With Every Cut, Stitch, And Measure, Tulsi Is Building Her Own Empire

It is a bright and cold morning in Jakhni. A morning that will make one want to slip under a warm blanket, and bask in the gentle sun that has now settled in its spot across the mountains. On this beautiful morning, Tulsi is anticipating deadlines, and work left undone. Tulsi Shah, a woman made of dreams, struggles, and infinite hope. Her life has proved to be much like her name - bitter in experience but resulting in everlasting freshness.

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Sharing a slice of her life, Tulsi Shah, Entrepreneur and USHA Silai School Teacher said,

I got married on December 4, 2000. I lived in Badalu till 2019. I had done a lot of work related to rearing cattle and poultry. The situation at home was not very good. I have even worked at other people's homes to earn money.

After spending 20 years in a small village in Badalu and going through a major financial and familial upheaval, Tulsi participated in the nine-day Silai Training Program on November 2, 2020. She started with the bare minimum, saving one hard earned rupee after the other, by stitching her own clothes. Little by little, with practice and perseverance, Tulsi decided to take her first order. Although she doubted her skills at that moment, her first delivery paved the way for a future only few could imagine for her.

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Recalling a lesson from school, Tulsi said,

This is what I have learnt in school that ‘with practice even a fool can become wise, in much the same manner that a rope lowered into a well every day leaves its mark on the stone wall that it constantly rubs against'. You can never succeed until you work hard. I worked very hard to learn everything that we were taught, and to practice it. I earn more than Rs 60,000 - Rs. 70,000 every month. Today, I am earning really well and so I can afford to employ people under me. This estimated earning is after deducting the salary I pay to my employees. I haven't added their pay to this, this is just my personal income.

Tulsi Shah exemplifies the chain impact of the USHA Silai School Training Program that spreads in the country through the Silai School Women Entrepreneurs. She has trained over 70 women in stitching, sewing, hemming, and other tricks of the trade. Having employed several women, she now hopes to expand her enterprise and liberate herself as well as her community. One of Tulsi's many learner-turned-employees is now successfully making a living from the Swavalambhan Silai School.

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Deepa Shah, Learner at Swavalambhan Silai School said,

Today, my situation doesn't bother me. I keep myself busy with work and I am happy to come here. I make 1-2 suits a day and earn around Rs. 200 - Rs. 300 every day. I earn around Rs. 8,000 - Rs. 10,000 per month. The situation at home was not very good, but Tulsi supported me and I came here to work with her. I am taking care of my children and of my household expenses, and I pay my rent.

Giving out details of the Silai School Programme, Alok Tripathi, Program Coordinator, Uttarakhand, USHA International said,

We have added a life skills chapter to our Silai school curriculum. Now, along with sewing, the women are also learning other important points. Like how to relate and engage with society, how to be more practical, how to increase your business. So, these life skills training has proved to be really helpful for them.

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From Tulsi's mirth, undaunting spirit and energy at work, it is impossible to tell that she is grieving the loss of a son for the past 5 months. She wants to write her own tale and has taken the reins of the business in her rough swollen hands.

Sundown is approaching, Tulsi's students and employees have left, she is still the last one standing. She says to herself, "this suit has to be delivered tomorrow" and "that saree needs to be given for a wedding ceremony". Tulsi must complete her tasks before dusk, for she must keep her word. Tulsi must deliver. Tomorrow shall bring a new set of orders. For Tulsi, every order is an opportunity. With every cut, stitch, and measure, she is slowly pushing herself towards her dream of opening another shop and building her own empire.

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