Jaymaaruthy Handloom Weavers Producer Company Limited

Up here in Athikattanoor, near Tharamangalam, a few of us got together to form Jaymaaruthy Handloom Weavers Producer Company Limited. It’s basically a way for local weavers in the Omalur area to work as one group instead of everyone struggling on their own. We are based out of a small place in Kattu Valavu. Handloom work is not fast, and it takes a lot of patience, which most young people don't have these days. We spend our days at the looms, crossing threads and making sure the patterns come out right. It’s quiet work mostly, except for the rhythmic sound of the wooden frames moving back and forth. Our address is 4/5-187-1, and it’s not the easiest place to find if you aren't from around here. We don't have a big corporate team or anyone in suits; it is just us, the people who actually do the weaving. Sometimes the yarn prices go up and it makes things difficult, but we manage by sticking together as a producer company. The lighting in the shed isn't always perfect, but we know our craft well enough to work through it. It's a traditional way of living that we are trying to keep going in this part of Tamil Nadu. We don’t do much advertising because our work usually speaks for itself among the people who buy from us. It is just honest labor and keeping the old ways alive.