Slice Of Life: ‘My wife supported me to start a textile shop after my 1st business failed’

Tamilmani R (30), textile shop owner 

It has been a year since I started a textile shop, exclusively for men’s wear and accessories. Due to the pressure from my parents, I did diploma in marine engineering. After completing the course, I joined a BPO company and worked there for six years. After that, I had an idea of starting a business and opened a restaurant. However, I was forced to close the restaurant in six months due to road extension work. I was completely down and could not focus on anything as I lost a lot of money in my first business. Then, my wife encouraged me to start a textile shop and also helped me. This business is doing well. There are several competitors in the locality. The sales depend on the quality of the products. There are also many online shopping sites, men usually prefer to try the clothes before purchasing them. So, online sites don’t affect our business much. As of now, my focus is to increase sales in the shop. I also like to spend time with my family and as there are employees in the shop, I am able to do it more.”