Meet Laya Krishnaraj from Chennai. What began with a simple handmade Koodai bag soon became a much larger mission to create meaningful livelihood opportunities for women.

Through Koodai Kadaii, Laya works with women from challenging backgrounds and patients from the Institute of Mental Health, helping them earn through the traditional craft of basket weaving. More than preserving a craft, the initiative creates a pathway to financial independence, confidence, and dignity.

Her story highlights the value of handmade work and the impact that can be created when livelihoods are built on respect, skill, and opportunity. Today, the work of these artisans is not only sustaining a traditional craft but also helping women build better futures for themselves and their families.