Champuben grew up in Ugedhi, Nakhtrana Taluka. After marriage, she lived in Vithon with her sister’s family because her husband, a truck driver, is often out and her in-laws are no longer living. But five years ago she and her husband returned to their village Vandh. Since then, Champuben has worked with Kala Raksha. She learned embroidery from her sister at an early age, and sharpened her skills with professional work. But she reserves time for personal embroidery too. It is especially important for her daughter to look good, Champuben feels. And embroidery is better than ribbon and lace.

“If we learn new work, embroidery will flourish,” she says. Champuben is always cheerful and ready to learn. She has especially enjoyed learning to see patterns everywhere, and to translate these to her work.