In Ahmedabad, 89-year-old Padma Parikh has turned her lifelong love for crocheting into a thriving business, thanks to the support of her granddaughters, Bansari and Heer Shah. Her handmade products, crafted with precision and love, have gained popularity not just in India but in at least ten countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, and Korea.
Bansari and Heer, who live close to their nani’s house, have always cherished her presence from listening to stories of their mother’s childhood to enjoying her homemade chavanprash. But during the COVID-19 lockdown, the sisters approached her with an idea that would change their nani’s life.
“Since childhood, we’ve seen nani creating beautiful handicrafts, gifting them to family members for every occasion,” says Bansari. “She would give us crocheted purses, blankets, and more. Her blankets, made by joining small patches into a single piece, remain my favourite they’re so comforting.”
In 2020, inspired by an Instagram post featuring crocheted birds, Bansari and Heer decided to help Padma showcase her talent to the world. They named the venture PB Handmades (PB standing for Padma Baa). Despite never having taken formal training, Padma embraced the challenge of creating her first crocheted bird.
“It took me three days and several failed attempts, but I never gave up. I fixed my mistakes patiently, and eventually, the bird was ready,” recalls Padma with pride. The sisters shared the bird’s picture on their Instagram page, sparking immediate interest. The crocheted bird quickly became the brand’s signature product.
PB Handmades now offers a wide range of items, including blankets, sieved bedsheets, keychains, earrings, cradle lace, purses, and cup coasters. Priced between ₹400 and ₹5,000, Padma’s creations have garnered 70 orders globally, from countries like the USA, Japan, and Canada.
Padma’s passion for crafting began in childhood. Growing up in Gujarat as one of eight siblings, she found joy in transforming waste materials like old sarees into beautiful household items. “I’ve always been curious about creating something new from nothing,” she says.
She began with simple projects, like crocheting chains and mufflers, before expanding her skills to more intricate crafts. Despite her limited formal education she studied only up to Class 7 Padma’s determination and creativity have driven her to master this art form on her own.
Fighting Isolation Through Creativity
Padma’s daily routine is as vibrant as her creations. After completing household chores, she spends hours on her swing, crocheting everything from intricate blankets to delicate birds. Even after losing vision in one eye due to an unsuccessful surgery, her commitment to her craft remains unwavering.
“It takes about a month to crochet a blanket, a week for a purse, and a day for a customized bird,” shares Heer. “She doesn’t crochet just to fulfil orders. Even when there are no orders, she continues to create, leaving us in awe of her passion.”
Crocheting is more than a business for Padma; it’s her way of staying engaged and combating loneliness. “When I work, I don’t overthink my circumstances. Crocheting soothes me,” she explains.
A Message for the Younger Generation
For Padma, the success of PB Handmades is not just about financial independence. She hopes her story inspires others, especially women, to pursue their passions.
“Many young people today think about early retirement. I want to tell them to stay busy and never sit idle. Follow your passion it will give you purpose and fulfilment,” she advises.
Padma’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. At 89, she’s living proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and make a mark on the world.
Padma’s journey exemplifies the boundless potential of seniors when they are encouraged to follow their passions. At Sukoon Unlimited, we are dedicated to fostering such stories of joy and connection. With a mission to enhance the well-being of seniors, Sukoon Unlimited offers a digital platform where they can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Together, we can create a world where every senior feels valued and empowered.
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