“I used to earn around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 a month. But now I earn Rs. 30,000 a month!” Here’s how she did it.
Usha, a 40-year-old woman with a PUC education, resides in Vijayapura village in Bangalore Rural. She lives with her husband, who works as a welder, and their two children. Usha ran a petty shop, but it was more of a side activity than a full-fledged business. She opened the shop only from 6 AM to 8 AM, spending the rest of her time at home, looking after her kids. 'I never really focused on the shop,' Usha admitted. 'It was just something I did on the side.'
Usha's life took a significant turn when she heard about Buzz Women through Gelathi (Community Anchor). In September 2003, she decided to join the Buzz Vyapar program. By January 2024, Usha had completed the training, and her outlook on business had changed dramatically. 'The training was eye-opening,' she said. 'I learned how to invest, understand profits and losses, and manage resources.' Before the training, Usha's shop incurred her an income of around Rs. 500 to Rs.1,000 a month. She recalled, ”I didn't spend much time in the shop, so it wasn't running well.”
However, the training inspired her to revamp her business. She took a loan of Rs. 1 lakh from the Sangha and invested it in her shop. “I started dedicating more time to the business,” Usha explained. “I wanted to make it successful.” The results were astounding. Usha's income skyrocketed to an average of Rs. 30,000 per month, with a profit of Rs. 16,000. “The training taught me how to set goals and seek opportunities,” she said. ”I started catering to the needs of women, men, and kids in my shop.” The location of her shop, near a convention hall, also helped. “People coming to the convention hall would stop by my shop for tea and other small purchases,” she added.
Usha's newfound confidence was evident in her interactions with customers. “I used to be very inaudible,”she admitted. ”But now, I speak clearly and confidently. I've improved my communication skills and grasping abilities.” Her husband noticed the change too. “He's very happy with my transformation,” Usha said. ”He's glad that I've become independent.”
Usha's success didn't just benefit her family; it also inspired other women in her village. ”I encourage other women to attend the training program,” she said. ”If I can do it, so can they.” Her future goals are ambitious. “I want to open another shop, but this time on my own premises, not a rental one,” she revealed.
Reflecting on her journey, Usha feels a deep sense of pride. “From having a petty shop that wasn't utilised well to making maximum revenue from it, I've come a long way,” she said. ”I feel so much in control of my life now.”
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