At 59, when many consider slowing down and accepting a laid-back lifestyle, Kokila K took a leap of faith that would redefine her journey and leave a lasting impact. Hailing from Walajapet, Tamil Nadu, she founded Woodbee Toys in 2020, a company dedicated to creating non-toxic, sustainable wooden toys for children.

The conversation with Kokila taught me one of the best lessons— to do what you do with purpose, goodwill and determination. Despite the challenges she’s faced, she speaks about her journey with such ease, as if it’s just another part of life. What stands out most is how she focuses on what lies ahead, letting go of past hardships—a mindset many of us aspire to but often find difficult to practice.

Right from the beginning, it was easy to feel her passion for her work and the deep support of her family. Kokila’s belief that it’s never too late to start something meaningful will make you realise that age is just a number, and persistence is a power that doesn’t fade with time.

Losing her husband at 42

Born into a large family with five siblings, Kokila completed her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and secured a stable government position as a Junior Telecom Officer in the Department of Telecommunications.

Her life took an unexpected turn at the age of 35 when her husband was diagnosed with a lung tumour caused by prolonged exposure to pesticides. “He was a pesticide distributor and also provided fumigation services, specifically for termite control in buildings,” says Kokila.

Fumigation is a method of pest control or the removal of harmful microorganisms by filling an area with gaseous pesticides, or fumigants, to suffocate or poison the pests within. It is used to control pests in buildings (structural fumigation), soil, grain, and produce.

As part of the export process for these companies, wooden containers used for packaging needed to be fumigated to prevent the spread of pests. “Since SIPCOT was nearby, he conducted these fumigation services at that location,” she adds.

Despite seven years of treatment, she lost her husband at 42, leaving her to support three sons, with the eldest just entering college.

Earning a meagre Rs 200 a month

The financial strain of medical expenses left Kokila nearly penniless, with her salary barely covering the family’s needs. “In the month when my husband passed away, the salary that I had in hand was just Rs 200, post loans and tax deductions,” Kokila recalls.

Determined to provide for her children, she stepped into her late husband’s business of pesticide fumigation and wooden box supply. “My eldest son was my right hand and very supportive at that point. He gave me motivation to take up his father’s business,” Kokila says.

“We did that only for a year and a half and decided to not get associated with pesticides as that........

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