Crafting a success tale

Prema Balan sits among colourful fabrics and shiny, costume jewellery, all created or embellished by her, at a crafts bazaar inaugurated at the C P Arts Centre on Saturday. For the cancer survivor, participating in the five-day event is about showcasing her creativity and spending time with like-minded women entrepreneurs.
"I am 66 years old and don't want to be stressed or depressed about life.This is a nice change in routine for the next few days," says Balan, who battled breast cancer five years ago. As a home-maker Balan used to make costume jewellery which she learnt on her own. She took up glass painting after the death of her husband. "I went for classes to learn how to embroider saris and dress material with zardosi and kalamkari work," says Balan. The Women's Craft Bazaar is on till March 8.
One of her first exhibitions was organised by her radiologist, soon after her cancer treatment. "She arranged for me to put up a stall at her clinic and later at a light music concert venue," says Balan. Soon, Balan started putting up stalls at exhibitions. "It boosts my confidence when people buy my jewellery and paintings," she says.
Like her, G Padmavathi hopes to sell paper bags, envelopes, wire bags and handmade jewellery at the fair. For the 32-yer-old physically challenged single mother, earning is important as she has to take care of her family. "I hope to make some contacts so people will remember to purchase bags and other items in bulk from me," she says.
According to C P Arts Centre director Nanditha Krishna, exhibitions help women entrepreneurs learn about the latest trends. "Many of them don't use preservatives in pickles and other food items so that they don't lose out on health-conscious buyers. As most of them work from home, this is the only opportunity they get to know the needs of customers," she says.