People often limit their ambitions — and do not actually unleash their full potential and do not explore life as much as they should be. Leaving a full-fledged career and great salary is not easy but as they say, ‘nothing comes easy’ when it’s about your dreams and passion!
Today I’m introducing you to some divas who decided to chuck their wonderful career to build their own empire and follow their entrepreneurial dreams.
Godavari Satpute
The ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ awardee of 2013 is the founder of ‘Godavari Akashkandil’, a paper lamp manufacturing business founded in 2009.
What she started with a meagre amount of loan taken from her relatives is now employing and empowering several other women in rural areas and helping them in becoming financially independent. Her company crossed the annual turnover of over INR 30 lakh in the year 2013.
Sobita Tamuli
This resident of Telana village from Assam is the brain behind Seuji, an all-women self-help group that makes traditional Assamese japis, manufactures organic manure, and sells them.
They sell Kesuhaar, organic manure, which contains natural elements like cow dung, banana plant remains, earthworms, and fallen leaves for Rs 50 per packet (weighing 5 kg each). Japis are traditional conical, wide-rimmed Assamese hats which Seuji makes as per an individual’s or an organisation’s request. They also sell them in neighbouring markets.
Kokila Parekh
When Kokila Parekh started her chai masala business at the age of 79, it was only a way to keep herself occupied during the coronavirus lockdown. Her brand, KT Chai Masala, has received more than 500 orders from Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Ahmedabad in less than a few months.
She and three domestic helpers handle her chai masala powder business. The ingredients include various spices such as dried ginger powder, cinnamon powder, pepper and cardamom, and the whole packet comes with a shelf-life of 6-8 months.
Harbhajan Kaur
When Harbhajan Kaur started her home-made barfi business at the age of 90, little, she did know that her business would be praised and recommended by Mahindra group chairman Anand Mahindra.
Her barfi recipe has always been one of the most demanding and tempting recipes among her family and friends, but she never thought to turn it into a business because her husband was against her working. But on her daughters’ suggestion, she started selling her barfi at Apni Mandi, a weekly organic market in Chandigarh.
“Every week, I make about 5kg of barfi or more depending on the orders I get,” says the 94 YO entrepreneur. “Who would have thought she would get so much success and fame?” says her eldest daughter, Amrit Tulsi.
Priya Sivaraj
Priya is a software engineer turned craftpreneur who is into manufacturing and importing craft supplies.
She left her corporate job to take care of her son after he turned three, turning her hobby into a profession.
“I am a passionate crafter, and I’ve tried almost all sorts of craftwork. At present I manufacture creative pieces under the brand name CrafTreat and export them,” says Priya.
She plans to make more innovative designs for Indian Crowd as well as for the International one. Her brand is also regularly featured on HOChanda TV, which is a channel showing international crafting brands.
In our series, ‘Passion To Profession’, we introduce one woman entrepreneur every week and share their journey, business, and goals. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories & email/ tag us if you want to share one! #PassionToProfession
Featured Image: L-R: Godavari Satpute, Sobita Tamuli, Kokila Parekh, Harbhajan Kaur, Priya Sivaraj