28 Y-O engineer from Hubli started knitting during the pandemic to manage his anxiety - now makes Rs 30,000 per month from his hobby.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves struggling with anxiety and stress due to the sudden shift to remote work and isolation. Sohail Nargund, a 28-year-old engineer from Hubli, India, was no exception.

While working from home in Bengaluru, he found himself searching for an outlet to help alleviate his stress and anxiety. It was then that he discovered knitting through YouTube videos, and the rest is history.

Knitting became Sohail's go-to activity to help calm his mind and provide a sense of relaxation and focus. He soon started sharing his work on Instagram under the handle "@the_rough_hand_knitter." 

Despite initially feeling self-conscious about the gender stereotype surrounding knitting, he found validation from his father and support from his sister, which helped him overcome his fear of knitting in public.

Sohail's creations include a variety of handmade products, such as sweaters, beanies, gloves, headbands, and mufflers for women and babies. He tries to create unique pieces and spends months on a single sweater. 

His Instagram page quickly gained traction, and he started selling his creations, earning around Rs 30,000 per month.

As his passion for knitting grew, Sohail started a YouTube channel to share his knowledge with others. His channel offers step-by-step tutorials on knitting, with the aim of inspiring others to take up the hobby, regardless of gender. Sohail believes that knitting is an excellent outlet for creativity and relaxation and hopes to inspire other men to take up knitting as well.

One of Sohail's customers, Lakshmi B, praised his work, noting that the piece she purchased was unique, well-made, and smelled and felt good. While Sohail's brand is not yet size-inclusive, he hopes to expand his offerings to include bigger-sized products in the future.

Sohail's story is a testament to the positive impact that creative hobbies can have on one's mental health, particularly during challenging times. 

By breaking down gender stereotypes and inspiring others to take up a traditionally female hobby, Sohail is challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity. His focus on inspiring others, rather than solely on revenue or product sales, is truly admirable and speaks to his dedication and passion for knitting.

Furthermore, Sohail's story sheds light on the power of social media in enabling individuals to showcase their talents and reach a wider audience. With the help of Instagram and YouTube, Sohail was able to turn his passion into a successful business and inspire others in the process.

In conclusion, Sohail's story is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to pursue their passion or start a new hobby. 

It highlights the importance of finding healthy outlets to cope with stress and anxiety, as well as the positive impact that pursuing creative hobbies can have on mental health. 

Sohail's courage in breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity is a testament to his dedication and passion for knitting, and serves as an inspiration to all.