Manjusha Javier lost her job in 2016. She was 52 at the time, close to retirement, as many would argue.

“But I couldn’t just not work anymore. I had to finance my daughter’s education and run the home,” she reasons.

It was then that she decided to follow her heart and start ‘Tohfa’ — a brand that markets unique home embellishments and fabric designs.

While she started out with an investment of Rs 2,000, today the brand clocks lakhs in revenue. The brand sells journals, travel organisers, purses, makeup pouches, laptop sleeves, cushion covers, and fabric trays.

Encouraging other women to follow their entrepreneurial dreams, Manjusha says that starting one’s entrepreneurial journey translates to saying goodbye to a steady paycheck.

“But the way I saw it was that any kind of work will have its challenges. But when it’s linked to your passion, it makes it easier.”

She goes on to add, “Be open to changes. They will bring out the best in you.” In moments of doubt, she urges women to remember the ‘why’ of the business.

“I kept thinking about how in two years I would be older. Would I be able to then find a corporate job if my business did not work out? Every time sales would dip, I would ask my daughter, ‘Do you think I should give up this idea and look for a job?’.”

But then came a successful exhibition that put all her fears to rest. “I still remember that exhibition in Chennai in 2019. That was the day I knew this was my path,” says Manjusha.

While growing this dream, Manjusha has ensured that it empowers artisans. “We source fabrics directly from them, ensuring their traditional skills are honoured and sustained,” she shares.