1. We pay a fair wage

2. We train women in design, pattern making and sewing skills

3. We offer family-friendly working hours

4. We provide a safe, respectful workplace where women are valued

5. We help women set up bank accounts and obtain government ID cards

I had an interest in India and textiles for as long as I can remember. I studied Fashion Design in Christchurch, NZ and since then I've never stopped making beautiful clothing! Having spent some of my childhood growing up in developing countries, it was my dream to use my skills to help empower other women. It is my privilege and responsibility to provide a safe and caring environment for women in India. Their empowerment is my reward. 

I grew up watching my mum sew.  I am proud to be an independent woman who can support my family financially. I am happy to be part of the Holi Boli staff as I've got a new family here and I enjoy spending my time doing productive things. I get a sense of purpose doing this work at Holi Boli.

Since working at Holi Boli my personal confidence has grown so much, it is mind blowing to me. I feel really happy and comfortable at Holi Boli. The Holi Boli sewing house is like my second-home. I feel like I belong here.

I am married and have a toddler. I was happy to return to my childhood village to learn sewing and join Holi Boli. I am the breadwinner in my family and was fully paid throughout my pregnancy and time off. My family lives just down the road so my little son loves to come visit all his Holi Boli "aunties" several times a day.

My brother has a tailor shop so I knew a bit of sewing but I wanted to learn more. I cycled 10km's every day to get to the sewing class at Holi Boli. Then I got offered a job there - my family say that is success! I stay with my relatives nearer the Holi Boli house now. My family respect me more and I feel really happy and proud to be a seamstress at Holi Boli and learn international designs. 

Banita was a faithful teacher at our early childhood centre that was run just down the road from Holi Boli. She had done a Holi Boli sewing course for her own benefit previously. During COVID we had to return the land that our early childhood centre was on to the owner. Banita decided to join the team at Holi Boli where she quickly developed into an enthusiastic and wise member of our team.

It is wonderful having Bindiya at Holi Boli. She is always smiling, always helpful and always producing quality work. Bindiya was trained at the Holi Boli Sewing School and quickly became a dedicated seamstress at Holi Boli. Bindiya gets the job done.

Jayashree asked if she could join Holi Boli just before COVID hit. She waited for her chance and we are super happy to have Jayashree on the Holi Boli team. She is one of the most diligent ladies on our team. Always arriving early to help set up. A natural team player and developing some amazing skills as a seamstress.

Babita is the Holi Boli Manager at our sewing house in India. She nurtures and leads the production team. Babita has a BA and before managing Holi Boli she was a manager of an early childhood centre. She cares for the wellbeing and development of people. She is a wise and great leader in every sense.

I was the very first staff member at Holi Boli! I did a sewing class with Ana back in 2014 and then she gave me a job. I love working at Holi Boli, the environment is friendly and it feels so safe for me. I used to be a shy person but now I feel comfortable mingling with people. I am proud because now I can support my family financially.

My parents allowed me to learn sewing at Holi Boli because the sewing house is just down the road from where we live. I wanted to learn so that I could get a job in a tailor shop - it was very exciting when Holi Boli offered me a job! I have learnt so many designs and am happy to support my family financially. I feel proud when models wear our garments and customers appreciate and support our work.

I used to work in the paddy fields and do household chores. Then I heard about Holi Boli from a friend. My family knew that I wanted to do an indoors sewing job, so they let me go to the sewing classes at Holi Boli. I never imagined I could work as a professional seamstress. I am so happy to work at Holi Boli, it is a dream come true. It is a safe place and I am proud to be contributing financially to my family. 

I did the sewing class training at Holi Boli and then got a job at a tailor shop. But I wanted to work at Holi Boli so was overjoyed when Ana offered me a job. I am happy and proud to be part of the Holi Boli staff. I am saving my income for my son's higher education. 

Krishna completed the Holi Boli sewing course then quickly proved that she had real skills in patternmaking. She is a really amazing lady at working out all the geometry that goes into being a sustainable patternmaker.

We make our patterns the green way; by hand. This artesian way takes longer but minimises waste, reduces electricity usage and provides a superior, couture fit to our garments.

Trupti was at our early childhood centre up to when it closed down during COVID. It is really awesome to have Trupti on our team. She had to learn a new skill to join Holi Boli and she quickly adjusted and learnt the ropes. Now she is a valuable contributor to our quality team. Trupti is also a trained nurse. It is really wonderful to have her skill on board at Holi Boli.

Nandini is another super dedicated hard worker at Holi Boli. Nandini gets work to do and you know it is going to be perfect. She checks everything and is fearless at producing her very best.

I am married with one school-age daughter. I am proud to help provide financially for my family through my work at Holi Boli. I love working at Holi Boli because I feel like I'm part of a second family here and everyone really cares about me. I enjoy learning how to sew new designs and love meeting new people.