A skilled sewing and pattern maker, Shashi joined the P.A.C.E. programme in 2020. She has learned many skills, including financial literacy, which has helped her improve her family’s future. She now runs her own boutique…

When did you first have dreams of becoming a tailor?

“I was born and brought up in a small town in Ghaziabad district Uttar Pradesh. My father is a tailor and I grew up seeing him making garments on a sewing machine. The coloured fabrics always fascinated me and I used to make dresses for my dolls from the leftover cuttings and my mother’s old sarees.”

Can you describe the challenges you faced as a woman wanting her own career?

“After completing my studies I got married and became engrossed in the day-to-day running of the household. I never had the time to think about my dreams and career. Living in Delhi, we found we couldn’t support the family on just my husband’s wage. I struggled a lot to provide proper clothing and food. I even struggled to send my two children to a decent school.

“I took a full-time data operator job to help make ends meet. I would wake up early to do household chores, wash clothes, prepare food for everyone and get the children ready for school. Once home from work, I would finish household jobs until late into the night. It was exhausting. I left the job after a few months because I wasn’t there enough for my children.”

How did you become involved with the Gap Inc. P.A.C.E. programme?

“After leaving the data job, I decided that it was time to reignite my passion for sewing. I applied for the self-employed tailor programme being offered by Apparel Training And Design Centre (ATDC), a vocational institute based in various locations. ATDC is partnered with Gap Inc. P.A.C.E. and training is offered to all its students. I started the programme and it became the best opportunity of my life.”

What have you learned by being on this programme?

“I have learned everything from communication skills to time management and financial literacy. I’ve also learned not to panic in difficult situations and how to control my emotions.”

How has P.A.C.E. affected your life? Aside from practical skills, how else has the programme inspired you?

“Since the P.A.C.E. training I have developed new sewing skills and have opened my own boutique. I communicate more effectively, both at home and with my clients and I have become more confident.

“I’ve started making financial decisions too. My family is more stable now and I think this confidence is all the result of P.A.C.E. training.”

Kelly Ye was a seamstress who started the P.A.C.E. programme in 2013. She has since gone on to become a P.A.C.E. trainer and now works in the human resources department…

Tell us a bit about your background? As a child, what did you dream of becoming professionally?

“I come from a small village in China. My childhood dream was always to work in a large company and became a professional woman. However, due to economic constraints, I entered the workforce after finishing high school.”

How did you become involved with the Gap Inc P.A.C.E. programme?

“At the end of 2012, I was still a sewing worker. I remember one day I went to the canteen after work and saw P.A.C.E. trainers sharing details about the programme, so I went right over and asked how I could join. They told me that all I needed was a desire to improve myself. I knew right away it would be a great opportunity, so I signed up without hesitation.”

What have you learned by being part of this programme?

“I have learned how to communicate effectively and how to solve problems I encounter both in my daily work and life. I have more friends, more confidence and I’ve become a lot happier.

“I never thought I would have the opportunity to learn and improve. I never believed that I could work in an office.”

What would your message be to other women struggling to achieve their professional dreams?

“Any woman who has the chance to join P.A.C.E should definitely seize this opportunity. Not only will they learn new skills and improve their personal knowledge, but this programme will help them fulfil their dreams.”