In this new chapter, she found herself in another artisan family where bamboo as an art work was not just a livelihood but a cherished tradition. With her husband’s constant support, she refined her skills and started experimenting with new designs, keeping the family’s legacy alive while adapting to changing times their income depended on market demands, offering little stability, and the growing competition from machine-made products further threatened their livelihood for survival.
The Spark of Change
When Ashaben heard about the nasscom foundation Digital Upskilling Program through the outreach channel, she knew this was her chance to expand her perspectives about the business. She had never touched a smartphone, never explored the vast world of social media, and had no idea on how digital tools could amplify her work. Yet, there was a potential within her—an aspiration to learn, grow, and bring her craft into the modern world.
“I want to know how to do something new. If technology can help, I want to learn it,” she said
Initially, Ashaben was apprehensive about using a smartphone. She lacked familiarity with technology and feared making mistakes, especially when it came to digital payments. However, the training sessions, delivered in a culturally sensitive manner, gave her the confidence to overcome these fears. Ashaben’s training journey began with understanding the fundamentals of digital technology, including using apps like Pinterest for design inspiration. For the first time, she was exposed to contemporary trends that she could incorporate into her traditional bamboo designs.
One of her most empowering moments came when she learned to use QR codes for payments. Initially, the idea of digital transactions was not her comfort zone, but today, Ashaben proudly uses her QR code, enabling cashless transactions and making her business more accessible to urban buyers.