Shohista is a 40-year old woman living in the town of Istaravshan. She does hand embroidery, decorating pillow cases and other traditional items. Shohista has learned this craft from her mother when she was still unmarried.
Embroidery is labor-intensive work which requires full commitment. Shohista says that a woman without a craft is like a tree without fruit. And in order to fully master a craft you have to love your work. Shohista does embroidery for herself, her relatives and her customers in the neighborhood. She spends most of her time doing embroidery and taking care of her three children. She manages to do it all. Shohista has applied for a loan to buy a computerized embroidery machine and other sewing supplies.
Translated from Russian by Kiva volunteer Katharina S. View original language description.