No Looking Back: Ritu Jhalani’s Journey from Classroom to Creative Enterprise
* Ritu Jhalani of Balasore Becomes Self-Reliant Through Tailoring Work •Provides Employment to Eight Within a Year
Balasore, 14/5(Krushna Kumar Mohanty) In the heart of Balasore, a quiet revolution is unfolding—stitched not with slogans, but with thread, fabric, and determination. Meet Ritu Jhalani, a former teacher whose life took an unexpected turn, leading her to rediscover strength through self-reliance and creativity.
Once a schoolteacher, Ritu left her job in pursuit of marital life—only to find herself facing disillusionment. After her divorce, she returned to her hometown of Balasore, carrying little more than resolve. What followed was not a retreat, but a remarkable reinvention.
Starting small from her own home in 2017, Ritu turned to tailoring—a skill she honed not just for survival, but as a medium of empowerment. Today, she runs her own boutique in the Mathasahi area of the city, where artistry meets enterprise. Her store, known for its custom-made garments, has become a source of income and identity—not just for her, but for the eight others she employs, equally divided between women and men.
The journey has not been easy. Before launching the boutique, she briefly ventured into saree retail, though family responsibilities limited her involvement. It was only after reclaiming her independence that she could fully commit to entrepreneurship. Her current business offers bespoke tailoring for women, men, and children—ranging from embroidered blouses and handloom kurtas to formal shirts and festive wear.
Ritu also sources and sells handwoven fabrics crafted by artisans from across India—Sambalpuri, Ikat, Ajrakh, Kalamkari, and printed cottons—all curated to meet the seasonal and aesthetic preferences of her growing customer base. The demand peaks especially in summer, she notes, when breathable, handcrafted textiles take center stage.
On average, her unit produces 30 to 40 garments a month, with orders coming in from places as far as Bhubaneswar. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper narrative—of resilience, quiet leadership, and belief in new beginnings.
Ritu Jhalani’s story is a reminder that where life presents barriers, it often also plants seeds. With courage as her compass, she found a way forward—not just for herself, but for others walking the same path.
