Chennai: When News Today spoke with Marimuthu, who is 37 and runs a fibre work and flower business, at Ambattur in the city, everything about him was grand. Now do not come to conclusions, instead, read on to know better.

Marimuthu was born into a family which has been running the business for more than a century.

His father Munuswami is now around 100 years of age and he was born with 12 brothers, each of whom have their own business in many parts of the State.

“We have been running the flower business for more than a century. It was started by my grandfather P Pazhani and slowly it became a part of our family,” said Marimuthu.

When he was just eight, Marimuthu quit going to school since he fancied the family business. What started as a small passion then led him into the world of flower trade.

“My family comes from a farming background. We all have been into field work, literally, for generations. So, it only felt right to help my family eke out more profit, for in the business of selling flowers or garlands, the more the number of hands, the merrier,” he said.

Being an opportunist, Marimuthu has also expanded his reach and expertise into other segments as well. He is into fibre work and marriage hall decorations and now has a solid name in both fields.

Speaking about how things turned out the way they have, Marimuthu, said, “In my field of work, I learnt that we should not disappoint our customers. If we manage to complete the job and avoid saying ‘no’ to them, then they will keep us happy. Satisfying them is everything.”

Today, the unassuming person has around 40 people working under him. While it may seem a big thing for he has not even completed four decades of living yet, it must be noted that he started learning the trade about three decades ago.

He said, “Be it orders for marriage functions or anything, we have to be prepared nowadays. Customers are very knowledgeable and learn a lot from the internet. So when they come to me with new designs, we take it up as a challenge. Outdoing their expectations is the most difficult thing. But we do our preparations nonetheless.”

Marimuthu said making a name has been a top priority for him all this while. “It is only if my work is to the liking of people that I will get more orders. Also, it is about getting good contacts. If we have good contacts, then we can thrive in any business. Many of my customers have become friends of mine you know,” he smiled.

Asked to explain his business secrets, he said, “We need to be quick on our toes and take wise decisions. I personally do not like to mix work and family. Work is work.”

Marimuthu can be contacted at 9789873171.