Women living free & dignified

Your garment was carefully and skilfully made by an empowered woman. These women aren’t nameless labourers, they are like our sisters. Each have precious hopes for the future and fierce determination to provide for their families. They are empowered through a fair wage, safe working conditions and meaningful employment. They are gaining the respect of their families and community. They are living lives of freedom and dignity.

How we empower Holi Boli employees:

  1. We pay a fair wage.
  2. We train women in design, patternmaking and sewing.
  3. We teach women to make complete garments, building skills that last a lifetime.
  4. We provide stable, long-term employment with family-friendly working hours.
  5. We create a safe, respectful workplace where women are valued and encouraged to thrive.
  6. We help women obtain government ID cards and open their own bank accounts.
  7. We invest in leadership, technical skills and personal development.
  8. We empower women to build confidence, independence and brighter futures for their families.

Holi Boli Team

Ana

I had an interest in India and textiles for as long as I can remember. I studied Fashion Design in Christchurch, NZ and since then I've never stopped making beautiful clothing! Having spent some of my childhood growing up in developing countries, it was my dream to use my skills to help empower other women. It is my privilege and responsibility to provide a safe and caring environment for women in India. Their empowerment is my reward. 

Primila

I grew up watching my mum sew.  I am proud to be an independent woman who can support my family financially. I am happy to be part of the Holi Boli staff as I've got a new family here and I enjoy spending my time doing productive things. I get a sense of purpose doing this work at Holi Boli.

Sandhya

Since working at Holi Boli my personal confidence has grown so much, it is mind blowing to me. I feel really happy and comfortable at Holi Boli. The Holi Boli sewing house is like my second-home. I feel like I belong here.

Sasmita

I am married and have a toddler. I was happy to return to my childhood village to learn sewing and join Holi Boli. I am the breadwinner in my family and was fully paid throughout my pregnancy and time off. My family lives just down the road so my little son loves to come visit all his Holi Boli "aunties" several times a day.

Arati

My brother has a tailor shop so I knew a bit of sewing but I wanted to learn more. I cycled 10km's every day to get to the sewing class at Holi Boli. Then I got offered a job there - my family say that is success! I stay with my relatives nearer the Holi Boli house now. My family respect me more and I feel really happy and proud to be a seamstress at Holi Boli and learn international designs. 

Banita


Banita was a teacher at an early childhood centre just down the road from Holi Boli. She first joined our sewing course simply out of interest, never imagining it would change the course of her life. When the centre closed during COVID, Banita joined the Holi Boli team, where she quickly grew into a wise, capable and enthusiastic member of our sewing house.

Bindiya


Bindiya is a joy to have at Holi Boli. Always smiling, always willing to lend a hand, and always producing beautiful quality work, she brings a positive energy to our sewing house every day. After training at the Holi Boli Sewing School, Bindiya quickly established herself as a dedicated and dependable seamstress. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence make her a valued member of our team.

Jayashree


Jayashree first approached Holi Boli just before COVID, asking if there might be an opportunity to join our team. Although she had to wait for the right time, her patience and determination paid off, and today she is the newest addition to our skilled sewing house. Known for arriving early to help prepare for the day and always willing to support those around her, Jayashree is a true team player. She has quickly developed into a highly skilled seamstress whose dedication and care shine through in every garment she creates.

Babita

Babita is the Holi Boli Manager at our sewing house in India. She nurtures and leads the production team. Babita has a BA and before managing Holi Boli she was a manager of an early childhood centre. She cares for the wellbeing and development of people. She is a wise and great leader in every sense.

Lakshmi

I was the very first staff member at Holi Boli! I did a sewing class with Ana back in 2014 and then she gave me a job. I love working at Holi Boli, the environment is friendly and it feels so safe for me. I used to be a shy person but now I feel comfortable mingling with people. I am proud because now I can support my family financially.

Bhanumati

My parents allowed me to learn sewing at Holi Boli because the sewing house is just down the road from where we live. I wanted to learn so that I could get a job in a tailor shop - it was very exciting when Holi Boli offered me a job! I have learnt so many designs and am happy to support my family financially. I feel proud when models wear our garments and customers appreciate and support our work.

Asmati

I used to work in the paddy fields and do household chores. Then I heard about Holi Boli from a friend. My family knew that I wanted to do an indoors sewing job, so they let me go to the sewing classes at Holi Boli. I never imagined I could work as a professional seamstress. I am so happy to work at Holi Boli, it is a dream come true. It is a safe place and I am proud to be contributing financially to my family. 

Sanghamitra

I did the sewing class training at Holi Boli and then got a job at a tailor shop. But I wanted to work at Holi Boli so was overjoyed when Ana offered me a job. I am happy and proud to be part of the Holi Boli staff. I am saving my income for my son's higher education. 

Krishna


Krishna completed the Holi Boli sewing course before quickly demonstrating a natural talent for patternmaking. She has an excellent eye for the geometry and precision that patternmaking requires, combining technical skill with creative problem-solving. Alongside her patternmaking expertise, Krishna is a highly accomplished machinist with a deep understanding of garment construction, making her an invaluable member of our team.

Trupti


Trupti worked in early childhood education until her workplace closed during COVID. Joining Holi Boli meant learning an entirely new profession, and she embraced the challenge with determination, quickly becoming a confident and capable member of our team. Today, Trupti plays an important role in our quality team, helping ensure every garment meets our high standards. She is also a trained nurse, and we are grateful for the care, attention to detail and wealth of experience she brings to the Holi Boli sewing house.

Nandini


Nandini is one of Holi Boli's most dedicated and dependable team members. She approaches every task with exceptional care and precision, never compromising on quality. Her attention to detail and commitment to producing her very best mean that every garment she works on is crafted to the highest standard. Nandini's pride in her work and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of our sewing house.

Janaki

I am married with one school-age daughter. I am proud to help provide financially for my family through my work at Holi Boli. I love working at Holi Boli because I feel like I'm part of a second family here and everyone really cares about me. I enjoy learning how to sew new designs and love meeting new people. 

Women living free & dignified

Your garment was carefully and skilfully made by an empowered woman. These women aren’t nameless labourers, they are like our sisters. Each have precious hopes for the future and fierce determination to provide for their families. They are empowered through a fair wage, safe working conditions and meaningful employment. They are gaining the respect of their families and community. They are living lives of freedom and dignity.

How we empower Holi Boli employees:

  1. We pay a fair wage.
  2. We train women in design, patternmaking and sewing.
  3. We teach women to make complete garments, building skills that last a lifetime.
  4. We provide stable, long-term employment with family-friendly working hours.
  5. We create a safe, respectful workplace where women are valued and encouraged to thrive.
  6. We help women obtain government ID cards and open their own bank accounts.
  7. We invest in leadership, technical skills and personal development.
  8. We empower women to build confidence, independence and brighter futures for their families.

Holi Boli Team

Babita

Babita is the Holi Boli Manager at our sewing house in India. She nurtures and leads the production team. Babita has a BA and before managing Holi Boli she was a manager of an early childhood centre. She cares for the wellbeing and development of people. She is a wise and great leader in every sense.

Ana

I had an interest in India and textiles for as long as I can remember. I studied Fashion Design in Christchurch, NZ and since then I've never stopped making beautiful clothing! Having spent some of my childhood growing up in developing countries, it was my dream to use my skills to help empower other women. It is my privilege and responsibility to provide a safe and caring environment for women in India. Their empowerment is my reward. 

Lakshmi

I was the very first staff member at Holi Boli! I did a sewing class with Ana back in 2014 and then she gave me a job. I love working at Holi Boli, the environment is friendly and it feels so safe for me. I used to be a shy person but now I feel comfortable mingling with people. I am proud because now I can support my family financially.

Primila

I grew up watching my mum sew.  I am proud to be an independent woman who can support my family financially. I am happy to be part of the Holi Boli staff as I've got a new family here and I enjoy spending my time doing productive things. I get a sense of purpose doing this work at Holi Boli.

Bhanumati

My parents allowed me to learn sewing at Holi Boli because the sewing house is just down the road from where we live. I wanted to learn so that I could get a job in a tailor shop - it was very exciting when Holi Boli offered me a job! I have learnt so many designs and am happy to support my family financially. I feel proud when models wear our garments and customers appreciate and support our work.

Sandhya

Since working at Holi Boli my personal confidence has grown so much, it is mind blowing to me. I feel really happy and comfortable at Holi Boli. The Holi Boli sewing house is like my second-home. I feel like I belong here.

Asmati

I used to work in the paddy fields and do household chores. Then I heard about Holi Boli from a friend. My family knew that I wanted to do an indoors sewing job, so they let me go to the sewing classes at Holi Boli. I never imagined I could work as a professional seamstress. I am so happy to work at Holi Boli, it is a dream come true. It is a safe place and I am proud to be contributing financially to my family. 

Sasmita

I am married and have a toddler. I was happy to return to my childhood village to learn sewing and join Holi Boli. I am the breadwinner in my family and was fully paid throughout my pregnancy and time off. My family lives just down the road so my little son loves to come visit all his Holi Boli "aunties" several times a day.

Sanghamitra

I did the sewing class training at Holi Boli and then got a job at a tailor shop. But I wanted to work at Holi Boli so was overjoyed when Ana offered me a job. I am happy and proud to be part of the Holi Boli staff. I am saving my income for my son's higher education. 

Arati

My brother has a tailor shop so I knew a bit of sewing but I wanted to learn more. I cycled 10km's every day to get to the sewing class at Holi Boli. Then I got offered a job there - my family say that is success! I stay with my relatives nearer the Holi Boli house now. My family respect me more and I feel really happy and proud to be a seamstress at Holi Boli and learn international designs. 

Krishna


Krishna completed the Holi Boli sewing course before quickly demonstrating a natural talent for patternmaking. She has an excellent eye for the geometry and precision that patternmaking requires, combining technical skill with creative problem-solving. Alongside her patternmaking expertise, Krishna is a highly accomplished machinist with a deep understanding of garment construction, making her an invaluable member of our team.

Banita


Banita was a teacher at an early childhood centre just down the road from Holi Boli. She first joined our sewing course simply out of interest, never imagining it would change the course of her life. When the centre closed during COVID, Banita joined the Holi Boli team, where she quickly grew into a wise, capable and enthusiastic member of our sewing house.

Trupti


Trupti worked in early childhood education until her workplace closed during COVID. Joining Holi Boli meant learning an entirely new profession, and she embraced the challenge with determination, quickly becoming a confident and capable member of our team. Today, Trupti plays an important role in our quality team, helping ensure every garment meets our high standards. She is also a trained nurse, and we are grateful for the care, attention to detail and wealth of experience she brings to the Holi Boli sewing house.

Bindiya


Bindiya is a joy to have at Holi Boli. Always smiling, always willing to lend a hand, and always producing beautiful quality work, she brings a positive energy to our sewing house every day. After training at the Holi Boli Sewing School, Bindiya quickly established herself as a dedicated and dependable seamstress. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence make her a valued member of our team.

Nandini


Nandini is one of Holi Boli's most dedicated and dependable team members. She approaches every task with exceptional care and precision, never compromising on quality. Her attention to detail and commitment to producing her very best mean that every garment she works on is crafted to the highest standard. Nandini's pride in her work and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of our sewing house.

Jayashree


Jayashree first approached Holi Boli just before COVID, asking if there might be an opportunity to join our team. Although she had to wait for the right time, her patience and determination paid off, and today she is the newest addition to our skilled sewing house. Known for arriving early to help prepare for the day and always willing to support those around her, Jayashree is a true team player. She has quickly developed into a highly skilled seamstress whose dedication and care shine through in every garment she creates.

Janaki

I am married with one school-age daughter. I am proud to help provide financially for my family through my work at Holi Boli. I love working at Holi Boli because I feel like I'm part of a second family here and everyone really cares about me. I enjoy learning how to sew new designs and love meeting new people.