For Nasima Banu, the first thing that sets her day in motion isn’t her sewing business; it’s a cup of chai prepared by her mother-in-law. That quiet morning ritual, served with love, is more than just tea. For her, it’s tradition, warmth, and unspoken encouragement.
“This chai is my strength, as long as I have it, no hardships feels too big”, says 34-year-old Nasima.
Unlike many women navigating life in a joint family, Nasima found her first supporters within her own home. Her mother-in-law and co-sister each played a role in holding up her dreams, while she worked to build a life of her own.
A Profitable Sewing Business From Home: How It All Started
Eight years ago, Nasima sat behind a single sewing machine at home, stitching simple churidars and frocks. The main aim was to add to the family income and do what she loves the most. Her first blouse order earned her just ₹70. But it came with a compliment she still remembers: “Your blouse finishing is like a boutique’s.”
That one line gave her the confidence to keep going. Week after week, small profits trickled in through her sewing business, ₹5,000 one month, ₹10,000 the next. Enough to reinvest. Enough to dream. And just enough to keep her motivated.
“I didn’t have much money, but I had my skills. And slowly, customers started coming back.”
Word of mouth became her biggest ally. Her stitching was precise, her designs were modern, and her attitude was always gentle. Nasima never turned away someone who asked for help, be it with a tricky cut, a fabric suggestion, or even business advice. Soon, neighbours and other home-based tailors started approaching her for guidance.
She became locally known as ‘Nasi’, the soft-spoken tailor who could turn Pinterest dreams into real-life outfits. Her growing popularity wasn’t just because of her craftsmanship, it was her willingness to help others learn, grow, and improve.
It was only a matter of time before the idea of a sewing business cum coaching centre came to life, one where she could teach other women everything she had taught herself.
What began as a small sewing business from home has now evolved into a profitable tailoring business supporting four employees and a growing list of loyal clients.
From Sewing Classes to Boutique Success: A Tailoring Business in India
Nasima’s shop, Nasi Fashion, stands proudly on the ground floor of her family home in Punganur village in Tamil Nadu. A hand-drawn board marks the entrance of her sewing business. Inside, the air buzzes with the soft whirr of sewing machines and chatter between women.
But it’s not just a shop, it’s a space for learning. Every day, from 12 pm to 6:30 pm, Nasima trains local women in the art of sewing. Some want to start their own sewing business, others just want to learn. She teaches them all, with patience and a smile.
“I was once in their place. If I can help someone else start their journey, why not?”
Even her sons, aged 13 and 9, play their part. From matching threads to helping with little errands, they know their mother isn’t just amma, she’s the boss.
Her students come with different goals, some want to earn a side income, others want to launch their own home-based tailoring business, just like Nasima.
How a Home-Based Sewing Business Became a ₹3 Lakh/Month Venture
When Nasima first started stitching from home in Tamil Nadu, she barely made ₹5,000 a month. Today, eight years later, her monthly revenue has climbed to ₹3,00,000, with an average net profit of ₹1,50,000 over the last six months.
She runs her boutique and sewing business from her own property, with the help of four full-time staff members whom she pays a collective salary of ₹40,000–₹50,000 a month. Her shop is buzzing with work. Nasima’s sewing business in Tamil Nadu is a trusted name in the locality, especially for custom blouse stitching, wedding orders, and festive designs. Be it custom blouse orders or trending designs brought in by customers, and demand is rising steadily.
Despite being based in a small town, Nasima has gradually embraced the digital shift. 80% of her transactions still come in cash, but she proudly shares how she’s begun encouraging UPI payments, especially with younger customers. “In our area, going digital is a bit tough. But slowly, I started using UPI”
Taking the Next Step with a Business Loan
This year, Nasima decided it was time to expand. With increasing orders, she wanted to buy more machines and also take up aari work, which is gaining popularity in her area. She applied for a business loan for women entrepreneurs of ₹1 lakh from Mahila Money. With the help of the loan, she plans to expand into aari embroidery business, a booming craft niche in South India.
She now stitches more blouses in less time and is planning to start Aari work, an intricate embroidery craft popular during festive seasons and weddings.
Her next goal for her sewing business?
To take Nasi Fashion online, on platforms like Meesho and Amazon but she’s learning the ropes, including the GST requirements and digital basics.
“Step by step, I will go ahead. I’m not in a hurry. I want to do it right.”
This balance between tradition and ambition makes her a role model among women entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu who want to start small, but dream big.
Powered by Support, Chai, and AR Rahman
Behind this thriving business is a woman who wakes early, finishes her housework, teaches students, runs a boutique, helps with her kids’ homework and still finds time to enjoy her evening chai.
When she works, sometimes she plays music, hits by AR Rahman, depending on her mood. And every Friday, she takes the day off for prayer and quiet time with her family.
“Health is very important,“ she says. “If you’re not fit mentally or physically, you can’t work.“
What’s Next for Nasi Fashion?
Nasima dreams of:
- Teaching more women
- Taking larger custom orders
- Launching online
- Upgrading with more machines
- Continuing to invest in her future
She’s clear-eyed about challenges, competition is rising, and online sellers are everywhere. But she believes that good work speaks louder than ads.
“Nambikkai irundha pothum- If you have belief, that’s enough.”
Her long-term plan is to turn Nasi Fashion into a full-scale online tailoring business, selling custom designs on platforms like Meesho and Amazon.
Nasima’s story is a reminder that big dreams don’t need big beginnings. With one machine, a family’s support, and the courage to keep going, she built a sewing business from home in India that now supports not just her but also trains and uplifts other women around her.
From tea breaks to blouse borders, her journey is stitched with quiet strength, self-respect, and a needle-sharp vision for the future.
Read more success stories:
How This Delhi Woman Built a ₹12 Lakh/Year Home-Based Art and Craft Business from Her Living Room
How Hyderabad Makeup Artist Nisha Earned ₹1 Lakh in 2 Days
How a Single Mother Entrepreneur Found Her Calling as Dr. Mital, the Skin Doctor
How Tehseen Built Three Businesses with Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money
