Our Story Behind 'Thalir-LEED'
Thalir -LEED®
Dec 31, 2024
Discovering My Passion: The Story Behind 'Thalir-LEED'
For All the Guys Who Ask Me, "What Will I Become? What Does My Future Hold?"
I believe: "You never know what you will become until you try differently."
My journey stands as proof of this. I never imagined that one day I would become an entrepreneur.
As a teacher and philanthropist, I have always had a natural tendency to help students and spend time at NGOs. This habit began during my school days, visiting shelters for children, old-age homes, and orphanages like Don Bosco Illam, Anbu Illam, and various missionary centers around Chennai. I became a regular visitor to The New LEED Trust in Perungudi, Chennai, India.
A New Beginning
One day, during a visit to The New LEED to help students, I noticed that while the students were privileged in many ways, their mothers, who had been weaving for years, lacked access to markets to sell their crafts. My heart ached for them, and I decided to act.
This was the beginning of my journey into a "new life." Thalir means "new beginning," and my mission became clear: to create a platform for these talented but less privileged mothers to showcase their skills and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Learning from Scratch (2020-2023)
From photography and video-making to designing and catalogue creation, I immersed myself in learning new skills online. This journey led to the launch of the Thalir-LEED website, where I managed everything from product listings to Shopify integration and B2B platforms like IndiaMart. Each step turned me into a more creative person than I ever thought possible.
Exploring Crafts (2024)
In 2024, a friend’s father asked me, "Does anyone earn from crochet? Isn’t it a waste of time?" This question inspired me to dive into the world of crochet, macramé, dreamcatchers, resin art, and bead-making. I explored various crafts, including designing Mandala art, friendship bands, and fridge magnets.
These creative pursuits not only enriched my skills but also allowed me to experiment with materials like nylon, cotton, polyester, and satin threads to create unique products. I even surprised myself by learning to paint and design 3D models, further broadening the scope of Thalir-LEED.
From Local to Global Aspirations
Thalir-LEED’s journey has been full of milestones:
- 2020: Launching the website and exploring B2B platforms.
- 2024: Expanding our craft portfolio and launching on Amazon India.
Amazon has been a fantastic platform for us, bringing regular orders and motivating us to keep innovating.
By 2025, we aim to reach international markets, offering products that resonate globally.
Challenges and Opportunities
While I am proud to support 17 artisans, finding the right team remains a challenge. We prioritize quality and craftsmanship, and not everyone shares our passion for excellence. I’m actively seeking passionate designers, artisans, and volunteers who can contribute creatively to Thalir-LEED’s vision.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, I envision:
- Expanding our team with skilled and dedicated artisans.
- Collaborating with like-minded volunteers passionate about social impact.
- Showcasing our products on international platforms
Join Us in Our Mission
If you or someone you know is skilled, creative, and passionate about making a difference, Thalir-LEED welcomes you. Together, we can empower more women artisans and bring sustainable, handmade products to the world.
Thank you for supporting Thalir-LEED. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and impact—together.
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