Many people let go of their dreams because they believe they are too old to start something new. It could be about starting a new career or learning a new hobby. But this 72-year-old grandmother proved everyone wrong.
Many times, our selfless mothers spend their whole life taking care of us. Without thinking about their own dreams, they prioritize others over their own self. Sadly, while they focus on every else’s happiness, there is no one who focuses on theirs.
Such is the story of this grandmother, who after getting married at 19, spent 50 years of her life taking care of her family. All these years no one recognized her dream of being independent. But it was her grand-daughter, who helped her Nani to realize her dream. How this Bindaas Nani earned her first-salary at 72 and set up her own business at 75 is a story every one of us should take inspiration from.
This Bindaas Nani recently shared her motivational story and left us inspired:
“I’d never worked my entire life. I got married at 19 and had kids a year later; the last 50 years went into looking after my family. But I love knitting– I do it every single day and knit clothes for our family and friends.
So, 3 years ago when my granddaughter said that she wanted to learn knitting, I was so excited– nobody had ever wanted to learn anything from me!
So I started teaching her. One of those days, suddenly, Kiku said, ‘Nani, you should be paid for the work you do,’ and I started laughing. She suggested setting up a business together.
I said, ‘Mere sweaters ke liye paise kaun dega beta’, and my husband even said ‘Nobody will buy these products.’ My entire family laughed it off; no one took it seriously.
But Kiku was adamant and refused to listen. She said, ‘Nani, main apko pura support dungi.’ She started posting pictures of my sweaters and scarves on social media and guess what? Within 24 hours, we received an order! My black scarf was sold for Rs.600– that was the first money I ever earned!
I couldn’t control my tears. I ran around the house showing off my money to everybody– ‘Ye mere khud ke paise hain!’ Within a month, we sold over 50 products! Kiku never missed an opportunity to motivate me– ‘Best Nani’, ‘Blockbuster duo’ and what not she’d say!
“Eventually, my husband and other family members also started helping me– my daughter spread the word and Kiku managed my social media.
3 months later, Kiku had to detach from the business because she had a full-time job. But by then, I was confident that I could do it on my own.
It’s been 2.5 years now– I start knitting at 5 AM and my work goes on the whole day. At 72, I earned my first salary and at 75…I have my own full-time business.
I’m still getting a hang of social media, but from being camera shy, I now love posing! And while working, I play my favourite Punjabi songs and dance…my party has just begun!”
At IFORHER, we are in awe of this courageous soul as she made us believe that achieving our dreams is always possible. All we need is to commit and make it happen! (You can connect with her here.)