CORJUEM: In the serene village of Cuxem in Corjuem, resides Laxmi Kerkar, a tailor with an impressive 45 years of experience.
“Stitching clothes has been my lifeline, enabling me to support my family and fulfil my passion,” says Laxmi, her eyes gleaming with pride. From simple dresses to intricate Katori blouses, school uniforms, churidars, and even traditional Hindu wedding garments, she has mastered the art of creating exquisite pieces
that adorn her community. Despite starting with limited resources, Laxmi’s perseverance and determination have propelled her business to new heights.
“When my husband lost his job, I knew I had to step up and find a way to sustain our family,” Laxmi shares. “Tailoring became my anchor, allowing me to earn while caring for my loved ones.”
Her journey began in Saligao, her childhood home, where she learned the fundamentals of stitching. Since then, Laxmi has continuously honed her skills through observation and sheer passion. “I believe in learning by doing and observing others,” she explains. “Formal education was out of reach for me, but the desire to excel in my craft helped me grow my business.” In a village where farming and household chores were the norm for women, Laxmi’s decision to pursue tailoring was unconventional yet rewarding.
Balancing her household responsibilities with her business, Laxmi’s days are a delicate dance of managing her family’s needs and fulfilling her customers’ expectations. “I wake up at the crack of dawn to complete my chores- it’s a constant juggle, but my love for this profession keeps me going,” she quips.
Laxmi acknowledges that ready-made garments have gained popularity due to their convenience and affordability. However, she emphasizes the stark differences in quality and craftsmanship between stitched clothes and mass-produced garments. As she measures, cuts, and meticulously stitches each piece, Laxmi invests her time and expertise to ensure superior outcomes. A blouse alone takes her nearly one and a half hours to complete, while other garments require even more time and attention. As the sole artisan in her household, she takes pride in accomplishing every task on her own.
As festive season approaches, Laxmi finds herself inundated with orders. “Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali are busy times for me. Parents entrust me with stitching their children’s school uniforms and altering traditional outfits, and I’m grateful to them,” she adds.
