They don’t have any formal management degree to discover new dynamics in the field of marketing, but the way they sell their crafts has to be seen to be believed.
The key driving factors for a new breed of entrepreneurs, who made their way to ‘Saras-2015’ DWCRA-Bazaar from various regions, appear to be quality consciousness and word-of-mouth publicity.
“A couple of decades ago, we never thought even in the wildest of our dreams that the entrepreneurship arena would give us a window of opportunity to stand up and lead a decent life. Today, we are not only able to provide financial support to our family but also could invest in various saving schemes. With help coming from all quarters like banks, training centres, NGOs and exhibitions such as these, we are able to reach out to more clients across the country,” says I. Lakshmi, who has been associated with Sri Gayatri Jute Handicrafts Mutually Aided Cooperative Society, Youth Club of Bejjipuram.
With SHG movement gaining a new momentum across the State, entrepreneurs from rural areas say that it clearly redefined their lives beyond measure.
“With an insatiable appetite for learning new techniques, we are able to adopt ourselves to the changing needs of various clients and cater to growing jute market,” explains Parvathi, an SHG member who is adept in giving a new dimension to jute crafts.
No formal training
Surprisingly, most of these entrepreneurs never had any formal training in any craft making.
“However, the next generation should not experience the same challenge that we have faced earlier. During dull season, we also provide training to aspiring candidates in sari designing that we are well versed with,” says Hema Latha, a sari designer from Chittoor.
From homemakers to smart entrepreneurs, those who have been associated with various self-help groups for the last few years say that DWCRA Bazaars help them race ahead by visiting places and adopting new marketing strategies and in some cases even learning a new language.
