Through the collaborative efforts of United Way Hyderabad and the compassionate leadership of Pritesh Kamble, Director of Rainbow Roots Foundation, the initiative has created safe and empowering spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals to thrive. It is paving the way for a more inclusive and self-reliant future, where everyone has the right to dream, grow, and succeed.
Introduction
Shalaka 26, a resident of Warje Malwadi, Pune navigated her life with a sense of belonging to two worlds, the world of dance, where the rhythms of Lavani (Traditional dance of Maharashtra) and the make-up brushes in her hands allowed he to create beauty. As a third-gender individual, Shalaka faced societal norms that tried to limit her freedom and self-expression.
The Struggles of Living in a Boys’ Hostel
Living in a boys’ hostel was one of the most significant challenges she faced. The hostel, where she resided as a part of her college life, became a place of emotional isolation. Though it offered her a roof over her head, it often made her feel disconnected from the world around her. Society viewed her through a harsh lens and despite her inner strength, there were days when the volume of judgment and loneliness became too much. But Shalaka never gave up. She turned her small room into a safe space—a haven that she could call her own. Despite its limitations, the room became a makeshift studio where she would offer makeup services to clients. Her income, ranging from Rs. 3,000/- to Rs. 4,000/- per month, barely covered her needs. The financial strain made her dream of better makeup products seem distant and unattainable.
The Cycle of Doubt and the Courage to Dream
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As she struggled to make ends meet, a cycle of doubt set in. Despite her doubts, Shalaka was inspired by her dream of starting her own business. The idea remained in her mind for several months, fuelling her passion and desire to transform her life into that of an entrepreneur.
“Will I succeed? Can I make this work?” These were the questions that haunted her.
After a year of self-doubt, Shalaka decided to take the leap, realizing she had to take control of her own life story. She started reaching out to clients and improving her skills, despite her fear of failure, driven by the dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
The Turning Point: Discovering CYDA
The turning point in Shalaka’s journey came when she discovered CYDA, where she learnt to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. The training program she attended provided her with knowledge and skills that had once seemed unattainable. She learnt about branding, marketing, and financial management—key areas that would allow her to grow her business and increase her reach. Perhaps the most significant impact on her journey was the grant she received from CYDA. This financial support allowed her to purchase a professional makeup kit—something that had previously seemed out of her grasp. With the new tools and training, she was able to elevate her services and offer high-quality makeovers to her clients.
As she gained confidence, her business began to grow. Her income increased to over Rs.8,000/- per month, a substantial leap from the earlier days when she struggled to make ends meet. The support and skills she gained, transformed her approach to business and gave her the courage to step fully into her role as an entrepreneur.
Empowering Others: Giving Back to the Community
As Shalaka’s business flourished, she also found herself more connected to her community. Having faced the challenges of societal rejection and gender-based discrimination, she felt a deep desire to help others in the third-gender community who were going through similar struggles. Shalaka used her newfound position to mentor and guide others, encouraging them to follow their own dreams and break free from the limitations society had placed on them. Shalaka became a beacon of hope for other third-gender individuals. She shared her story and offered her expertise, showing others that it was possible to rise above the barriers and create a life of their own choosing.
“If you have a dream to do something big and different, reach out to CYDA,” Shalaka says with pride.
A Powerful Lesson: Failure is Not the End
Shalaka’s story has taught her an invaluable lesson: “Failure is not falling down. It is staying down.” Throughout her journey, she has faced many setbacks, but she never allowed them to define her. Each failure was a stepping stone that propelled her forward, and each challenge became a lesson in strength and determination.
For Shalaka, success is not just about reaching the destination—it’s about having the courage to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles that arise. Her journey is a powerful reminder that success is not a straight line, but a series of triumphs and setbacks that lead to growth and transformation. From her humble beginnings to her entrepreneurial triumphs, she has proven that with determination and the right support, it is possible to overcome any challenge and turn dreams into reality.
