Mom Loses Job at 52, Builds Eco Business Earning Lakhs

When Manjusha Javier lost her job at 52 in 2016, she could have panicked. Instead, she dusted off her old sewing machine and built something beautiful.

The Mumbai entrepreneur rediscovered stitching, a passion she'd abandoned during her busy working years. A simple conversation with her daughter sparked a powerful realization: this hobby could become a meaningful business.

Eight years later, Tohfa creates fabric-based home decor, laptop sleeves, pouches, and personalized gifts that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability. The 60-year-old founder now runs a profitable enterprise that proves plastic-free products can thrive in today's market.

But Manjusha didn't stop at personal success. Her business model actively supports women artisans, giving them sustainable livelihoods while creating eco-friendly alternatives to mass-produced goods.

Every handcrafted item sold through Tohfa represents more than just a purchase. It connects customers with skilled artisans, preserves traditional stitching techniques, and keeps plastic waste out of landfills.

The Ripple Effect

Tohfa's impact extends far beyond its revenue numbers. The business challenges the myth that entrepreneurship belongs only to the young, showing that reinvention can happen at any stage of life.

Each woman artisan employed gains financial independence and renewed purpose through their craft. Their families benefit, their communities notice, and other women see what's possible when passion meets opportunity.

The sustainable products themselves create another wave of positive change. Customers who choose fabric over plastic inspire others to make conscious choices, slowly shifting market demand toward earth-friendly alternatives.

Manjusha's journey from unemployed professional to successful social entrepreneur demonstrates how personal setbacks can become launching pads. Her sewing machine became a bridge between traditional skills and modern needs, between personal fulfillment and community impact.

Sometimes the greatest businesses grow not from business plans, but from necessity, passion, and the courage to start over.