Dharmila Ahir is a grassroots woman entrepreneur from the small village of Kotay in Kutch, Gujarat. Her journey is not just about embroidery it is about identity, resilience, women empowerment, and the power of self-belief.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Kotay, Dharmila studied only up to the 7th standard in her village school. Coming from a traditional background where opportunities for women are limited, especially in rural communities, stepping out and starting something of her own was never going to be easy. But Dharmila always believed in one simple thought: if you do not give up on yourself, victory is certain.
Learning the Art of Ahir Embroidery
From childhood, she watched and learned the traditional Ahir embroidery art from her grandmother. This embroidery is a rich cultural heritage of Kutch, known for its vibrant patterns and intricate handwork. While most artisans limited this craft to clothing and traditional garments, Dharmila had a different vision. She did not want to restrict embroidery to fabric alone she wanted to transform it into art.
Turning Tradition into Artistic Expression
She began experimenting with Ahir embroidery as painting. Her first creations were embroidery portraits of Lord Krishna. Slowly, she expanded her work to include other themes social issues, the natural heritage of Kutch, and wildlife. For Dharmila, every art piece is not just thread and fabric; it carries a message, a story, and a reflection of society.
Facing Challenges with Determination
The path was not smooth. People questioned her ideas. There were doubts, challenges, and financial ups and downs. There were times when business was slow and even periods when orders completely stopped. But Dharmila made a bold decision no matter what happens, she would never quit her business. She decided that under no circumstances would she leave her dream unfinished.
Founding Sutra and Empowering 90 Women
With this determination, she founded her company, Sutra. Her idea was simple but powerful: if this art can support her, it can support other women too. She started connecting women from her village and trained them in embroidery work. Today, around 90 women work with her. They create embroidery pieces from their homes and earn their own income. These women are now contributing financially to their families and becoming self-reliant.
Education Initiative: Help You Book Bank
Dharmila believes empowerment is incomplete without education. That is why she started “Help You Book Bank”, an initiative to provide free books to children in her village. She wanted not only women to grow but also the next generation to have better opportunities. Today, many children in her village are studying and trying to move forward in life because of this effort.
Overcoming Rural Business Challenges
Operating from a rural area comes with unique challenges. Kotay village is located about 25 kilometers from Bhuj city. Even today, courier services do not reach her village. For every parcel delivery or pickup, she has to travel 25 kilometers. Despite this inconvenience, she continues to manage domestic and international orders.
Expanding Through Social Media and Global Reach
Her clients are not limited to India. She receives orders from abroad as well. Through social media platforms like Instagram and other apps, she has learned how to promote her work beyond her village boundaries. Initially, it was difficult for her to understand digital platforms, but she took it as a learning opportunity. Even today, she is continuously learning how to use social media effectively and is also learning English to grow her business further.
Recognition and Achievements
Dharmila is associated with Karigar Clinic and has received recognition such as the Social Media Gold Award from Karigar Clinic and an award from GTU. These recognitions strengthened her confidence and validated her efforts.
Balancing Business and Motherhood
Balancing work and family is another dimension of her journey. She is not just a businesswoman she is also a mother. After completing household responsibilities and sending her child to school, she goes to her workshop and works with her team. She manages her home, child, and business with discipline and dedication. After completing work, she enjoys spending time with her team outside, reflecting the strong bond she shares with them.
Hard Work and Continuous Learning
She considers herself hardworking because many times she has worked late into the night to complete urgent orders. At the same time, she believes in learning multiple skills rather than limiting herself to just one area.
Motivation and Definition of Success
Her biggest motivation is her brother, who supports her and guides her in expanding her business. She measures success not by money but by impact. For her, success means that women in her village are becoming independent and children are getting education.
Vision for the Future
Her long-term vision is clear: she wants Sutra products to have such a strong identity that people recognize them instantly. She dreams of taking her business to international markets and connecting more women to create large-scale impact.
Message to Young Entrepreneurs
Dharmila’s message to young entrepreneurs, especially women from conservative backgrounds, is powerful. She comes from a community where it is difficult for women to step out and work. She faced challenges when she started because she had to travel outside the village. But she overcame those barriers with courage and consistency.
Life Mantra
Her life mantra remains:
“Khud se nahi haare to jeet nishchit hai.”
If you do not lose to yourself, victory is guaranteed.
