Slice Of Life: ‘I am equipped to face any tragedy now’

My native is Coimbatore. I settled in Tambaram more than 27 years ago. I opened my shop in 2000 and it picked up well as there were a few educational institutions nearby. I could not take up any other kinds of jobs because of my health condition. My husband, who was a graphic designer then, suggested the idea of opening a shop. I found it interesting as it could serve as a way to earn as my husband had to leave his job. The area didn’t have many shops like that, as Tambaram was still developing. The situation has changed over a period of time. I started working when the internet and smartphones were not that popular. We had more work then. Now, tech-savvy students don’t really need our service. I used to earn about Rs 100 each day then. Now it is around Rs 1,000. However, the work is less stressful now as we have many such shops mushrooming in the neighbourhood. I worked hard and built my own house in the area. I have a daughter and she is a college student. I had certain ups and downs in my work life as my shop was demolished thrice, and we had to shift our shop because of many issues.  But, I have risen above all that and it’s running smoothly now. Though some tragedy or other affects Chennai every year, I can now face all odds.