Slice Of Life: ‘I was content with just food when I came to city’

Chennai

I hail from Ambur in Vellore district. I came to Chennai at the age of 17 and started working in a lathe in Ambathur. I stayed in Ayanavaram and used to travel on a bicycle daily. Then, I started a cycle tyre puncture shop on the roadside. Earlier, many people used to travel on cycles and I had a good business. After it reduced over the years, I changed my occupation. I took training in a tyre shop for six months and started my own shop six years ago. I am married and don’t have children. My wife is also from my native and after marriage, I shifted to Villivakkam. When I started the shop, I was witnessing good business. Slowly, it has also reduced now. However, I earn enough to pay the rent and manage other expenses. I visit my home town during festivals. I am looking forward to going home in the Tamil month Aadi. I didn’t know anything when I came to the city. I was just content with having food and some money. Now, I am keen on updating my business once in a while to sustain it. That is the biggest lesson I learnt from the city. I ensured my shop has Paytm after the online payments became popular. It is important to make sure all the facilities are available for the customers.