Rashmi Jha - Revitalizing the traditions

I was born and brought up in Darbhanga, Bihar, got settled down in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh after marriage. Mother of 2 grown-up daughters, the idea of doing a business from home came when I realized that I have time for myself now and I have the capability to do so. I am very fond of doing art and craftwork since my young age and after marriage, as and when I get time, I used to make creative items at home.but my daughters' education was of prime concern to me and in no way I wanted my business to affect their studies and marks. So, I started at a very slow pace initially. Usually, I used to work at night time after finishing my household works and without disturbing anyone in my family. My elder daughter used to stay awake while I created something, she used to study. Thankfully, she used to do well in her studies. Now, my younger daughter also follows her sister and I feel a great sense of pride when I see my 2 daughters along with me, while I create my handmade stufff. Not to forget my loving husband who has always been a great support.  Even today, when there is a big order, all my family members are there to help me.

Staying in  Bilaspur, I knew that I won't get the same exposure as in big cities. But that did not stop me from chasing my dreams. I always wanted to create my own Identity and when I finally started this business of art and craft in 2014, I was filled with a great sense of satisfaction. There were few who thought that I have started my home business for money.  It's not only the money that counts, it's also the self-respect you achieve that is more valuable to me.  

My product range
All my products are perfect for home décor, for religious purposes, and as can be used as a gift  My product range includes Adjustable rangolis,shubh labh, photo frames, torans, sarees, suits/Kurtis, dress materials, imitation jewellery/ German silver jewellery, household products, bedsheets, hangings, Mithila paintings(Also known as Madhubani painting), handmade bags (made of clothes), purses/clothes, potlis, mobile pouches,coushion covers and many more. Some of these are handmade by me at home and some are sourced from reliable vendors. I don’t compromise on quality. My products should last for at least 5 to 10 years even if it is a small item. Today, by God’s grace, I sell varied products, starting from just Rs. 20 to almost Rs. 8000. All these products can be shipped anywhere in INDIA! 

I faced many obstacles but I always try to be positive and this helped me to sail through my obstacles.  My pro-active nature and "do or die" attitude have helped me to move forward. I recently completed an online course in Mithila Painting and I also scored 91% in all the three exams of our Traditional Maithili Language. I am also a speaker in a Radio Channel in Chhattisgarh called “Akashwani” where I express my thoughts in poems regarding women empowerment. This is also a great achievement for me as I feel responsible of doing something for my women community. 
I have participated in many exhibitions but for the last two years I have been   participating in Chhattisgarh vyanjan sang haat which is organised at a huge platform.
I also received the GBTEOI award for woman entrepreneurs category in December 2020.

My words of advice to other women
I believe age is just a Number. If you make your mind to do anything, even at the age of 80 it will be possible and if you don’t have the enthusiasm to do anything, even at the age of 20 one will do nothing.
"Don't stop to dream....search inside you - there is something special in every human being ....do something that creates your identity