Subhechcha Ganguly 
Let us know about Mayuri Sisodia whose Handmade Toys have a language of their own
When did you first think of initiating this soft toy business ?
My mother used to do this business back in 1999 and she operated it successfully for almost 10 years however die to the entry of cheap Chinese toys in the market, my mother had to shut down in 2010.In 2018, I quit my job and returned home and with the inspiration of my father, I thought of restarting this old business.
What were the hardships you faced as this is still an unconventional idea ?
People still consider mass made chinese toys over handmade toys as they are as cheap as INR 20/-. So it makes it even more challenging to find the right people who appreciate handmade toys. This is an art form which is not easily found hence there are limited resources to really grow at faster pace.
Tell us something about the initiative of working with rural women .
I learnt it from my mother that you grow in life when you think about uplifting others and with the kind of society I grew up in, it is really a privilege to live the kind of life I am living now and since I am capable of taking women along with me who are looking to do something in their life as small as buying something for her children asks for, why not. There is always that one person who takes that one bold step which makes the path for others to follow. That step was taken by my mother 20 years back when she gave employment to 25 women in which few were the sole breadwinner of the family.
Today also we are doing the same thing. We train them and give employment and take them along with us to the brighter future.
What are your future plans ?
We wish to see our toys in every household and really make a difference in peoples lives through our creations. It’s a big vision but we are determined .
We know that the toys manufactured by you are of extremely soft fabric and have unique designs .Tell us about the creative team behind this .
It is only my mother who design all the toys and we handpick every fabric by ourselves so we can take pride in the toy which feels like it belongs to us. We are a team of 8 women.
What is that one message you would love to give to the society who wants to start up their own business ?
Be fearless. Follow your heart and do what feels right to you. We all have greatness within us which is eager to manifest itself. Be a good student and never stop learning.
Interview by : Subhechcha Ganguly
