Some journeys begin not with confidence, but with quiet courage. Ms Bhakti Bharat Mahetar, from Phulewadi in Kolhapur, didn’t have perfect plans or enough money, but she had a dream. With a desire to support her family and build something of her own, she took the first step into entrepreneurship. Her journey evolved into one of resilience and progress, guided by the timely support and training she received through CYDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP). With the strong support of Coforge and the committed leadership of Bhagyashree Waghmare, Project Officer at CYDA in Kolhapur, women like Bhakti have found the confidence to grow and succeed.
The Early Days: Big Dreams, Limited Means
Living with her husband and two children, Bhakti managed her household with care and determination. Her husband worked hard, but his earnings were just enough to cover daily expenses. Bhakti wanted to contribute to both her family’s income and her own identity.
With a Bachelor of Arts degree and a strong interest in skincare and beauty, she dreamed of starting a beauty parlour. She began with a small investment of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 and opened a modest setup in her locality. She relied entirely on word of mouth to attract clients.
But the start wasn’t easy. Customer flow was slow. Competition from established parlours nearby made it even more difficult. Without formal training in business or marketing, Bhakti struggled to grow. Financial pressure and moments of self-doubt often made her question her decision. Yet, she never gave up.
A Turning Point: Learning Through EDP
Everything changed when Bhakti heard about CYDA through a local organisation in her area. She approached the team and shared her challenges. They encouraged her to join a three-day business training program under the EDP, held at Sadguru Colony, Phulewadi.
The training focused on fundamental, practical skills, including marketing, customer relationship building, communication, budgeting, and financial management. For Bhakti, it was more than just information. It was an eye-opening experience. She began to identify areas for improvement and strategies to move her business forward. Most importantly, it restored her confidence.
Growth Through Action
Bhakti immediately began applying what she learned. She improved her marketing, utilised local networks, and started engaging customers through more effective communication. She began maintaining records of her income and expenses, which helped her make informed decisions. She offered personalised service and educated her clients on skincare and products, which built trust.
Gradually, things improved. Her beauty parlour began serving 30 to 35 clients every month. Her income rose from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month. For Bhakti, this wasn’t just financial growth—it was proof of her potential. She also became part of a wider network of women entrepreneurs, exchanging ideas and experiences. This peer support helped her grow further.
Inspiring Empowerment and Transforming Lives
Bhakti’s journey is now inspiring others in her community. She shares her story openly, especially with women who feel held back by finances or fear. Her success has shown what’s possible when women are given the tools and space to grow.
Her family life has also improved. With a better income, she can support her children’s education and contribute more to the household. Her husband, once worried about the risks, now supports her proudly. Bhakti’s transformation from a struggling entrepreneur to a confident businesswoman reflects the power of opportunity and the impact of grassroots support. She gained the clarity and confidence to succeed—and became a guiding light for others on a similar path
