Andhra Pradesh Tailor Turns Shop Into Mobile Door-to-Door Service
SK Kaleesha, a 58-year-old tailor from Vanukuru village in Penamaluru Mandal, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, has gained attention for transforming his tailoring business into a unique mobile service. Instead of operating from a traditional shop, Kaleesha rides a custom-made two-wheeler equipped with a sewing machine, bringing bespoke dress stitching and alteration services directly to customers’ homes.
How the Mobile Tailoring Service Works
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Kaleesha starts his day at 8 am, packing his lunch and setting out on his modified TVS XL bike, which serves as his mobile tailoring shop.
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He visits customers across the Penamaluru, Poranki, and Vanukuru areas, offering on-the-spot alterations and custom tailoring for both new and old clothes.
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On average, he attends to four to five customers daily, charging between ₹10 and ₹200 depending on the complexity of the work.
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Customers contact him by phone, and he stitches garments according to their preferences right in front of them, which has made his service particularly popular.
Origin and Motivation
Kaleesha began tailoring in his late teens and has relied solely on this profession for nearly four decades. The idea for a mobile service came about 20 years ago, driven by the financial challenges of renting a shop and hiring staff. He initially started with a tricycle before upgrading to his current two-wheeler setup.
Impact and Recognition
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Kaleesha is the sole breadwinner for his family, earning about ₹500 daily from his mobile tailoring service.
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His innovative approach has been acknowledged by local leaders, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
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Kaleesha hopes for government support, such as a bank loan to add a protective shade for his sewing machine and to purchase a new machine.
Broader Context
Mobile tailoring and home-visit tailoring services are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, offering convenience and personalized service to customers. However, Kaleesha’s story stands out for its grassroots innovation and the way he has adapted to economic and logistical challenges.
“I only do alteration work for both new and old clothes of all varieties and designs, attending to at least four to five customers daily. Since I visit the customer’s doorstep directly, many are eager to redesign their clothes and contact me over the phone, as I stitch according to their preferences in front of them — SK Kaleesha2
Kaleesha’s mobile tailoring shop exemplifies how small entrepreneurs can creatively adapt to changing market needs and personal circumstances, providing valuable services directly to the community.
