Nirmala realises her tailoring dream from grant
Ever since growing up as a young girl, it was Nirmala Devi’s aim to run her own tailoring business.
Her dream was achieved through a Government small micro business grant in 2015 where she received a sum of $1000.
With that the 60-year-old managed to buy a sewing machine and other materials to help start her business.
She operates Lal’s Tailoring from the comfort of her own home in Cuvu, Nadroga. “I was working at a garment factory for 28 years and then I applied for the grant in 2015. After receiving the $1000 I finally quit my job and started my own business,” Ms Devi added.
Most of her customers are from nearby villages and right up to Suva. “The grant has helped me grow and all my customers have to do is bring the designs and material, I will sew whatever they want either a dress or shirt,” Ms Devi said. Her products included men, women and children’s wear of all designs.
In a good day, Ms Devi said she earned around $150 which was all injected into her family’s expenses, including her three daughters’ education.
Her business has expanded where she managed to purchase an industrial overlock machine from the profit. The art of tailoring, Ms Sen added was something passed down from generations.
“This has been a good help to me and I want to advise tailors to pass down their knowledge to young people in their families,” she added.
The grant has helped me grow and all my customers have to do is bring the designs and material, I will sew whatever they want either a dress or shirt. Nirmala Devi Tailor