Chandraprabha Parihar Interview
Q. What does it tell you about who you are? How has your evolution as a crochet artist mirrored your own personal growth and mindset over the years?
Crochet has taught me that patience is one of my greatest strengths. Every beautiful piece begins with a single stitch, and that is true in life as well, there is no shortcut to creating something meaningful.
I first learned crochet as a young girl, but life became busy with family and responsibilities. When I picked up my crochet hook again in my 70s, I wasn't thinking about starting a business; I simply wanted to create. Today, seeing Nayher reach homes across India and around the world reminds me that passion has no age limit.
Q. Does your creative process change if you're making something for yourself, a friend, or a buyer?
The technique doesn't change, but my emotions do.
When I crochet for my family, I know exactly who will use it. When I crochet for a customer, I imagine them, I picture a newborn wrapped in a blanket, a child carrying their favorite blanket everywhere, or a mother choosing a gift with love.
Every piece is handmade by me, so I naturally become attached to it before it reaches its new home. That's why I don't think of people merely as customers; they become part of the Nayher family.
Q. Have you ever poured a tough emotional season into a handmade project? Did finishing it bring you a sense of relief or closure?
Absolutely. Whenever life feels overwhelming, crochet becomes my quiet companion. As my hands keep moving, my mind becomes calmer. Every stitch slows my thoughts and brings me back to the present moment.
Finishing a project gives me a sense of peace. It reminds me that difficult days also pass, just as one stitch follows another. Crochet hasn't removed challenges from my life, but it has taught me how to move through them with patience and faith.
Q. Does crochet naturally require 3D thinking, or does practicing it actually rewire your brain to see shapes and spaces differently?
I believe any art form trains your mind to think differently after consistent practice.
Crochet taught me to imagine how flat stitches will transform a simple thread into something beautiful. Over the years, I've started seeing patterns, colors, and possibilities everywhere. It has made me much more observant in everyday life.
Q. How do you handle having to undo hours of labor? Has this aspect of the craft changed how you deal with setbacks or mistakes in your non-crafting life?
Undoing hours of work is never enjoyable, but I've learned not to be afraid of it.
If I know something isn't right, I'd rather spend extra time correcting it than settle for less. The yarn can always be crocheted again, but the satisfaction of doing your best is worth much more.
This has become a vital life lesson for me: mistakes are not failures, they are opportunities to improve. Whether in crochet or in life, patience always yields better results than rushing.
Q. What’s your favorite book to listen to while you crochet, and what makes it a great stitching companion and why?
I don't listen to audiobooks, but I do enjoy listening to Shri Ram Katha and devotional bhajans while I crochet. Sometimes, I simply crochet in silence while chanting God's name in my mind.
These moments make crochet feel like meditation. The rhythm of the stitches, the peaceful words, and the quiet atmosphere help me stay focused and grateful.
For me, crochet is not just about making blankets or sweaters; it is a time for prayer and inner peace. I believe that calmness finds its way into every piece I create.
Bio
At 70, Chandraprabha Parihar’s life is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to rediscover a passion and turn it into a thriving venture. Her story shared by Humans of Bombay of swapping a life of quiet homemaking for one of creative entrepreneurship inspires countless others to embrace their dreams, regardless of age. Chandraprabha's love for crafting began at 14, when she learned sewing at school and created frocks for her sisters. However, her creative pursuits took a backseat when she married at 19.
The sewing machine was replaced with her children's strollers, and her time was dedicated entirely to raising her family. Despite the shift, Chandraprabha found ways to keep her passion alive. She taught herself crochet from magazines, crafting sweaters for her children and later for her grandchildren. But as her family grew up and her responsibilities lessened, she found herself yearning for purpose. Free time became a burden as she filled her days reorganizing cupboards and experimenting with new recipes. The turning point came in 2022, when her daughter requested to learn crochet. Chandraprabha spent hours making a bag, which amazed her family. The bag caught the attention of others, and soon, she received her first request to create a custom piece.
The satisfaction of delivering that product and the recipient’s joy ignited her passion for crochet once again. Chandraprabha began watching tutorials on YouTube, creating intricate designs, and in just a year, she had made over 60 unique products. Her work did not go unnoticed, and her daughter-in-law, Swati, suggested she turn her hobby into a business. With Swati’s support, Chandraprabha launched her small business, "Nayher." The name reflects the love and nostalgia associated with handmade products crafted by mothers and grandmothers in the past. Nayher offers crochet accessories and home decor items infused with the warmth of homemade care. Swati played a pivotal role in establishing Nayher’s presence on Instagram, sharing videos of Chandraprabha crafting her products and posing with her creations.
At first, the orders trickled in slowly, but the turning point came when they received a large order from Australia. Despite the tight deadline, Chandraprabha dedicated herself entirely to fulfilling the request, and her work was so well-received that the client reordered.
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