In a quiet corner of Chennai in February 2000, Krishnaveni Bangara was waiting outside an operation theatre, her heart racing in anticipation. She wasn’t just waiting to become a grandmother; she was waiting with purpose. In her hands were two lovingly hand-stitched newborn kits—one in blue, the other in pink.
The doctor emerged. “Congratulations! It’s a baby girl,” she said, smiling. Krishnaveni beamed and handed over the pink kit, complete with a baby bed, mittens, cap, and soft clothes. It was a tender gesture from a grandmother. But unbeknownst to her, it was also the quiet spark that would light a new chapter of her life—as an entrepreneur.
A Stitch in Time
“The doctor noticed the kit and was amazed,” Krishnaveni recalls with a smile. “A few days later, the hospital reached out, asking me to create similar kits for all new mothers.” And so, Kitty’s Care was born.
What started as a loving gift turned into a venture built on compassion, practicality, and a tireless spirit. The gynaecologist, Dr Shantha, encouraged her: “You can do it. You are doing it.” Those words stuck with Krishnaveni.
Threads of Purpose
Today, at 78, Krishnaveni still wakes up before sunrise. By 10 am, she is working on orders for her business. She spends hours sourcing soft cotton, designing kits, and overseeing her tailors. From baby jablas and langots to mittens, socks, and baby beds, each item is made with precision—and love.
“Each kit costs about Rs 250 to Rs 350, depending on what the client wants,” she explains. “Hospitals often customise their kits, and I make sure to deliver exactly what they need.”
Pivoting During the Pandemic
Like many small businesses, Kitty’s Care was hit hard during the COVID-19 lockdown. But Krishnaveni didn’t let the challenge stop her. When her family asked her to stay indoors, she pivoted online.
“I didn’t know much about the internet,” she laughs. “But my grandchildren taught me. I started taking orders through WhatsApp, accepted digital payments, and managed my team remotely.”
Even after relocating to Muscat, Oman, she continues to run the business, coordinating shipments, tailors, and customer needs from across the sea.
A Legacy of Care
Krishnaveni insists on plain fabrics over printed ones—not just for aesthetics, but for safety. “It’s easier to spot insects or dirt,” she says. “My priority is that the babies are safe and comfortable.”
While direct feedback from parents is rare, hospitals regularly share their appreciation. “They say the kits are a huge relief,” she adds. “Many families arrive unprepared. These kits help them feel ready and cared for.”
Reinventing the Golden Years
Krishnaveni never set out to start a business. There was no formal launch or investment pitch. Just one moment of thoughtful preparation that blossomed into something bigger than she imagined.
Today, Kitty’s Care isn’t just a business; it’s a story of resilience, warmth, and reinvention.
To anyone who believes it’s too late to start something new, Krishnaveni has one simple message:
You’re never too old to begin again—and sometimes, all it takes is a needle, some thread, and a whole lot of heart.