Zakir Tailors

Started the shop at Sathi Society in Muslim Nagar quite some time ago. We are right here in Dharavi. It’s a busy place. Most days it’s just us with the machines running. People come in from the neighborhood to get things fixed or made. The space isn't huge but it works for what we do. Sometimes the street outside gets really loud, especially in the afternoons when everyone is out. We just keep our heads down and work. Dealing with needles and thread all day takes focus. If you are looking for us, we are in the lane that everyone knows. Some people call it a bit crowded but that's just how it is here. We have a lot of fabric rolls stacked up in the corner. Sometimes it gets dusty, but we clean it when we can. It’s a simple life. We aren't doing anything fancy. Just stitching clothes and making sure the measurements are right. Sometimes the electricity goes for a bit, so we wait. It's hot in the summer because the fans can only do so much. We know most of the people who live nearby. They stop to chat even if they don't have work. It’s how things are in this part of Dharavi. We have been in Sathi Society for years and don't plan on going anywhere. It is just a small tailor shop but it keeps us busy every day.