Some individuals overcome tremendous adversity to prove their resilience. Kokila K from Tamil Nadu is a remarkable example of this. After the untimely death of her husband, she not only took on the responsibility of caring for her family but also built a thriving business from the ground up. Today, her venture, Woodbee Toys, generates a monthly revenue of Rs 20-30 lakh. Let’s read her inspirational journey and the remarkable steps she took to transform her life.

Kokila 's background

Kokila K hails from Valajapeta, Tamil Nadu, and was born into a middle-class family. She completed a BSc in Mathematics and later secured a government job. Kokila married a pesticide distributor, and together they built a life. However, life took a dramatic turn when, at 35, her husband developed a lung tumour due to prolonged exposure to pesticides and fumigation. After seven years of battling the illness, he passed away at the age of 42. In an instant, Kokila found herself solely responsible for their three sons, and the mounting medical expenses left her financially devastated.

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Starting the venture

After her husband's passing, Kokila found it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses with just her government salary. To provide for her three sons' education and meet the family's needs, she decided to earn extra income. This decision marked the start of her entrepreneurial journey. With no prior experience, she began supplying wooden boxes, a completely new venture for her. Juggling a full-time job during the day and running her business at night, Kokila faced many struggles, but her determination to support her family kept her going.

After years of hard work, Kokila's son, now grown, decided to leave his well-paying job to join and expand the family business. This move marked a major turning point in their journey. One day, while observing the market, Kokila noticed an overwhelming presence of cheap plastic toys. Concerned about the harmful effects of these toys on both the environment and children's health, she saw an opportunity. Determined to make a difference, Kokila decided to pivot the family business and start a wooden toy venture, aiming to provide a safer, more eco-friendly alternative.

Transforming the toy industry

Making wooden toys was no easy feat, especially with the market dominated by plastic toys, which were preferred for their affordability. However, Kokila and her family chose a different path. They focused on creating eco-friendly and durable wooden toys, prioritising children's safety and well-being. In addition, they empowered rural women by providing employment opportunities, contributing to positive social change. Despite facing numerous challenges in the beginning, their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability paid off. Gradually, their business gained traction, and Woodbee Toys began to grow, attracting more customers who valued both safety and environmental responsibility.

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Today, Woodbee Toys manufactures over 110 types of wooden toys and generates a monthly turnover of Rs 20-30 lakh. The company is deeply committed to children's safety, ensuring that all toys are made with non-toxic materials and natural colours. Kokila's vision of creating safe, eco-friendly, and durable toys has not only contributed to her business success but also helped build a brand that parents trust for their children's well-being.