation & Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone [https://github.com/yourusername/craft-connect.git](https://github.com/yourusername/craft-connect.git)

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd craft-connect

3. Install dependencies:

   npm install

4. Configure Firebase:

   • Create a new project on the Firebase Console.
   • In your project, create a new Web App.
   • Copy the Firebase configuration object.
   • Create a .env.local file in the root of your project and add your Firebase credentials:

     NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_API_KEY=your_api_key
     NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_AUTH_DOMAIN=your_auth_domain
     NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID=your_project_id
     NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_STORAGE_BUCKET=your_storage_bucket
     NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_MESSAGING_SENDER_ID=your_sender_id
     NEXT_PUBLIC_FIREBASE_APP_ID=your_app_id
     

5. Start the development server:

   npm run dev

6. Access the application: Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000.

---

Future Enhancements

• Multi-currency support for international buyers.
• AI-powered image enhancement and product mockups.
• Gamification: rewards, top artisans, badges.
• More languages for broader reach.

---

Impact

Craft-Connect enables artisans to reduce listing time by ~80%, expand digital reach, and sell authentic handmade crafts to a wider audience while using AI to simplify complex tasks.

---

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.