In 1989, three sisters Indira, Prema and Radha started a small outlet in Abiramapuram and called it Champa, in memory of their mother. They started in a small way by buying and selling saris.
“One has to learn to walk before running. We started out small and eventually grew big,” says Indira, who adds that they only sell cotton and handloom saris and dress materials. Now, they have two master weavers working for them at the showroom, under whom many others from across Tamil Nadu, work. “Our designs are exclusive and there are limited stocks for every design,” she adds.
Their idea is to promote natural fibres at affordable prices. “Chennai is getting hotter by the day. Cotton is light and helps keep the body cool. Only natural fibres can protect you from the scorching sun ,” says Indira.
The sisters have treated the handloom boutique as their baby and nurtured it over the years. “We haven’t hired anyone and we have no helpers. We manage it all by ourselves. We open the shop at 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. We take a break for lunch and open it again from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.”
For more details, call 24996907.
