Mangaluru: A life-altering accident became the catalyst for transformation for Poornima K from Perabe in Dakshina Kannada district, who turned personal tragedy into a story of resilience and entrepreneurship through her initiative ‘Crochet on Wheels’.
In 2016, Poornima’s life took a drastic turn when she was involved in a major accident near Nelamangala while travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru. The collision between a car and a truck left her with a severe spinal cord injury, confining her to bed for nearly a year.
Long road to recovery
The aftermath of the accident was physically and emotionally challenging. Along with enduring intense pain and limited mobility, Poornima also faced personal struggles that led to depression.
“After the accident, I was completely shattered due to health and family issues. Physiotherapy slowly helped me recover physically, but crochet helped me heal mentally,” she said.
Her recovery journey was gradual. While medical care and physiotherapy aided her physical rehabilitation, she found emotional solace in an unexpected activity—crochet.
Discovering healing through crochet
Although Poornima had basic knowledge of crochet, it was during her recovery that she began exploring the craft more seriously. Using online tutorials, she refined her skills and gradually built confidence in her work.
What started as a therapeutic activity soon evolved into a creative passion. By 2021, she formally launched her venture ‘Crochet on Wheels’, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
Initially, she focused on simple wearable items. Over time, she diversified her products to include accessories such as earrings, coasters, and children’s toys.
Recognition through amigurumi art
A major breakthrough came when Poornima ventured into amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed figures. Her intricate designs and attention to detail quickly gained attention among customers.
Her 14-inch figurines of Lord Krishna and Lord Ram became particularly popular, earning her widespread appreciation and steady demand.
“I realised amigurumi had great demand. My figurines became instant hits,” she said.
Today, her creations include a wide range of products—from divine dolls and decorative items to sweaters and children’s wear. She noted that crafting an adult sweater can take up to 50 hours, reflecting the effort and precision involved in her work.
Growing customer base and new initiatives
Poornima’s products have found a growing market not only in the coastal Karnataka region but also among customers from other parts of the country. Items such as gifting products and wearables continue to see consistent demand.
Encouraged by the response, she has expanded her efforts beyond production. She now conducts basic online crochet classes, sharing her skills with others and helping them explore creative opportunities.
“What started as a coping mechanism has now become a source of livelihood and empowerment,” she said.
Recognition and achievement
Her journey of resilience and creativity has not gone unnoticed. Poornima was recently honoured with the Havyaka Shri Award at a function held in Bengaluru, recognising her determination and success in overcoming adversity.
Conclusion
Poornima K’s story stands as an inspiring example of how determination and creativity can transform life’s toughest challenges into opportunities. From being bedridden after a devastating accident to building a successful crochet venture, her journey highlights the power of resilience, self-learning, and perseverance.
Through ‘Crochet on Wheels’, she has not only rebuilt her own life but also inspired others to find hope and purpose even in the face of hardship.