Mohammad Ayaz grew up in a small town called Serai Tareen (Moradabad) which lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. Serai Tareen is famous for its horn and bone handicrafts and it is here that Ayaz’s grandfather started his business of making hair combs made out of horn. Ayaz’s father expanded this business to include other jewellery products like bangles, bracelets, necklaces and earrings made out of horn, bone and resin. Growing up in a family of craftsmen, Ayaz was quick to pick up the trade.

Ayaz’s father struggled to feed his big family of which he was the sole breadwinner. Ayaz joined his father 18 years ago to help make ends meet. Today, Ayaz is 40 years old. Like his father, he has to provide for a large family: his wife, two daughters and an extended family of 10 additional people.

Business was slow during the first few years of Ayaz Handicrafts. Ayaz recalls buyers who cancelled orders at the time of production and others who revised prices without consulting him. During that time Ayaz was introduced to Asha Handicrafts Association which told him about Fair Trade practices. Ayaz knew then that he wanted to tap into the international market and started paying a lot of attention to the quality of his products. Today he says confidently that his quality is unmatched in all of Serai Tareen.

Better working conditions and the improved quality of his products has helped Ayaz sustain his business for the last few years. Today, his sister who holds a graduate degree, helps him with product design while the other women in his house assist with resin inlay work and product packaging. 

Ayaz passionately supports the horn and bone industry. “I could educate my children with the money I got from selling horn and bone products. I want others to do the same too,” he says.