“The idea of working for someone else never sat well with me. I wanted to be the one making decisions, creating jobs, and inspiring others through my journey,” says Bharathi Priya, founder of Bibha Crochet, describing her evolution from uncertainty to entrepreneurship.
This is the story of a lively, creative young woman, from Coimbatore who made the best of her circumstances, leveraging what she learnt along the way to carve a new path for herself. Growing up in a traditional household, Bharthi Priya found very few outlets to explore her innate talents. She wasn’t allowed to go out by herself nor hang out with friends. To keep herself occupied at home, she explored handwork, such as embroidery, and found joy and solace in it. Gaining a BSc in Zoology and a B.Ed in Biological Sciences, she was soon working as a teacher in a convent. “I tried to make the most of it by using art to teach. But it still felt like I was confined to a box. I was a fun-loving and creative person, and something was missing!” she recalls. This sense of being constrained and the desire for a more fulfilling career, led her to quit her job, and in time her focus on crochet, would take an unlikely, unconventional turn.
Hooked on a Hobby
Bharathi was introduced to crochet by her elderly neighbour, fondly called paati (grandmother in Tamil). “Paati was good at crochet but she didn’t know how to teach. So I would sit beside her as she worked, to follow where to introduce the hook and how to knot and so on. It was not easy but I managed to get the hang of it painstakingly. Paati then generously gifted me a crochet hook,” chuckles Bharathi. With this little tool and plenty of enthusiasm she started using cloth strips to crochet. Urged by her own grandmother she made door mats for her home. “They were so sturdy that they lasted for many years,” she says proudly. This early mentorship and experience laid the foundation for what would later evolve into her successful business.
Discovering Marketability
As with many other new entrepreneurs, the Covid-19 lockdown gave her time to refine her skills and explore further. Bharathi delved into crochet, learning new techniques and creating intricate toys. When a friend purchased one of her creations it made her realize her hobby had market potential. It was a pivotal moment in her life. “Though I didn’t get paid much for this product it filled me with joy and felt satisfying,” gushes Priya. Encouraged by this validation, Bharathi decided to turn her passion into a business, marking the birth of Bibha Crochet. Yet the interesting facet of this story is also about how she used her experience with diverse vocations to build something wider than products for sale. We’ll come to that soon.
Social Media Springboard
Once Bharathi had decided what she wanted to do she started an Instagram page, showcasing her crochet work through reels and posts. The unique appeal of her handmade toys quickly gained attention led to orders being placed for customized products. “In Tamil Nadu people usually associate crochet with woollen sweaters and caps at the most. So they found what I was making novel and appealing,” she explains. Her breakthrough came when word-of-mouth referrals started pouring in. Friends referred her to their friends, expanding her customer base.
As demand for her products grew, Bharathi expanded her product range from simple mobile pouches to intricate Amigurumi toys. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures that turn out cute and have universal appeal. Bharathi places a significant emphasis on the safety and quality of her products, especially those designed for children. She ensures that most of her crochet toys are made from pure, 100% cotton yarn. With her creations becoming more diverse and sophisticated, she gained more followers who were keen on learning to crochet.
An Empowering Craft
Having struggled to learn crochet without access to a trained teacher, she understood her customers’ challenges in learning the skill on their own. Leveraging her knowledge and experience as a teacher, she put together a structured syllabus, with clear and detailed notes on how to crochet. The Bibha crochet kit she has designed is for both beginners and experienced crafters. The kit includes high-quality yarn, crochet hooks, and essential accessories like stitch markers and yarn needles, all packed in a handy carrying case. Registered participants get access to live Zoom classes or pre-recorded sessions, where they’ll learn everything from basic stitches and reading crochet patterns to making their own crochet toys. These lessons not only helped her share her skills but also built a community of empowered entrepreneurs as she guides her students on starting their own crochet business. She has also expanded her reach and range of products as she elaborates, “I have a team of seven members, all of whom were my students. They work remotely, creating products based on my designs or their own creativity.” By imparting a new skill she has enabled these women from around the country who can now work from home to generate some earnings. Bharathi sees crochet as more than a craft – it’s a means to uplift and inspire.
Pop-Up Events
As Bharathi’s confidence and skills grew, she sought new ways to reach a broader audience. This led her to explore the world of pop-up events, where she could showcase her creations directly to potential customers. These events were not just about sales; they were opportunities for Bharathi to tell her story, share her passion for crochet, and connect with like-minded individuals. These events also helped her understand market trends and customer preferences, allowing her to innovate and adapt her products accordingly. “The pop-ups were a great way to get my products out there and connect with people who appreciated handmade crafts,” Bharathi says.
Supportive Spouse
Bharathi’s journey with Bibha Crochet has been full of surprises, and one of the best has been her husband’s unfailing support. Even with his demanding job as an orthopaedic surgeon, he’s always there for her. “I got married in October, last year and moved to Chennai. My husband’s super busy, but he never hesitates to come with me to exhibitions,” Bharathi shares, clearly pleased. “After knowing each other for 10 years, this was the first time I took him to my stall. I was thrilled to see just how enthusiastic and supportive he was!” His encouragement has been a huge part of her journey, giving her the confidence to keep moving forward.
Embracing Authenticity
Unlike many who are inspired by specific mentors or role models, Bharathi has created her own path without following in anyone’s footsteps. She affirms that she had no pre-set plan but rather her success came from embracing her instincts and allowing them to guide her. Her path wasn’t linear nor traditional, but it was authentic to who she is – a young woman with a clear vision and the courage to pursue it.
To know more, check out: https://www.instagram.com/bibha_crochet/?hl=en
