Shanthamma is an elderly woman from Basavana Bhagewadi taluk, Vijappaura. She is affectionately called Shanthavva by the villagers out of respect for her age and her caring nature. Shanthavva learnt the art of kasuthi (embroidery) out of interest and as a hobby. Out of passion for the art, she has been doing kasuti work free of cost on dress materials for her neighbours and their families. As a token of appreciation, she would be paid INR 10 to 20 or was paid in kind.
Shantavva attended the MOVE training, where she came to realise that she could possibly earn a decent living from her skills doing kasuti. The MOVE trainer advised her that if she invested in the required tools and equipment, she could start a business. By converting her passion for the art into a business she realised that not only will she be happy due to the pleasure she got from the work, but she would also be able to earn a decent living out of it, especially since she was too old to go to the fields to work.
Shanthavva said that the MOVE training taught her many new things. The goal setting game made her realise that she already has her target customers around her. The wedding card making game helped her realise that though she loved the art, it is important to cater to the needs and demands of the customer. The buying and selling activity helped her overcome her initial fears and hesitation to charge her neighbours for the service she provided. Going forward with kasuti as a business she is planning to levy fixed charges for her services depending on the labour and materials used for the work.