The Basic to Advanced Mehendi Course, conducted from March 18 to March 21, 2025, at the Pullukadu Housing Unit, aimed to empower underprivileged women by equipping them with practical, income-generating skills. A total of 4 participants received hands-on training in organic mehendi cone making and professional-level designs such as Arabic, bridal, mandala, and occasion-based patterns. The course was designed to develop artistic skills while building speed, accuracy, symmetry, and creativity. Special focus was placed on design composition, spacing, and adapting to client preferences. The training promoted organic methods by teaching participants to prepare mehendi using natural ingredients, ensuring safety and skin-friendliness. Participants learned how to make cones, create intricate designs, and enhance body features through thoughtful placement of patterns. The program also introduced basic principles of product development and color coordination. The initiative aimed to transform a traditional art form into a viable livelihood option, helping women gain financial independence. Entrepreneurial aspects were addressed through sessions on taking local mehendi orders, promoting services at community fairs, and using online platforms to expand reach. The course encouraged participants to see themselves as potential business owners, capable of offering high-quality services for weddings and festivals. Through continuous practice and expert guidance, participants improved their confidence and design quality. The program also supported creativity by encouraging experimentation with styles and techniques. Real-time application of designs during the sessions allowed participants to refine their skills and prepare for real-world customer demands. The training ultimately helped women move beyond hobby-level interest and into a market-ready professional mindset. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement to take up mehendi as a small business. The initiative reinforced the importance of grassroots-level skill training as a sustainable path to self-reliance and empowerment. This training was a stepping stone to self-employment, offering a low-investment, high-demand opportunity for women to earn from home. By merging art, skill, and entrepreneurship, the course provided a platform for long-term livelihood development.
HANDMADE HEROINES 2 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop
On March 17, 2024, a one-day Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop was conducted at the BTG Trust office to empower women from slum communities through skill-based learning. With 10 enthusiastic participants, the training aimed to equip homemakers and adolescent girls with practical, low-investment craft skills that can lead to self-employment. Participants learned to make elegant bangles, earrings, and hair accessories using vibrant silk threads and simple tools. The step-by-step, beginner-friendly approach encouraged artistic expression and built self-confidence. Beyond skill development, the training introduced the basics of entrepreneurship—how to price, market, and sell handmade jewellery in local markets, exhibitions, and online platforms. Participants were also taught about material selection, color coordination, product finishing, and design planning, especially for bridal and festive collections. This session highlighted the commercial potential of handmade jewellery and inspired women to consider micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. A strong focus was placed on creating beautiful, wearable, and market-ready pieces. The workshop proved to be more than just a craft class—it became a platform for economic empowerment and creative growth. One participant shared that the training made her feel confident and motivated to pursue jewellery making as a sustainable livelihood. By the end of the program, many expressed interest in continuing their learning journey and starting small businesses. This initiative is part of a broader mission to support grassroots-level women entrepreneurs and foster inclusive economic development.