Head of the Department of Geography, St. Francis College, Lucknow, Manju chucked her job to involve herself in the traditional crafts. "My job as a teacher was satisfying but my time was never my own. There was always something - the Board exams, being on the ICSE panel or commitment to see my students through Class X."

The transition from a teaching career to running a full-fledged business was not too difficult a task for Manju. "I had an eye for colour, patterns and detailing." She would refer to magazines, and keep abreast of the latest trends.