How a 78-Year-Old Grandma Built a Thriving Babywear Brand: Started With Love, Sustained by Passion

It was a warm February morning in 2000 when Krishnaveni Bangara stood anxiously outside a private hospital's operation theatre in Chennai. In her arms, two neatly stitched newborn clothing kits — one pink, one blue — awaited the new arrival.

"Congratulations! It’s a girl," the doctor announced.

That moment of love and readiness became the quiet origin story of Kitty’s Care, a newborn apparel venture that continues to thrive even 24 years later, run by Krishnaveni, now 78 years old. What began with a baby bed and mittens stitched for her grandchild soon evolved into a lifeline for new mothers and hospitals across Chennai and Hyderabad.

From Grandma to Entrepreneur: The Accidental Beginning

"The doctor was really impressed with what I’d prepared. She said, 'Why don’t you make this for others too?' That’s how it started," recalls Krishnaveni, now settled in Muscat but still very much in charge of her beloved venture.

Within days, the hospital approached her to supply similar kits to all new mothers. From then on, she dedicated herself to creating essential babywear — mittens, caps, jablas, langots, bibs, and soft baby beds — with utmost care and quality.

"I didn’t plan a business. I just loved what I was doing," she says with a smile.

Building a Routine, Stitch by Stitch

Her daily life became a disciplined blend of homemaking and entrepreneurship. Waking up at 5 am, she completed her chores and by 10 am, shifted into business mode. She coordinated with tailors, cut fabric, and managed orders herself.

"Each kit was customisable. Some clients preferred microfibre towels, others wanted traditional cotton. Kits ranged from Rs 250 to Rs 350, depending on what was inside," she explains.

COVID-19 Was a Pause, Not a Stop

When the pandemic hit, Krishnaveni’s daughter and grandkids asked her to stay indoors. But the 70-something wasn’t ready to give up just yet.

"That's when I went online," she laughs. With guidance from her grandchildren, she set up Kitty’s Care for digital orders, accepted online payments, and coordinated remote stitching with her team of tailors.

"Learning online payments and remote working at my age? It was tough, but I managed," she says proudly.

Running a Chennai Business from Muscat

Even after moving to Oman to be with her family, Krishnaveni has continued operations remotely. With a strong local network, trusted tailors, and loyal hospital clients, she’s been able to sustain Kitty’s Care from afar.

"Thanks to the pandemic, I now know I can run Kitty’s Care from anywhere," she adds.

Why Kitty’s Care Still Matters

Krishnaveni’s kits aren’t just convenient; they’re deeply thoughtful. She insists on using plain cloth instead of printed designs. "It helps spot insects or dirt easily. It’s safer for the baby," she explains.

Hospitals often relay feedback from new parents, and Krishnaveni tweaks her offerings accordingly. "Most families come unprepared. A newborn kit makes a real difference. That’s what keeps me going," she says.

A Story That Inspires at Any Age

Kitty’s Care has empowered Krishnaveni financially and emotionally, giving her purpose and independence well into her 70s. It’s also a reminder that passion, not planning, is often the true seed of success.

"If I can do this at my age, anyone can start something new. You just have to love what you do," she says.