A Quiet Kind of Courage: The Hands That Turn Old Cloth into New Hope
There is always an ordinary kind of bravery that starts the steady, unseen work of women who stitch dignity back into their lives. One artisan’s story reminds us that every quilt, bag or journal made is more than a product; it is a lifeline, a declaration and an act of hope. She learned a craft that can be done anywhere at home, at a table, in the small hours of the night, and she turned it into the thing that keeps her family fed, clothed and learning.
“My children are my biggest source of motivation,” she says. “When I’m able to fulfill their needs, it inspires me to work even harder and with more dedication."
That simple sentence holds the quiet determination behind each stitch: work done not for luxury, but for survival and for a better future.
The work itself is exacting. When she describes the intricate process of creating a quilt, you can almost feel the slow passage of time: the sorting of scraps, the careful layering, the countless tiny stitches that pull fabric and story together.
‘When we make a quilt, the entire process takes about a month,’ she explains. ‘Creating a single quilt requires a lot of hard work, attention to detail, and cleanliness. That’s why I want people to understand and appreciate the time, effort, and care that goes into it.’
Knowing this changes the way we see a product from a commodity to a crafted story that took days, not minutes, to become.
Her path here has not been easy. She speaks plainly of hardship dependence, hunger, and life with an abusive partner and of the relief that came when she learned a skill. ‘Earlier, I was entirely dependent,’ she says. ’There were days when we didn’t even have food to eat. My situation was extremely difficult. But today, by learning a skill, I have not only changed my own life but also improved the lives of my children and my household.’ That change, practical, profound and ongoing is the essence of Shakti.ism’s mission: meaningful, dignified work that reshapes lives.
There is joy, too. Work gives her a name in the community and a place in society that she did not have before. ’Personally, this work gives me identity in my home, in society, among my loved ones. People now know me because of the work I do.’ she says. she also adds that Identity matters. Respect matters. The simple act of being recognised for one’s labour ripples through families and communities.
She also asks for appreciation not pity. She wants customers to know that what they buy makes a real difference:
"To everyone across the world who buys the products made by me I want to say that your small contribution brings a huge change in our lives, even if you may not realise it. By continuing to support us and recognising our work, you help us grow and stand tall."
Those words are both a humble reminder and a request: your purchase is part of a larger story of dignity and renewal.
We honour the fact that she prefers privacy and discretion; we also honour the courage it takes to share this much. Every order she receives from partners like Shakti.ism unlocks more opportunities, more raw material turning into finished work, more plates on the table, more schoolbooks for children. ’I am especially grateful to Shakti.ism for giving us product orders. Every order means more opportunities for us to work and earn,’ she says.
Shop & Support by finding a piece that speaks to you; each item is a vote for fair work and a brighter future.
We thank her for trusting us with her story and for showing what persistence looks like in daily life.
Her hands have not only made beautiful objects; they have rewritten a future for her family. That is craftsmanship and courage in equal measure.
Written by Kataike Athalia Lenny