‘I Started at 52, You Can Too’: How This Mom Overcame Self-Doubt To Build ‘Tohfa’ & Earn Lakhs

Manjusha Javier didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur at 52. But when life threw her a curveball — a job loss in the middle of her career — she picked up a familiar tool from her youth: her sewing machine. That simple step led to the birth of Tohfa, a handcrafted brand that today brings in lakhs of rupees and joy to hundreds of customers across India.

Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to start over — and that experience, creativity, and courage can be the perfect recipe for success.

A Dream Delayed, Not Denied

Growing up, Manjusha always found comfort in fabric and thread. “I loved stitching as a young girl,” she recalls. “But life happened — marriage, kids, responsibilities. That passion took a back seat.”

After working for years in a desk job to support her family, she was laid off unexpectedly. For many, this could have been the end of the road. For Manjusha, it was a turning point.

With no income and plenty of self-doubt, she looked to her old sewing machine — stored away but not forgotten.

From One Bag to a Brand

Her first product was a simple tote bag stitched from leftover fabric. She posted a picture of it on Facebook, more out of curiosity than expectation. To her surprise, it received several compliments and even a couple of orders.

That small boost of confidence was all she needed.

Soon, she began creating more bags — clutches, totes, potlis, pouches — each one hand-stitched with love and finished with personalized details. She named her brand Tohfa — meaning “gift” — because each piece felt like a gift from her heart to the customer.

Tohfa Takes Off

Manjusha began selling her products online through Instagram and word of mouth. As orders increased, she brought in local women from her neighbourhood to help with stitching and finishing. In just over a year, Tohfa had not only become a full-fledged business but also a community-driven initiative.

“I didn’t start this to make a business,” she says. “I just wanted to do something meaningful. But when you pour your heart into your work, people notice.”

Tohfa now ships to customers across India and has even seen interest from NRIs abroad. Manjusha’s creations are often featured in exhibitions, local markets, and handmade festivals.

Lessons From a Late Start

Manjusha’s story isn’t just about entrepreneurship — it’s about fighting fear, shedding self-doubt, and trusting one’s inner voice.

“I was scared. I thought, ‘Who will buy from me at this age?’ But the response showed me that talent doesn’t have an expiry date.”

She credits her family, especially her children, for encouraging her to take the plunge and supporting her during the difficult early days.

What’s Next?

Manjusha is now working on expanding Tohfa into a full lifestyle brand — adding home decor, accessories, and possibly a line of upcycled clothing. She’s also mentoring other women in her community to build homegrown brands of their own.

Her dream? “To open a studio where women like me can walk in with a dream and walk out with a plan.”

Final Word

Manjusha Javier’s journey with Tohfa is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering joy through your passion. If you’ve ever told yourself it's “too late” to start, her story will change your mind.

She reminds us all: “Age is just a number. If you have a needle, thread, and belief — you already have what you need to start.”