By Badsah Jusman Kumar Rana
Sambalpur: In 2020, the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, and for Jyoti Meher, a mehndi and makeup artist in Sambalpur, it meant an abrupt end to her income. With her husband’s photography business also affected, financial struggles affected the couple in a big way. Amid this crisis, Jyoti happened to watch a tutorial video by jewellery designer and the idea that struck her, gave a new perspective to her way of life.
Inspired by the video by Palak Sharma, an Ahmedabad based designer, Jyoti began experimenting in making jewellery out of fabric. She started with leftover Sambalpuri fabric from her sewing projects and discarded scraps from local tailor shops. Combining these fabrics with materials like MDF wood, oxidized metal, pearls, and shells, she created unique jewellery pieces. Starting with just Rs 5,000 borrowed from her husband, Jyoti launched her home-based business in 2021.
From Small Beginnings to Big Breaks
Initially, Jyoti worked from home, crafting intricate earrings, necklaces, and bangles that showcased the vibrant Sambalpuri designs. Her creations quickly gained attention, and customers began placing orders. Encouraged by the demand, she ventured online in August 2022. Within months, her sales skyrocketed, and she earned her first major profit of Rs 18,000, bolstering her confidence.
Today, Jyoti’s Sambalpuri jewellery outlet, located on Sakapada Road near the Hanuman Temple in Sambalpur, is a bustling hub. Customers flock to her shop for handcrafted jewellery priced between Rs 100 and Rs 600.
Empowering Women Through Employment
What started as a solo endeavor has now become a source of livelihood for eight women, each finding financial independence through Jyoti’s initiative. The women, who work part-time for 2–3 hours daily for Jyoti, earn a steady income while balancing other responsibilities.
• Rima Behera, a civil engineering diploma graduate from Ainthapali, joined Jyoti’s team after seeing an opportunity on social media. “I was unemployed at home and didn’t know what to do. After training for four days, I started earning my pocket money. Even when I get a job later, I want to continue working here part-time,” she says.
• Barsa Rani Behera, a married woman initially hesitant to work due to family resistance, convinced her husband to support her decision. “I wanted to contribute to the family income and become self-reliant. Working here has made me realize I can do something for myself,” she says.