Manju, (40 years self taught designer) even since her college times, had always had an interest in making art – even considering a career in singing. But marriage and family responsibilities put a pause to her aspirations.
A few years later after her daughter was born, one such droplet of sunshine fell on her. When going to the Darzi (tailor) to sew a frock for her daughter, she felt unsatisfied with the work. She asked herself why her daughter can't wear clothes that are as unique, attractive and beautiful as the designer clothes that celebrities wear on Award shows. Taking matters into her own hands, using an old sewing machine at home she designed and sewed her first cloth- a frock for her daughter to wear on her birthday.
When all the guests in the function started to compliment her child’s dress, Manju felt proud and dignified about her own self. Then she started to sew all her daughter’s clothes one by one- from ones for fancy dress competitions to those for family functions. She would find at least an hour a day between her busy schedules of house chores, to make clothes. If there are no new clothes to make for her daughter, then she made for herself and if not that she would design her cushion covers and curtains.
In a lucky turn of events, she had a chance of meeting an old college friend at a family function, seeing Manju’s clothes, she was so impressed that she suggested she should start making and selling her work on an online platform. With this confidence boost, Manju started posting her work online (etsy), From her posts, she started to get compliments from her friends and family and her hope to get appreciation from around India and the world was getting sparked.
Now Manju can sew whenever she wants, design whatever she wants. With this self realized freedom she is making beautiful Skirts, belts, jackets, bags, dresses, etc. Generally she is working one to one with her customers and customized orders.
Right now Manju’s immediate goal is to live up to the responsibility of supporting both her daughters by herself. To this end, she is creating and exploring more unique products that people around the world can enjoy. So that she has also joined the “United Artisans of Kutch” – a small project supporting and promoting lesser known artisans of Kutch, wherein she and a group of talented independent artisans are coming together as a team, to make better products and grow together. She feels heartened by the constant support from the team and is excited to return the favour by making the team proud of her work.
She is traveling and meeting other artisans, learning from them and sharing her own knowledge with others. Manju is now pushing herself to design a new line of clothes with which she can explore her full potential and show the world her talent. Her mission is to earn her own identity and live with dignity.
If you want Manju to create a Jacket, Skirt, Dresses or any other textile accessories for you then you can contact us directly by email or whatsapp.
