It was February 2000. Krishnaveni Bangara stood outside the operation theatre of a private hospital in Chennai, awaiting the birth of her grandchild. In her hands were two freshly stitched newborn kits, one in blue, the other in pink.

“Congratulations! It’s a baby girl,” the doctor announced. An overjoyed Krishnaveni handed over the pink set, which included a baby bed, a head cap, mittens, and clothes for the newborn.

Little did she know that this simple moment of love and readiness would mark the quiet beginning of a business that would go on to shape her journey of financial independence, while supporting hundreds of new mothers.

Now 78, Krishnaveni settles into a nostalgic conversation about her journey, her belief in self-sustenance, and what keeps her going even today.

It all began in a hospital waiting room

“It was the doctor’s recognition which gave wings to me and my business, ‘Kitty’s Care’,” she smiles.

After the surgery, Dr Shantha, the gynaecologist, called Krishnaveni in and asked her about the newborn clothing she had brought. “It all started from there. The doctor was delighted to see what I had done for my grandchild, and in just a few days, the hospital reached out to me to supply newborn clothing, as they were planning to give all new mothers the same kit,” Krishnaveni recalls.

© The Better India