Profile Feature: Sita Devi – Stitching Dreams from a One-Room House in Bihar
Byline: A local woman’s inspiring journey from poverty to becoming a self-made entrepreneur
Introduction
In a small, tin-roofed house in the heart of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, the sound of sewing machines buzzes throughout the day. Sita Devi, a 42-year-old self-taught tailor, has become a symbol of empowerment in her community. From humble beginnings to running a tailoring training center for village girls, her journey is one of resilience, creativity, and inspiration.
Background
Sita was married at 16 and became a mother at 18. With no formal education, and her husband earning daily wages, the family struggled to survive. “There were days we had to choose between medicine and food,” she recalls. Her turning point came in 2008 when her neighbor gifted her an old sewing machine.
Early Challenges
Sita didn’t know how to operate the machine but watched videos on a borrowed mobile phone and practiced by stitching torn clothes from home. When she took her first order — stitching blouses for a wedding — she earned ₹300. “It was the first time I held money I earned myself,” she says proudly.
Entrepreneurial Spark
Word spread quickly. Sita’s designs were both traditional and trendy. With increased orders, she hired two local girls and trained them. She applied for a small loan from a women’s self-help group and expanded her workspace by adding a second-hand table and more machines.
Empowering Others
In 2019, she started a free tailoring training program for young girls in the village. “Parents were hesitant at first, but when they saw their daughters earning, they changed,” she shares. So far, over 50 girls have received training, with many starting home-based tailoring businesses of their own.
Community Recognition
Sita Devi has received appreciation from the local block office and even featured in a radio interview by All India Radio Patna. Her story has inspired nearby villages to replicate similar training models for women.
Current Status
Today, she runs ‘Sita Stitch & Skills’ – a modest tailoring center that caters to both daily wear and festive outfits. Her team of six women handles stitching, embroidery, and marketing. During festivals, she earns up to ₹40,000 in a month.
Words of Wisdom
“Don’t wait for help. Start with what you have,” Sita says. She believes every woman has a skill, and if supported, they can be financially independent and respected in society.
Conclusion
Sita Devi’s story is a shining example of rural entrepreneurship, where determination and self-belief stitched together a future that once seemed impossible. In a world driven by technology, her story reminds us that human spirit and willpower are still the most powerful tools of transformation.