Introduction: A Determined Young Entrepreneur
“I had hidden from my family about taking a loan to open a parlour,” shares Lalita Bisht, a 24-year-old first-generation entrepreneur from Satoli village in Ramgarh block, Nainital, Uttarakhand. Her family only discovered her secret when they saw her photo on Udhyam’s poster. “They were initially angry but later told me not to do anything that would bring dishonour to the family,” Lalita adds.
A Journey of Resilience: Lalita Bisht’s Story of Chasing Her Dreams
Early Dreams and Setbacks
Since childhood, Lalita dreamed of becoming an air hostess. She even worked in Delhi during her summer breaks after 10th and 12th grade to pursue this goal. However, her attempts were unsuccessful, and she had to return to Satoli due to health issues. Shifting her focus, she decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree from Almora, catching an early morning bus and often walking over three kilometers to reach home from the nearest bus stop.
Discovering Her Passion for Beauty and Fashion
While attending college, Lalita’s interest in beauty and fashion led her to skip classes and work at Sringar Beauty Parlour in Almora, where she learned the basics of beauty services. During her final year of college, she borrowed clothes from a local shopkeeper on credit to open a small garments shop in her village.
Finding Support through Udhyam
While she was trying to establish herself, a well-wisher informed her about Udhyam and encouraged her to apply for their entrepreneurship pilot project. After successfully clearing several rounds of selection, Lalita received both financial aid and mentorship, enabling her to launch the Lavi Beauty Parlour in her village.
Gaining Confidence through Training and Mentorship
As part of the mentorship, Lalita was sent to Haldwani for two months to train at Volume Salon and Spa. This experience honed her skills and boosted her confidence. Meanwhile, at her garments shop, she would offer threading services to customers, which helped her build a loyal customer base for her new parlour. When she officially opened Lavi Beauty Parlour, her existing customer base ensured a smooth start, allowing her to repay the loan on time.
Expanding the Business to Meet Customer Needs
Thanks to her loyal customers, Lalita’s business grew steadily. Recognizing the increasing demand, she diversified her inventory at the garment shop to include woolen clothes. “This year, due to the demand, I had to keep woolen clothes as well,” she reveals, highlighting her adaptability and customer focus.
Acknowledging the Role of Mentorship
Lalita is grateful to Udhyam for providing her with the financial support and guidance she needed in the absence of family backing. “Their mentorship and encouragement made me confident and taught me essentials like identifying my customers, marketing, and bookkeeping,” she shares. The emphasis on building trust with her customers proved to be crucial in her business success and timely loan repayments.
Looking Forward: Ambitions for the Future
In the future, Lalita aspires to open a chain of unisex salons, starting with Nathuakhan. She is also training young girls to offer home-based beauty services for customers unable to visit the parlour. Despite facing pressure from her family and community to get married, Lalita remains steadfast in her pursuit of her dreams. “I will not give up on my dreams,” she asserts firmly.
Lalita Bisht’s journey is a story of resilience, determination, and courage. From her humble beginnings and initial setbacks to discovering her passion and finding support through Udhyam, she has overcome numerous challenges to achieve her goals. Her inspiring story is a powerful example of how perseverance and the right mentorship can empower women entrepreneurs to transform their lives and chase their dreams.
