Background: S. Selva Mary, a determined and resourceful woman, completed her education up to the 10th grade in her village. Due to financial constraints, she couldn’t pursue further education. After marrying Sasindran, a dedicated daily laborer, the couple dreamed of improving their financial situation and creating a better future for themselves and their community.

The Turning Point: Mary's life took a positive turn when she heard about the HOPE Project, implemented by the SHINE NGO in her area. The project aimed to empower women by providing them with vocational training and skills to enhance their livelihood opportunities. Mary, with her natural creativity and determination, saw this as a golden opportunity to learn a new skill that could potentially transform her life.

Learning Tailoring: Under the HOPE Project, Mary enrolled in the tailoring course offered by SHINE NGO. The training was comprehensive, covering everything from basic stitching techniques to designing modern garments. Mary’s dedication and passion for learning quickly made her one of the most promising students in the class. She mastered the art of tailoring and soon began creating beautiful, custom-made garments.

Building a Business: After completing the course, Mary, with the support of her husband Sasindran, decided to start her own tailoring business. Sasindran, who worked long hours as a daily laborer, helped Mary manage the business aspects in his free time, such as finances and sourcing materials. Together, they set up a small tailoring shop in their village.

Success and Growth: Mary's shop quickly gained popularity due to her exceptional skills and the quality of her work. Word of mouth spread, and she began receiving orders from neighboring villages as well. The business grew steadily, and soon Mary was able to hire a few assistants to help with the increasing workload. Her tailoring business became a significant contributor to the family's income, providing them with financial stability and enabling them to improve their standard of living, alongside Sasindran’s earnings from his labor.

Impact on the Community: Mary's success story inspired many other women in her village. She became a role model for those who wanted to break free from the limitations imposed by their circumstances. Mary also started offering free tailoring workshops to other women in the village, encouraging them to learn the skill and become self-reliant.

Conclusion: Today, S. Selva Mary is a successful entrepreneur, balancing her roles as a businesswoman, a wife, and a mother with grace and confidence. Her journey from a 10th-grade graduate to a thriving tailor is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the right opportunities. With the support of the HOPE Project by SHINE NGO and her husband Sasindran's unwavering belief in her abilities, Mary transformed her life and became a beacon of hope for her community.