Abaya Traders

Our business, Abaya Traders, is tucked away at 2 Sivan Kovil Lane. It’s a narrow lane, and it can be easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. We mostly work with traditional clothing and fabrics. The building is old but sturdy. Inside, we have rolls of cloth and finished abayas waiting to be sent out or picked up. It’s a family-style environment here. We don’t have fancy office furniture; just some sturdy tables and chairs for the work. The lane is usually quiet compared to the main roads, which is nice. We have a few sewing machines that hum throughout the day. People from the neighborhood know us well. We don't spend money on big ads or anything like that. We just focus on making sure the stitching is right and the fabric is good. Most of our day is spent measuring, cutting, and packing. It’s a practical way to earn a living. Sometimes we sit outside on the steps when the weather is nice. We’ve been at this address for years and haven't felt the need to move. It’s close to the temple, so we hear the bells sometimes. The space is filled with the smell of new fabric and sometimes tea when we take a break. We just do our work and keep things moving. It’s a small operation, but it keeps us busy every single day.