GUWAHATI, Sept 20 � Pursuing hobbies and passions did not just make some women entrepreneurs extremely happy, but it also ensured financial independence and a platform to interact with other like- minded women.
For these women entrepreneurs Leena, Preety and others who have emerged as successful business persons today, the beginning was rooted in their passions � designing, crafting or cooking. Their passions were channelised with the right acumen into ventures that not only made them self sufficient, but also gave employment opportunities to the less privileged women.
Leena Mohan has a workshop and a showroom in the capital city and three girls are working under her.
�My business is running into its tenth year now. Though I had a professional degree, I decided to work independently and am satisfied with my decision,� said Leena, adding that her designs are basically block printing on traditional mekhala sador.
The collections of Leena displayed at the pre-puja handloom and handicraft exhibition organised by Deegh Bani at Divine Weddings here, could attract visitors particularly on account of the block prints that had a touch of innovative acumen. The exhibition that began on Thursday will continue till September 23. According to the organisers, the fair is also a platform for the women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and build camaraderie.
Around 54 woman entrepreneurs are participating in this fair. Another participant Preety Majumdar said that apart from the financial liberty that her venture has bestowed on her, it has also provided an opportunity to her to help the marginalised section of women. �I took my first step with preparing different kinds of delicacies and pickles. Later, I took to handloom. During my 15 years of journey to find my own financial space, I could give other women a chance to earn, and that always gives a sense of satisfaction,� mentioned Preety, observing that her creativity has received a further boost with the handloom products that she supplies today.
�I always keep searching for new motifs for my products. Exotic designs can be retrieved from the past, and I do that. I also give my own designs and am happy with the response that I am getting from my clients,� said Preety.
