I am from Bhilwara, Rajasthan. I came to Bangalore to earn a living. We don't have any source of income in our village. I came to Bangalore with a friend. My brother-in-law is staying here. He brought me here. It has been around 35 years.
I stopped studying after completing the 10th grade. After that, my friend and I started a CD shop where we rented out CDs, TVs, and other things. We ran the shop for about 3-4 years, providing services like repairing TVs and renting out CDs/DVDs. During that time, it was common for people to rent TVs, but our business wasn't doing well. We tried running it for another 1-2 years, focusing on DVD players and TVs, but the demand decreased. Eventually, the business failed because almost every household already had a TV and there was no need to rent one. After that, I decided to quit and in 2005, I started working in the mobile servicing field. It has been more than 15 years since then.
Before I started this business, I searched for a job and I had already worked in various private jobs at different places. However, I was unable to make a decision. I worked as a contractor in a private job. Yes, I had a supervisor who would call me at 5 in the morning and I would return home at 11 at night and then sleep. However, I did not receive a salary that matched the workload. I had more work, so I decided to leave the job after working for 3 years. The work I did was related to constructing structures in villages.
Before 2020, I was into the jute bag and grains business. Our grains used to go to the ITC factory in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Jabalpur, so our grain business used to work really well. However, when the government ended the mandi samiti, the business was no longer a priority for us or the farmers. We used to send our grains to Bangalore, but a farmer cannot do that. According to the government's liability, a farmer can also send their grains to Bangalore. As a result, our trading work started to decline. Jute work has been our ancestral occupation.
Yes, it is my family business. Then, we started the jute work at a higher level. Earlier, my father used to do this work at the U.P level, but I started doing it in different states. So, we increased the jute work. We had retail and wholesale for jute. Retail was less, wholesale was more. Axis bank was about to open here. They said that they would pay 1.5 lakh rupees as monthly rent.
I rejected Axis Bank's offer. Our caste is Kesharwani; we don't want to sit and eat, we want to work and eat. Even if it is 10,000 or 1 lakh, there is Shanti Puram area, which is a good public area. We have made a lodge of 42 rooms in the main Lucknow area, so we used to run both. Our monthly income is 1-1.5 lakh. We also wanted to earn through business. We will go out once a month and take the rent, depositing it in our Bank of Baroda account. Working by yourself is something different; it brings happiness and feels like we have earned it through hard work. That's why we rejected the bank's offer and started furniture work. We benefited from government schemes for our work, specifically the PMEGP scheme. The bank provided us with a loan of 25 lakh without security, and then we started our work and received a subsidy.
I decided to work here because my husband used to be alone. I had to come for support. So that's why I decided to work here. I wanted to open a parlor. But now he says that he is alone in the business and that I should take care of it too since he is outside most of the time, so I have to look after the shop.
I got married in 2011. I started my business in 2016. Initially, I operated the business from home. I specialize in selling unique products, specifically pure fabric clothes. I am the only one in the entire Pratapgarh region who sells pure fabric clothes. I exclusively purchase pure fabric and sell it. Additionally, I also buy designer clothes. Pure chiffon and georgette fabrics are not sold here. Only clothes from Surat are available. I source my products from Jaipur and Kolkata. Kolkata has pure georgette fabric, while Jaipur has the craftsmanship. I obtain my products from there and do not buy anything from Surat. Jaipur is known for its bandhani work, while Kolkata has pure fabric but lacks the craftsmanship. Jaipur specializes in handwork.
I came to know about Marwadi families here as I am a Marwadi, and we have a Mahila Samaj Samiti Sangathan, Khandelwal Samaj Samiti. We are all connected, so whatever happens in Khandelwal, the whole Khandelwal and people from nearby areas come. There are prize ceremonies for the women who work, and in that event, my name was also there. I am here as a woman who struggled for so many years, and I received a prize and respect. People also got to know about my shop, and more people got connected.
No, I wanted to do a clothing business only. My father told me this. You should see and work in a ladies boutique. People will connect more. I thought about being a teacher, but I didn't pursue it because my education was limited due to getting married early. That's why my father said this is good. My relatives like wearing nice clothes, similar to boutique style. So, in the beginning, I offered a wide variety of clothes. They appreciated whatever I gave them and encouraged me to start my own business. Yes, I provided clothes to my family. I ship clothes to Lucknow and even Bombay. I send clothes to Gwalior, Chattisgarh, Raipur, and everywhere else. I send clothes to whoever lives near my relatives and likes them.
I started with 20 sarees at home, and I used to call people and tell them that I had clothes from Kolkata. I would invite them to come and see. At that time, I didn't use online platforms, so I would just make phone calls. I had friends who liked wearing super net clothes, so I would call them. I had the numbers of anyone associated with the Maarwadi Sangathan, including my mother-in-law and my father-in-law's friends. I would call them and let them know what I had. When they came, they would appreciate my collection. Gradually, I started feeling more confident and decided to expand my collection and sell more clothes.
I don't believe in this (laughs). I don't believe in all of this. I feel there's nothing like a man and a woman. Whenever problems arise, it doesn't see anything. Money is the biggest thing. Every relationship is connected through money. My husband never stopped me. I go alone to buy clothes. In-laws told me in the beginning not to go alone. How will you do that? My husband told me to do it and be independent. He only supported and taught me. I didn't know about Paytm; he taught me about that. You should do it on your own, what if I am not there tomorrow? He told me that. He taught me how to withdraw money from ATMs; I didn't know all of this. He opened an account in the bank and asked me to do things on my own. Now I make payments online. Earlier, I used to take cash. He used to appreciate and encourage me to go. Do it on your own. Yes, my husband has supported me a lot.
Yes, in the beginning, my in-laws asked me not to go. They said, "How will you go alone?" My sister-in-law stays in Kolkata, so they asked me to stay at her place. She will take you there. So I did it. Nobody stays in Jaipur. I used to go alone. I got scared in the beginning, but I stayed and bought things in the hotel of my choice. I used to get up at 7 and leave by 9. The market opens up at 10. I used to roam in the market and see. There are problems, but I do it. I took the clothes on my own and didn't use transport for it. I have used transport to get my inventory, but I had a loss of Rs 10k as they used to steal it. I am not a big businessman. I started with getting Rs 1 lakh inventory. So I used to get it on my own in the beginning.
Actually, I work in industrial electrical. I deal with electrical related equipment in the factory. And whatever is needed in the industry, I deal with that particular thing. I also deal with domestic items.
No, I started this business; in my family everybody does the job. I used to do job before this in Domino’s pasta foods. I was working in Ashok Leyland first then I joined Domino’s pasta foods. Then I joined Hindustan Composites then I started up this business.
I used to work at Mahindra Finance, then at Pioneer and TVS Credit in Allahabad. After that, I started my own business in 2016. As my father was still working and my elder brother was employed as an engineer at Reliance in Mumbai, we initially opened the shop for my father to manage after his retirement. However, he didn't get involved in it. Eventually, I decided to leave my job and focus on my business. When my father was about to retire, he started thinking about what he would do after retirement and decided to open a shop. This shop is located within the premises of my house. After my father retired, he got bored within a month, so I took over the responsibility of running the shop.
Before this shop, I worked in the real estate sector. However, I experienced significant losses in that business, so I decided to quit and start this shop. Our previous company was called High Tech Infra Projects, and it had five directors who are currently managing it. I have resigned from my position and also transferred our land to the company. I have completely withdrawn from the real estate business.
I am the first person in my family to start a business, so I had to take more risks. I was afraid of failing, but I had faith in myself that hard work would lead to success. My family, including my late grandfather who was a railway officer, supported me. When I started, I had about 3.5 lakh rupees. I began from a small position with funds from my previous real estate job, which included a provident fund (PF) and employee leave travel (ELT) benefits. It was like having a job. Later, the Prime Minister gave me 8 lakh rupees and a credit card (CC), which I'm still using. I started with that money and my initial savings of 3-4 lakh rupees. It has been a long journey, but I'm still going strong.
It has been 10 to 12 years now in this business. I tried two or three other businesses before this, but I live here, and the market is here, and I saw some potential here, that is why I opened this shop.
The thing is, I have been doing business since I was a kid. That is why I like business more and why I opened this business. Yes, my dad opened a Kirana shop, and I used to help him in that business. That is why I like businesses.
I mean, you may face some problems because you don't have experience in the beginning. Then, you have to ask around. I mean, you have to ask other shopkeepers or other people whom you know and who know about this field. You have to ask them. I mean, like, there are some medical representatives who work for some companies. You come to know them, so I can ask them what I should use for what disease. Earlier, when I had no experience, but now I don't need to ask anything because I know everything now. I know which medicine to use for what disease and all.
I came into this business when I was 14 years old. My father passed away when I was only 4 years old. I was living with my uncle, then I started working with my sister’s husband in Tiruppur. My sister’s husband has a friend, who asked him to send me to his shop as he didn’t have any person for help. So I went there and worked there for 6 years. All textile shops. My salary was 1500 rupees first and then 1800 rupees, then 2500 rupees, 3500 rupees, 4500 rupees and at last 5500 rupees. Then I stopped working there. My brother-in-law told me that he will provide the money and asked me if I can run a shop. Then we started looking for a shop and started this shop. It has been 8 years.
Before starting the business, I worked as a salesman in the Gulf. I worked there for 10 years. I went there in 2003. I came here in 2013 and started a business. I had an idea to start a business as a family settlement. That's how it started.
We are from Kolkata, Kharagpur. My father retired from the railway service and we moved here in 1990. After settling here, we gradually acquired a house. My father retired in 1990 and has been living here since then. In 1996, around Diwali, I opened a shop. It has been 27 years. Apart from me, there were no other shops here during that time.
Actually, I had a college friend who owned a shop on Nari Road. I used to visit his shop because he was into marketing. I had the desire to do something, so we decided to start a business together. In 1995, we went to Delhi and spent around 15,000-16,000 rupees. We brought nail polish, lipstick, a rubber band, and clutches. There were fewer clutches, but I still brought a clip. Then, in 1996, I opened a shop in Kampti, Kanan, Bhandara, and other areas outside Nagpur. We sold everything we bought from Delhi there. This gave me the idea to start my own business. In 1996, I had saved up around 50,000-60,000 rupees. I noticed that there was always a large crowd at Gurudwara due to the two programs that took place there. I saw this as an opportunity for progress. At the time, Gurudwara was small and empty, with only my shop there. That's when I started my own shop.
There was a shop near my house, and I worked with them from 8th to 9th grade. The boss there encouraged me to pursue this opportunity because there is a lot of potential in it. I had financial issues at home. We were not financially stable, so I knew I had to work on my own. I realized that there is a good amount of money in this field.
When I asked my family members about starting a business, they told me that the decision is mine. They are there to support me, but I have to take charge. They believe in me and say that if I want to start this business, they are with me and won't say no.
Actually, I started this business in 2015. I have a job and this business is mine. I graduated in Computer Engineering. Then, I wanted to open a cyber café. I started with my own computer. I bought a printer and began the business. So, I have been running this business for 6 or 7 years since then. I worked hard to purchase all the products for this shop and I faced many struggles, but eventually, I was able to establish this business. My shop is running smoothly and I don't have any problems. I have a staff member in my shop who has been here for the last few months. His father is close to me.
I was doing the job in a Software Company in Kolkata before. MY father died at that time when I was there. My mother and brother were alone and then I came here in Durgapur. I have given interview in Kolkata and got the office in Durgapur Insurance Company. I came here and then I became Branch Manage. Then I thought as I have a space. I come back from the office at 5 or 6 pm and what to do then, I do gossip with friends only. So I have started the business as I can earn something. I am doing job now, and then for 10 years also, I have to do something after that. So this is my future plan. I have time off on Saturday and Sunday. During that time, I will be in the shop the whole day. I also have staff.
This shop is the wish of my wife. A girl can understand the best products for girls. So, she decided to open a ladies' corner. She did everything. She took decision on this.
As I took ownership of this shop... My English teacher constructed this flat. So, he informed me and told me to buy a flat. So, in 2011, I bought this flat. Then the flat remained empty for 5-6 years. I started running this shop in 2016.
I run a business, while she is free. He is a housewife. Previously, she was an employee, so she asked, "Why should I work under someone? I can do my own business since I have a shop. I work as a civil contractor.” She thought if she give time in this shop and open her own business she would get more freedom and get profit also.
I do belong to the business family and I did a job also. I could not accept the atmosphere of the job. If you have a bossy attitude, then you would have a problem considering others as a boss. I thought I could do this also. Then I thought of increasing the property and doing something in that regard.
I wanted to start a shop because I didn't want to leave my parents and go anywhere for a job. So, when I have a shop, I can stay with my parents and earn money. I feel the need to do something in life, and in the past, my grandfather also had a business. Nobody in my family has ever had a job, and my father has never worked for anyone.
My shop is a garments shop. I used to have a private job. It soon dawned on me that I could work for 12-24 hours and not feel happy. I knew that I couldn't please anyone by doing that. I thought that this would be a better way to make ends meet as one cannot live in today's inflation. You need to average about 600 a day. it is no use otherwise. Keeping all of that in mind, I opened this shop. I had a private job in the hotel line. I was a room boy. I worked as a steward. I used to pick up luggage for customers.
I am S. I have completed my Grade 10. After my marriage, it has been 14 years since I came here. It's been 2 years since we opened the shop. We already have a franchise that has been running for 8 years now, and I was taking care of that. So, in this line, there is no other shop like this with this idea. I started the shop here. On Sundays, we will earn about 30K, and on the other days, we earn around 20K. The franchise is locked because there is no one to take care of the store. We only open it in the evenings.
Before I started the shop, I worked as an engineer at Black Thunder. I was involved in hardware, video games, audio, and more. I completed my DEEE and worked as an engineer. Afterward, I had an idea to start my own business, so I opened a mobile shop in Tirupur, drawing inspiration from there, and eventually, I started this one. There are no business owners in my family.
I was interested in electronics and music. I have been interested in TV, radio, and amplifiers since I was a kid. Now, even countries like China are assembling amplifiers. Now, everything is ready-made. So, the mobile field started to grow in 2007-08. The first brand I saw was Intex, and smartphones from their brand were very popular in Tamil Nadu. Samsung was next, but it wasn't Android; it was called Tizen. My friends suggested becoming a distributor of Intex. We thought of opening a mobile shop for retail sales. I became the super-stockist of Intex, Fly mobile, Kate Touch, and Lemon. We supplied to Erode and all districts. A super-stockist means I received the products and supplied them to a distributor, who then sold them to retailers and finally to customers. I thought that instead of doing this, we could open many branches and engage in direct counter sales to retail customers. So, I opened 13 shops, and it was going well.
I am D. I completed my B.Sc in IT and joined my father's business. Initially, I received a job offer in Bangalore, but due to some health issues, my parents advised me not to take that job. Instead, we decided to start another branch with a different name, focusing on bath and kitchen equipment. My father has owned Kovai Lakshmi Grinders for 40 years, and this new branch is just a year old and is a recent addition.
My father gave idea to start a new branch with different name. I initially had no interest in entering this field, but my parents suggested that it's better to work in our company than for someone else. I entered this field because I aspired to be an entrepreneur from a young age. However, I didn't want to rely on my parents for investment, so I decided to work and earn on my own. I also struggled to find the right job. Eventually, my father stepped in to help me start a new business.
I am doing business in the shop. The kids are at home. My husband gets all the things required for the shop. I have been running this shop for the past 18 years.
I shifted to Tiruppur because business was dull in Trichy. Then we went to our village for nearly 6 months. Unfortunately, my father-in-law passed away. My sister-in-law was there, and we had to arrange her marriage. We were doing farming in our village, but there was no proper water supply, so agriculture was also affected. Therefore, we got our sister-in-law married, and we settled down in Tiruppur.
I started a grocery shop because I only know this job. I don't know how to do any other work. Since I got used to this, I continued with the same business.
We have to buy a bigger shop and increase the number of items. We were thinking of doing all this, but the business is very slow, so we left it. If the business improves, we can consider expanding. A new departmental store has opened nearby, and people have started going there. As a result, our business is currently very dull. We bought the adjacent shop to expand our business, and the owner was also supportive. He said we could turn it into a big shop by combining both. However, we need to benefit from it and not incur any losses. My brother used to work with us in the shop, but now he has pursued a career in the medical field. He is studying in Chennai. Otherwise, we were planning to open a grocery shop, but since he is now in the medical field, he has left this business.
I am from Tirunelveli, Sathangam. I am a farmer. I came to Tiruppur 30 years ago. I initially joined a company job and then started my own business by saving some money. I am now in a better position. I opened this shop 30 years ago. At first, I had a grocery shop, and then I had a bakery shop. Since I couldn't find manpower, I started a chappal shop 20 years ago. Now the business is declining, so I am planning to venture into another business. All chappal shops in Tiruppur are closing down. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven't had any business. I am planning to start something that is in demand.
In my family, all of them are involved in business. They have an iron shop, a grocery shop, and a departmental store. Most of them have come from a farming background.
I started working at the age of 13. I must have worked in at least 10 shops. I used to be in each shop for 1 or 2 years. I received training and then I started my own business.