The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : From software to jute jewellery

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 03, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

From software to jute jewellery

R. Sujatha

DIFFERENT STROKES: Delicately crafted pieces on display at Jute Emporium on TTK Road, in Chennai . — Photo: M. Srinath

CHENNAI: From software engineering to designing jute jewellery, Rajalakshmi Srikanth has found her life's vocation with little support from her husband.

Today, the jute emporium at Alwarpet is sought after for its delicately crafted jewellery, chic footwear, trendy handbags and gift articles the size of a baby's palm, reflecting the patience of artisans. The emporium receives orders from Atlanta for jewellery.

Rajalakshmi started out by working with waste jute. Her husband K. Srikanth owns the Southern Jute Industries. "We started in 1986. Our original business was to supply packaging material to newspaper and tea industry. We diversified into coloured jute cloth 12 years ago," says Mr. Srikanth. "Initially I did not encourage her. Visitors to our office liked her items and suggested that we set up shop."

The granddaughter of Avinashalingam Chettiar of Coimbatore, Rajalakshmi, used the computer to design her jewellery collection. Her tryst with jute began after marriage.

She has diversified into doormats with `kolam' designs, coasters, files, jute paper and visiting cards. "Whatever is available in plastic, if it can be made in jute I make it."

Laminated jute, bags — designer or the pedestrian variety, carry bags, pouches, wall paintings and artwork using jute strings are all priced affordably.

The emporium was set up three years ago and her products were received well. Today, with 13 machines at her husband's factory and another 25 in the homes of women entrepreneurs, the emporium is stocked with an interesting variety.

"Now the jute emporium is overtaking my business," says Mr. Srikanth.

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Tamil Nadu