Padmini Rajmohan, a retired teacher, is an aspiring female entrepreneur who weaves wire bags using techniques she learnt in her childhood. Basket weaving is the process of weaving pliable materials into handmade baskets, mats, and gift items. Baskets and carriers made out of wire find wide usage in homes, shops, hotels. Two months ago, she found herself interested in weaving wire bags during her leisure time and thought of doing her bit to help create a plastic-free society.

PADMINI’S PRODUCTS:

Making wire baskets is not as easy as its use. It takes two or three days to complete a basket. Padmini completes this by herself, but on some days, she completes the requirements with the help of her friends when the production and need for the bags are too high. The life span of a basket is at least ten years, says Padmini, an experienced teacher. She makes baskets of various sizes and designs them for general use. The minimum price starts at Rs.275, which weighs about 10 kgs. Twelve to fifteen baskets were sold within a month or two of starting the business. Making flower vases with these wires is her unique talent as a basket weaving artist.

SUPPORT FROM FAMILY

When she started her business, everyone in her home supported her initiative to start something of her own. She adds that her son stands as a pillar for her business. Her son states that it takes about three days to complete the weaving of a single basket and two days when it is done continuously without taking a break. So, people should know about the investment of time and effort that the creator has put into it. The product is sold as it is and the cost of the product can vary according to the time invested in making it.

PROBLEMS THAT PREVAIL IN SMALL SCALE BUSINESS:

The crisis they face is a simple mentality prevailing among people about their mode of production. In some instances, people were unaware of the time that the manufacturer had invested in creating a product. Some with artistic knowledge will buy the product and will cherish the artistic nature of the product.

“THE PRODUCT YOU PRODUCE IS THE EVIDENCE OF THE VALUE IN YOUR LIFE”