“I feel I can now do anything I set my mind to.”

Vanita, a 32-year-old graduate from Dalasagere, Bangalore Rural District.. "I always wanted to do something for myself, but I didn’t know how to start," she confessed, struggling with her shyness. Her husband, an agricultural worker, was supportive, encouraging her to pursue her dreams. “I want to encourage you to be independent,” he told her, which gave Vanita the confidence she needed. Her journey began when she learned about the Vyapar training program/entrepreneurship training program through Gelathi (Community Anchor). She enrolled in August 2024, eager to gain entrepreneurial skills. She was keen on opening a beauty parlor as she had previously completed a beautician course. During the Vyapar program, she did a refresher course on beauty costing her Rs. 48,000 which she borrowed from her friend. 

Despite her hesitations, she found courage through the program and soon started publicizing her skills through WhatsApp and conversations with her neighbors. By November 2024, she began receiving calls for makeup services and started her business from home or by visiting clients. To fund her venture, Vanita needed an initial investment of 2 lakh rupees. She took a loan of Rs.50,000 from her self-help group, mortgaged her jewellery for Rs. 80,000, borrowed Rs.50,000 from her husband and used her own savings of Rs. 20,000. Notably, her mother-in-law, who had taken the same training (started sheep farming), was extremely supportive of Vanita’s aspirations. Their relationship deepened as they started discussing business ideas together. 

Through her hard work, Vanitha now earns an average of Rs. 80,000 per month. Committed to financial independence, she has already repaid Rs. 30,000 of SHG loan. Her husband, proud of her achievements, assured her that she didn’t need to repay him, considering it his support for her journey. However, determined to stand on her own, she has already returned Rs. 30,000 to him as well. Additionally, she cleared Rs. 48,000 borrowed from a friend for a refresher course. Now, she is focused on saving enough to reclaim her gold jewelry from mortgage in a single payment. Alongside this, she manages to save Rs. 5,000 in a chit fund to invest in the beauty academy she plans to start.

Her engagement with the Vyapar program further enhanced her skills. Vanita said, “I learned how to build a customer base” and this knowledge helped her improve her communication and confidence. After completing a Self Shakti by Gelathi /financial literacy program taken by Community Anchor in October 2024, she not only set financial goals of setting up a beautician academy and complete construction of her own house,  but also began tracking her household expenses, identifying patterns in her spending. This accountability led her to eliminate unnecessary purchases. 

As Vanita gained confidence, she was elected as a representative in local society elections, a role that allowed her to meet with other village representatives and advocate for her community's needs. “Winning the election was a huge deal for me,” she stated proudly, reflecting on her earlier shyness. Now, she helps connect her village with necessary government resources, reinforcing her community standing. Looking towards the future, Vanita aspires to start a beautician academy, leveraging her beauty business's success. She is actively seeking a space to launch the academy. Despite her new responsibilities, she remains grateful for the immense support from her husband and mother-in-law, believing that this encouragement was crucial in her journey. Vanita said, “I’m proud of how much I've changed and grown. I feel I can now do anything I set my mind to.”