In Sabang, Lakshmi Sahoo turned her skill in Madur-kathi weaving into the "Kalimata Mat Centre" in 2015 with just Rs. 5000. Using eco-friendly reed grass, she built a sustainable business that now empowers 45 artisans, providing them with stable incomes. With 20 looms, her handcrafted mats, from yoga mats to foldable wonders, are sold across India. Lakshmi’s journey is a story of resilience, community empowerment, and eco-conscious entrepreneurship.

In the bustling markets of Kolkata, Annapurna Das turned her passion for weaving into a thriving enterprise. Starting with a local Self-Help Group, she mastered Batik, Block print, and hand-painted silk sarees. Her business now empowers 30 artisans, including 20 women, with incomes of Rs. 7.5-10k. Annapurna's creations, known for their quality and craftsmanship, are admired across India. Supported by her family, she weaves not just sarees but dreams of empowerment and tradition into every thread.)

Tajkira Begum, a skilled kantha artist from Birbhum, turned her passion into a transformative business. Starting with small work orders and a team of local women, she faced societal resistance but persevered. Through her leadership, she built a community-driven initiative that now empowers 600 women, with artisans earning Rs. 2,500-5,000 a month. Supported by her family and NGOs, she expanded her business internationally. Her venture, Tajkira Kanthastitch Centre, doubled its revenue to Rs. 1.2 crore in 2023-24, but her true fulfillment comes from empowering women and supporting education in her village.

Ashima Madhu, a determined woman from Nadia, turned her entrepreneurial dream into reality in 2019 by starting a small-scale manufacturing unit for eco-friendly paper cups and plates. With an investment of Rs. 12 lakh, she and her husband built their business from the ground up, producing high-quality, sustainable products. In just three years, Ashima's venture grew rapidly, employing 16 locals and expanding her product line. Today, 80% of her products are sold to wholesalers, and her reach extends beyond Nadia through e-commerce platforms. Ashima’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to sustainability.

Khushabu Devi, winner of Aparajita Kahaani, leads the Pratigya Macchardani Utpadak Samooh, a group of SHG and non-SHG women from three villages in her block. Together, they manufacture mosquito nets, with 14-15 machines at a central location and others working from home. During the pandemic, they fulfilled mask orders, but have since returned to producing mosquito nets. Her group now generates an impressive annual revenue of around Rs. 10 lakh, empowering local women through sustainable livelihoods.

Smt. Sudha Devi, from Satghara in Bihar, transformed her livelihood through Madhubani painting after her husband lost his job. Initially earning by working for others, she realized the potential of selling directly to customers, bypassing middlemen. With a small loan from the SHG group, she began producing her own work, innovating designs, and focusing on high-end products. By training 25-30 women and expanding her customer base, she now generates a monthly revenue of Rs. 1.25-1.65 lakh, building a successful and sustainable business.

Aruna Devi’s "Bihar Gold Mustard Oil" began in 2000 as a small mustard oil venture. After the 2008 floods, she expanded into producing oils and staples like chickpea flour, selling through wholesalers and on platforms like Meesho. Through brand building and smart strategy, Aruna turned her local business into a nationwide success, showcasing resilience and growth.

Samsun Nahar Bibi, from North 24 Parganas, transformed her passion for hand embroidery into a thriving business after the sudden loss of her husband in 2015. Starting Riya Hand Embroidery with a loan of Rs. 50,000 from an SHG, she mastered various techniques and earned recognition, including the Malaxmi Saras Best Seller Prize. With her son's help, Samsun's creations—Kurtis, Churidars, Sarees, and Dupattas—are now sold nationwide through fairs and social media. Her business provides livelihoods for 180 women, showcasing her dedication to preserving tradition and empowering her community.