By Pritesh Kamble, Program Manager, Inclusion Unit
Supported by United Way Hyderabad
Sunny, a 19-year-old from Pune, is a non-binary individual who comes from a marginalised family of five: mother, father, brother, and grandmother. Despite societal challenges, Sunny’s family has always been supportive, encouraging him to follow his passions. From a young age, he wanted to become financially independent. Sunny discovered a talent for crafting handmade jewellery and other creative goods. Gradually, his hobby became a source of livelihood.
When he was studying in 11th grade, Sunny balanced studies with entrepreneurship, learning everything independently, from sourcing raw materials to crafting products and understanding basic business operations. Despite challenges, Sunny’s parents supported him financially and morally, helping manage both studies and business responsibilities.
Sunny explored these artistic talents by making handmade jewellery and other hand-crafted designer products, earning Rs . 3000/- a month. Though early earnings were not satisfactory but parental support helped him manage both school and business responsibilities. For Sunny, being a transgender business owner meant facing both admiration and criticism. Some people appreciated the creativity and uniqueness of the work, while others doubted or criticized it.
A major turning point came when Sunny joined CYDA’s business training program which is designed for the community. The program taught:
- Importance of location, capital, and financial planning
- Understanding risk management and cost-saving strategies
- Insights into banking systems and how financial institutions can support businesses
- Practical lessons on saving and reinvesting even small amounts
CYDA also provided a grant of Rs . 10,000/-, in which Sunny bought new raw materials, expanded their product variety, delivered new handicraft items and increased market reach.
With dedication and hard work, Sunny’s business began to grow gradually. The same creative passion that brought him joy now brought recognition, income and independence. The support and training provided by CYDA have made a significant difference in Sunny’s confidence and sustainability as a young entrepreneur. Today, he is earning Rs . 13k to 15K every month. Sunny emphasizes the importance of supporting queer businesses and organizations like CYDA, which empower marginalized communities.
