As a child, Pooja Kumari moved from Chhapra district, Bihar to Jaipur, Rajasthan when her father got a job as a security guard at a private firm. Times were tough, managing an entire family on one person’s meagre salary and they often went to bed hungry. However, Pooja’s parents were determined to educate their 4 children and Pooja managed to clear 12th grade.
Forever grateful to her parents for their sacrifices, Pooja decided to look for work as soon as she completed Grade 12. After a year of working in a textile company that left her unhappy with her profession, a neighbour spotted her talent in jewelry making and Pooja discovered her true calling.
Today, Pooja is an apprentice with Asha Handicrafts Association’s artisan group and has been learning for over two months to make jewelry like earrings and bracelets. Her work gives her satisfaction and she is proud to be able to help her family financially. Pooja’s focus is on getting better at her craft and dreams of one day becoming an independent woman.
We at Asha Handicrafts are proud to have her on our team and support hundreds like her to overcome adversity and achieve her dreams. Thanks to a growing demand worldwide for handcrafted products that express stories of Indian heritage, our artisans now have regular work, are paid fair wages and are able to send their children to school. Their future generations will not have to struggle with poverty and will have an equitable shot at their dreams.
You too can be a part of this journey of empathy. Every product that you purchase from Asha Handicrafts goes a long way in supporting Indian artisans like Seema and can empower her to fulfil her dreams.
You too can help her on this journey of empathy. Every purchase you make goes a long way to empowering women like her and community building. Our artisans now have regular work, are paid fair wages and are able to send their children to school. Their future generations will not have to struggle with poverty and will have an equitable shot at their dreams.