by Sonja Kraft
Congratulations, you won the employee of the month award! How did you feel when you found out that you won?
Thank you. When Corban sir called my name, I was totally shocked. I didn’t expect that I would be employee of the month.
Do you know why you were selected?
Corban sir said that I did hard work.
Who is your favorite Bollywood actor?
My favorite is Salman Kahn.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is momos, any kind of momos. (Momos are delicious dumplings!)
What is your favorite color?
I don’t have one favorite color, I like bright colors.
What is your favorite machine at Purnaa?
While I work, I use the scissors a lot and I like them because I use them a lot. I really like the single-needle machine because it can do all kinds of work.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to spend my time with kids and I like to watch movies, love stories are my favorite. I don’t have kids, but I like to play with kids who are under eight. They are creative and they are true to themselves. I live by some kids and I used to teach Sunday school every Saturday.
Tell us about your family.
Two years ago my dad passed away, so now it is my mother, my brother and I. We all live together. My mom and brother are also working.
What is your job at Purnaa?
I am a designer assistant and a pattern maker.
What is it like to work in that role?
My job is to work on the customer’s design. I make the design that they think of and then send the sample to the customer.
How long have you worked at Purnaa?
18 months
What do you like about Purnaa?
I like that Purnaa says, “You can do it.” They support you to move up. When I joined Purnaa, I didn’t know how to do everything to make patterns or exactly how it works. So I have learned a lot from Purnaa, it’s been like a school for me. When I joined, I made a lot of mistakes because I didn’t know everything I had to do, but Purnaa said, “It’s ok. Mistakes are part of learning. You can do it.” They always say, “You can do it.”
What did you do before you worked at Purnaa?
Before Purnaa I worked in an office and also at a car factory.
What is different here from other places you have worked?
The difference is the people and how we are treated. At work, the boss treats us totally different than at other places. Here we are all the same. We have a boss, but the relationship between the boss and the worker is better than at other offices.
How have you changed as a person since working here?
I didn’t know how to work in garments and I felt like I couldn’t do anything and that I’m dependent on others and I’m nothing for anyone. But when I came to Purnaa that has totally changed. I know I can do it now and I am an independent girl. I use to think I couldn’t go after my dreams, but after joining Purnaa, I know I can.
What are some ways you want to grow in your work?
I’d like to be a good designer, pattern maker and sample sewer. I am trying a lot and working hard to fulfill my dreams.
What dreams do you have for the future?
My one dream is to be a good designer, a famous designer and help my family with my own clothing line.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Purnaa is very giving. They have taught me to give.