Enterprise: A passion for design, and a chance to make some money

by S. Aishwarya


Hunched over a cot-sized wooden frame, Radhika sews shimmering stones on a silk cloth with surgical precision. The intricate motif on the cloth took shape after 10 days of rather exhausting work using several colour threads and different sized needles.

For people like her who design and work on heavily embroidered saris and salwars, putting that extra effort to add intricacy and make them unique has never been a problem.

“Every new project means labouring even during unearthly hours to meet the deadline. Especially, wedding dresses have a lot of sentimental value attached to them. We keep that in mind while working,” says G. Sumathi, while working on an elaborate floral design on a sari.

Devi Rani started tapping her creative skills when her family faced a financial crisis a couple of years ago. Her knowledge of embroidery came in handy as the family sailed through a difficult phase with her earnings. “But I am happy to have faced such a period as it gave me a chance to get back to my passion,” she says.

Contemporary designs and sequin works require a good number of raw materials. Sourcing the materials from George Town, the embroidery designers tailor make the dresses after getting a nod from the customer by showing sample designs. “Small highlights in blouses for heavy-worked sari and detailed designs for simple saris are in vogue. The size of embroidery matters as it is time-consuming,” explains Ms. Sumathi.

Handling customers who are picky is something the embroidery designers find stressful. “Every dress involves a lot of work, especially if it is hand-embroidered. While some are understanding, many set impractical deadlines,” she says.

With the growing fashion awareness among women, many designers also face the problem of meeting the expectations of their clients.

They pore over fashion magazines, browse websites and attend workshops on embroidery to update themselves on the trends.

Some like Usha Ramesh, however, turn to their roots. An embroidery designer-cum-teacher, she adds vibrancy to the dresses through traditional embroidery patterns. Specialising in Bommi art, she has updated herself on international designs of Italy and Norway.

After teaching her students about the finer nuances, she takes time off to nurse her frayed nerves.

“There is a lot of physical labour involved. But yet, I carry on because this is addictive. When I get inspired by a design, I lose sleep over it,” she says.

Financial independence and love for dresses made Veena Rajesh kick-start a business in embroidery. “This job gives us the flexibility to prioritise family. But the best part is you are your own boss. Earning a livelihood through our creativity is such a gratifying experience.”