Stitching dreams: Kashmiri woman’s journey to entrepreneurial glory

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 30 : Razia Sultan, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from the Kupwara District of North Kashmir, with a heart woven from the threads of ambition and resilience, has not only carved a niche for herself in the world of handicrafts but has also become a beacon of hope for women in her community.
Razia’s story is one of those remarkable journeys that illuminate the transformative power of following one’s passion. She eschewed the well-trodden path of government jobs and chose instead to pursue her love for handicrafts. She embarked on her entrepreneurial voyage as a crewel embroidery artist, a delicate and intricate form of needlework known for its beauty and sophistication.
In 2012, fate dealt Razia a heavy blow with the passing of her father. Left without a reliable source of income, the burden of supporting her family fell upon her shoulders. However, adversity only ignited the fire within her. In 2013, the Handicrafts Department in Kupwara established a Crewel Elementary Training Centre in her village, offering a glimmer of opportunity. Razia, along with other village girls, grasped this chance, enrolling in the Crewel training course with a modest monthly stipend of Rs 500.
The training, initially slated for a year, garnered an overwhelming response from the participants. The program’s success propelled the young women into an advanced training course that spanned two additional years. The stipend was increased to Rs 700 per month, nurturing their skills and fostering a deeper connection with the craft.
For Razia, craft was not just a skill but a passion that she was determined to cultivate. At the tender age of 19, she assumed the role of a Crafts-Instructor at a Crewel centre, earning a monthly salary of Rs 2000. This step marked not only a financial turning point for her family but also a personal triumph, as she was able to earn from what she cherished the most.
Recognition soon graced her journey. In 2018, Razia was honoured with a State Level Award by the Handicrafts Department for her prowess in Crewel Craft. This accolade proved to be a pivotal moment, prompting her to embrace crewel embroidery as her full-time profession. Around the same time, the Government of J-K UT introduced the ‘Karkhandar’ scheme, offering advanced training in design and marketing to meritorious graduates. Razia’s Karkhana (workshop) was included in this scheme, propelling her business forward.
With unwavering support from the Government and the Handicrafts Department, Razia’s entrepreneurial spirit thrived. She meticulously created 285 meters of exquisite crewel cloth, resulting in 236 meticulously embroidered cushion covers. Her dedication bore financial fruit, bringing in a revenue of Rs 160,000 over the span of five months.
However, Razia’s success did not end with personal achievements. She had a larger vision – to empower other women. In her Crewel Embroidery and Chain Stitch unit at Trehgam, she undertook the role of a mentor. Over 200 girls have benefitted from her training, gaining not only the skills of the craft but also the courage to dream and the means to be self-reliant.
Through her dedication, Razia Sultan has not only woven threads into works of art but also stitched together a community of empowered women. Her message resounds clearly: financial independence begets self-reliance, enhanced self-esteem, and elevated confidence. She fervently encourages more women and girls to embark on entrepreneurial journeys, transforming from job seekers to job creators.