Dhanalaxmi teaches jute-bag making and helps student start their own businesses

Over 100 students of Queen Mary’s College learnt the nuances of jute bag-making from Dhanalaxmi, who has been encouraging woman to become entrepreneurs. The owner of IVERS Bags, Dhanalaxmi has been in this business for the past 11years. Five years ago, she started helping others start their own businesses. She has been training self-help groups and NGOs in making and marketing jute bags and jewellery.

“A few years ago, when the IT scene was bad, one couple from the IT industry approached me, asking me to train them in the art. Today, they run a successful jute business,” she said.

In the session conducted at the college, students from corporate secretaryship, sociology, zoology and B.Com departments walked away with certificates presented by Akathar Begum, principal, on successful completion of the workshop.

“These are the bags we have made. Dhanalaxmi ma’am also gave us a kit box with materials to try more designs at home,” said a student showing off a table full of sling bags, pencil pouches and tambulam bags made by her.

Dhanalaxmi is ready to conduct training for groups and individuals . “This is an eco-friendly product and helps reduce the use of plastic. People should make a switch to jute product.”

Dhanalaxmi can be contacted at 92831 35238/98405 33611.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Downtown / by Flavia Plaidus / Chennai – July 04th, 2015