Pabiben.com: first women artisan entrepreneur

Pabiben

Pabiben, a Vibrant Rabari lady, dared to start one of the first Women Artisan enterprises "Pabiben .com". She has become an inspiration and an idol to many in her community. she is now a successful woman artisan enterprise which aspire women become independent and empower themselves to shape their own future, and those of their families and future generations. It aims to help women create their identity with the help of their artistic talent.

Pabiben learned the famed embroidery of her community, but before she could complete her own dowry, the elder council of the community banned its use completely, because they believed women spend too much time on embroidery, leading to late marriages. Pabiben joined the women’s group in 1998, and soon became known as a master artisan. Meanwhile, Dhebaria women searched for a way to solve their design problem: how to remain decorative without breaking the community rules. They invented a new art form: machine application of readymade elements, which they called “Hari Jari.” First time in the dhebaria community, pabiben used a vibrant combination of trims and ribbons and later it is known as “ Pabi Jari “.

pabi bag

The mission is to develop a strong viable business model for women artisans, and to empower these women to shape their own future, and those of their families and future generations. She soon becomes master in this art with enthusiasm, and made a sample of shopping Bag. It became an instant hit, and was christened the “Pabi Bag”.

The main focus is to promote this enterprise as a Rural Business Model as per the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi. By creating small scale enterprises can solve some of the burning issues in India like livelihood, Industrialization, Urbanization and also creating value and respect for the women. The main aim is to sell Concept rather than product selling. But at the same time, she need business to expand the number of artisans and create more livelihood. Right now pabiben is working with 50 women.

Soon she becomes an inspiration and an idol to many women artisans in her community. She feels proud that, but at the same time, she though it is a greater responsibility to work as a mother, artisan and an entrepreneur.

pabiben with award

It is difficult task to run the business, taking care of the family and colleague artisans and promoting Rabari arts and crafts across the globe. She remembered her childhood when her father died suddenly. Financially, she struggled a lot, she was carried water pots for other families and earn Rs.1 for a day to support her widow mother. Now, as an entrepreneur, she earns and a pay good amount to other women artisans. “Pabi Bags” has been shown in Hollywood Film “ The other end of Line”, Bollywood Film “Luck by chance”, television serial “Bhabiji Ghar pe he” also various programme on Doordarshan and

ETV programme “Trending Lifestyle”. Pabiben’s case study has been shown in “pragati yatra” a campaign on completion of 1 year of Narendra Modi Government.