Kamalamma : Age: 65 years
Kamalamma, a talented weaver hailing from the weaving community, brings a rich legacy of craftsmanship to Amsu. At the age of 65, she embodies the wisdom and experience gained through her lifelong dedication to the art of weaving. With her shy demeanor and warm smile, Kamalamma's presence radiates humility and grace.
Growing up in the remote village of Thotavaripalem in South India, Kamalamma learned the intricacies of weaving from her parents, who passed down the ancestral skills. In her prime, she wove exquisite silk sarees, captivating all who beheld them. However, as age caught up with her, she found it challenging to maintain the same level of precision, which led to rejections from master weavers in the village.
Facing adversity, Kamalamma courageously embarked on a new path, taking on menial jobs like washing utensils in a small hotel to make ends meet. But fate had a different plan in store for her. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, leaving Kamalamma without a job and uncertain about her future.
Simultaneously, Amsu, in its pursuit of independent weavers, discovered Kamalamma's remarkable talent. Determined to empower her and revive the traditional art of handlooms, Amsu extended a helping hand. They assisted Kamalamma in repairing her old loom, enabling her to reignite her passion and craftsmanship.
During the lockdown, with an abundance of yarn and limited resources available, Amsu entrusted Kamalamma with weaving plain white fabric. Little did they know that this would mark the beginning of a significant milestone. The shirts created from Kamalamma's handwoven fabric were aptly named "Honest White shirts," reflecting the integrity and authenticity of her work.
Kamalamma's collaboration with Amsu as their first weaver from the village forged a bond built on trust and mutual respect. Her dedication to the craft and the exceptional quality of her weavings inspired other elderly weavers to join Amsu's mission. For the past three years, Kamalamma has been an integral part of the Amsu family, infusing each fabric with her love for the profession.
Subbarayudu : Age: 55 years
Subbarayudu is a remarkable individual who plays a vital role in the weaving community of Thotavaripalem. He is the second weaver to join Amsu and the one who introduced us to Kamalamma, our first weaver. With a spiritual nature and a strong work ethic, Subbarayudu oversees all the weaving activities in the village on behalf of Amsu.
His responsibilities extend far beyond operating the loom. Subbarayudu takes charge of repairing and maintaining the looms, coordinating the dyeing process, and procuring local yarn. His expertise and dedication enable him to experiment with different weaving techniques and structures, creating new and unique fabrics for Amsu. He is the backbone of fabric production, ensuring that Amsu's designs come to life on the handloom.
With four decades of experience in the weaving industry, Subbarayudu is highly respected within his community and village. His knowledge and reputation make him an invaluable asset to Amsu. He actively assists in selecting and evaluating new weavers for Amsu, ensuring their quality and authenticity. Subbarayudu's expertise in assessing a weaver's skill and genuineness greatly contributes to expanding Amsu's network of artisans in the village.
Beyond his weaving expertise, Subbarayudu also coordinates all the pre-loom processes, ensuring that everything is in place for a seamless production workflow. His attention to detail and meticulous approach ensure that Amsu receives the finest handwoven fabrics for its garments.
Subbarayudu's dedication, skill, and community involvement make him an integral part of Amsu's mission to preserve traditional handloom weaving and support the livelihoods of artisans. His contributions play a significant role in Amsu's success and the beautiful fabrics they produce.
AMSU WEAVES
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