My husband and I run a tailoring business together in our village. We have 2 daughters aged 16 and 10 years. We started our business with 2 sewing machines and handled individual orders. I have been associated with Madura for 2 years. I invested the loan amount to buy 2 more sewing machines and expanded my business with 4 sewing machines. We now have 4 employees working with us to stitch shirts for several small retailers. We both have not studied beyond 10th standard; our aspiration is to provide good education to our daughters. We are able to do that today and we are also saving up for their future through formal savings.

I sell cast iron articles such as dosa pans, knives, sickles, rat traps etc. at the local markets of nearby villages. I have 3 sons; 2 of them are married and the youngest one lives with me. Madura helped me stand on my feet when my husband passed away 8 years ago. I started this business with my first loan from Madura and I am currently in the 5th loan cycle. I earn enough to support myself and save some money for future without depending on my children.

I have been associated with Madura for the last 2 years. I had learnt tailoring before marriage and in 2000, I bought the sewing machine for personal use. With the loan amount I borrowed, I got my sewing machine repaired and started my tailoring business. Today, I stitch 3 to 4 blouses per day and make a decent monthly income. This income in addition to my husband’s earnings helped us continue with English medium education for my son and also take life insurance policies for our family.