Hi All,
From the time that I completed my training on jewellery, I have been
going around with so many ideas relating to jewellery; whether to
manufacture jewellery, or write about it, or teach about it (I love
to teach), or sell its supplies or what else?
Something I wanted to do, but did not know which direction to go.
There are two people who gave me support. One is Nancy LT Hamilton.
Lots of inputs from her that helped me get some clarity.
Then I met a wonderful person called Mr. Babu. He is the owner of a
jewellery store called OKJ jewellers which was started in 1933. His
father started actually and he runs the show. They have a lovely
collection of antique jewellery.
He gave lots of inputs, the current scenario in the jewellery
industry in India, what to do and what not to do.
It gave a lot of clarity to me. And I started realising what can I
do with my limitations.
When every jewellery store in Chennai (Capital of TamilNadu) is
scrambling to give offers on gold for people and other saving
schemes, I dont stand a chance to open a store, atleast now.
He also told me to pursue teaching and writing and then when I get
confidence, to start manufacturing in a big way. Today, I went to
seek his blessings for a venture that I am starting for women.
Last week when I had gone there I named some rare jewellery and
asked him if he had those. Immediately he summoned his people and
asked them to bring those.
I was so surprised to see them, because generally I have seen those
jewellery worn by old ladies who are in their 90s plus.
And these ladies you can find them only in villages and not many
wear these. Their ears to me looks scary, because I feel anytime the
ear might tear and come apart from supporting the jewellery :). But
when I took them in my hand, it weighed so less. And the jewellery
looked so complicated.
How did they do these without any casting machines those days?
So today when I went he gave me those photographs, a write-up about
those jewellery and also some cash that will support my initiative. I
was taken aback. And before giving me all those he stood and said a
prayer for a minute, for me to succeed in my venture. I could not
control the tears in my eyes and I was deeply touched. I told him its
very rare to find people like him.
Such a busy person, sharing his knowledge, guiding, referring me to
other people, so much for a person he had just met a for few times.
How good it will be for every beginner if there is a mentor. Or am I
asking too much?
Today I told him that I am writing about those jewellery in a blog
in Orchid and I have asked him to become a member of Ganoksin and
Orchid.
Since he reads and writes about jewellery thought this will be a
good forum for him.
I will write about those jewellery in my blog.
Thanks.
Regards,
Kavitha Balakrishnan