Sewing Up Success: How 37 Women Turned Threads into Thriving Businesses

Literacy India’s efforts span the farthest corners of Indian villages, answering the silent calls for change from these communities. Over the years, countless women have participated in various educational and empowerment programs, emerging stronger and more confident. Mandkola village in Haryana, a stone’s throw from bustling Gurgaon, is one such place. Here, the women have heard of Gurgaon but rarely visited it. Many were married off early, with little say in their own lives, soon finding themselves burdened with responsibilities but lacking the skills for self-sufficiency.

Literacy India’s Grassroot Business Incubation Program (GBIP), in collaboration with Skillet, is providing these women with “Wings to Fly.” This initiative began with 37 budding seamstresses, but Literacy India aims to support many more women from this village and its surroundings. By equipping them with essential skills, the program is paving the way for a brighter, self-reliant future.

The Big Idea: Turning Threads into Business

On July 19, 2024, the Mandkola Community Centre buzzed with more than just the hum of sewing machines. It transformed into an entrepreneurial hub where 37 talented women embarked on a journey from seamstresses to business moguls. This was more than a workshop; it was a masterclass in turning tailoring skills into thriving businesses.

The day began with participants jotting down their business aspirations on sticky notes—a simple yet powerful exercise that set the stage for a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

The Papad Parade: Lessons from Gujarat’s Golden Girls

A video that packed a punch featured the inspiring story of seven Gujarati women who started a successful papad business in Maharashtra. This wasn’t just a feel-good tale; it was a crash course in business fundamentals, highlighting:

1. Quality is King: Building customer trust through top-notch products.
2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Effective collaboration and centralized operations can elevate a small venture.
3. Perseverance Pays Off: Dedication and grit are essential for scaling a business from humble beginnings to great heights.

Group Genius: From Moong Dal to Market

Inspired and buzzing with ideas, the participants broke into groups to brainstorm their own business concepts. The result? A delectable lineup of entrepreneurial ventures including moong dal golgappa, moong dal chilla, moong dal laddu, and moong dal bhatura. Their presentations showcased creativity and collaborative spirit, proving these ladies were not just learning to sew—they were learning to soar.

Skills and Thrills: What They Learned

This workshop wasn’t just about dreams; it provided practical, hands-on knowledge:

• Entrepreneurial Skills: From product differentiation to market positioning, they learned how to make their ideas shine.
• Business Planning: They got the lowdown on calculating costs, sourcing materials, and setting prices.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Group activities sharpened their teamwork skills, showing that two heads—or more—are better than one.

Impact and Inspiration: Sewing Seeds of Success

By the end of the session, the women weren’t just inspired—they were empowered. With newfound confidence and practical skills, they were ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. The success story of the papad queens had lit a fire in them, and they left the center with plans as ambitious as their newfound confidence.

Future Threads: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, there’s plenty of fabric left to cut. Future workshops could include ongoing mentorship, business networking opportunities, and progress tracking to ensure these budding entrepreneurs have all the support they need. The enthusiasm among participants and trainers alike suggests that this is just the beginning of a series of impactful engagements.

The Mandkola workshop was a triumph of potential and promise. With enhanced skills and a clear entrepreneurial roadmap, 37 women walked away not just with new sewing techniques but with the tools to transform their aspirations into thriving businesses. Here’s to many more workshops that turn dreams into achievements!

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