The old adage ‘being creative is not a hobby, it is a way of life’ rings true for Kamlesh Kumar.
His creativity has given him hope on gloomy days and provided for his family when life sometimes becomes a struggle.
Kamlesh, 56, has been plying his trade as a forklift driver for decades and would only focus on his hobby of creating garden ornaments when he took time off work.
In fact, he acquired this hobby more than a decade ago on one of his trips abroad and the knowledge stuck with him when he returned to his Lautoka home.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Kamlesh used this hobby to earn extra income for his family.
“This has always been my hobby and it was not until the pandemic came that I made good use of it and I was able to earn good money from it,” he said.
“I have had clients these past months and I continue to get orders from people who love such creations.
“I did not realise that there are people who love such ornaments until I started selling them and I’m thinking of continuing this because it has helped me earn some extra income.”
The Wairabetia man said he was thankful the pandemic allowed him to rediscover his hobby of making colourful garden ornaments and he has loved every moment of carving them whenever orders come to his doorstep.
“I made some ornaments for my home and I have been making some for a few close families and friends and did not do much because I have always been working most of my life.
“When I started making and selling them these past few months, I realised that there are people who love such decorations in their homes. I’m glad I have been able to re-establish my love for this and I continue to make according to orders I receive.”
Kamlesh said a lot of effort was needed in acquiring these unique pieces of ornaments.
He said he put his entire effort into a piece when making an order for a client and a quiet and noiseless environment allowed him to put the perfect touch to an order.
He said he did not realise his unique creative touches until the pandemic hit and he decided to use them to earn more for his family.
“I am definitely sticking to these garden ornaments because I have found a lot of love in creating the unique pieces for clients who love them.”
