Chennai: Two years ago, Nirmala Rajendran, a married woman with a child, was determined to learn tailoring and arts and learnt from several institutes.
Soon after learning them, she opened a coaching centre – The Stitch Fashion Academy – all by herself. Not just to be self-reliable, but also to employ fellow women.
The resident of 29th Street Extension, Thillai Ganga Nagar, said, “I am a microbiology degree holder. However, I was not interested to explore a career in the same field. Soon after, having a child, I wanted to learn something, and did not want to be idle.”
Nirmala then went on a quest short-listing places to learn tailoring, embroidery and art. However, she learnt one skill from one institute. “None of them offered all the courses under one roof, that prompted me to start my own academy at home to teach everything. Thus, The Stitch Fashion Academy happened,” she added.
In addition to offering regular courses, Nirmala hosts free workshop for underprivileged women monthly once that teaches aari, zardosi work and painting among others. “We follow-up them, help them get orders and provide them an opportunity to be independent,” Nirmala said.
According to her, the academy teaches fashion designing diploma course. She stated that most of her students are mothers in their 30s and a few senior citizens and age has not been a bar, so far. “Since women get busy with taking care of families, they would not have time to learn skills soon after their wedding. So, suiting their needs, we have devised curriculum that teaches whatever is taught in proper under-graduation level in other institutes,” she said.
Nirmala can be reached at 80560 45838 or 80561 45838 and the academy is located at No. 13/10, 29th Street Extension, Thillai Ganga Nagar, Nanganallur, Chennai – 61.