"I use my hands to give value to something as worthless as horn and bone. It is a good feeling."

Mohammad Talib started Mohammad Talib Handicrafts in a township called Serai Tareen in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh about seven years ago. He specializes in making jewelry out of glass, bone and horn beads. The son and brother of an artisan, Talib learned this trade from his father who he also considers his mentor. Talib started helping out with his family’s finances from a very young age, often juggling school with work.

When he started out on his own, he was faced with the initial challenge of dealing with rampant power cuts in the area that affected the jewelry making business. Furthermore, orders were difficult to come by and when they did, his buyers delayed on their payments.

He was introduced to Asha Handicrafts Association through a fellow artisan and has remained their loyal supplier ever since. He has received business knowledge as well as design expertise from Asha, something he is more than grateful for. Talib understands changing market trends and looks forward to getting more design input from buyers so that he can constantly update his products. Today, the women in his house help with the jewelry making process. He proudly states that they make their own money and handle their finances on their own.

He is glad his children will not have to eke out a living as he has. His children are educated and his living conditions have improved, including access to cooking gas and better toilet facilities. Talib’s next step is to keep a large stock of raw materials so that he doesn’t have to depend on temperamental suppliers every month. A loan from MyMela will help him do that and keep the wheels of his business turning.