By Pritesh Kamble, Director, Rainbow Roots Foundation.
Supported by Bajaj Finserv
In a world where identity often becomes a barrier rather than a strength, Prachi chose to rise above challenges and define her own path. Her journey reflects courage and an unwavering determination to build a life of dignity and independence. Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities, she transformed her struggles into motivation.
Prachi completed her Diploma in Pharmacy from Kolhapur and is currently pursuing her graduation in Home Science from Parali Vaijanath. From an early stage in life, Prachi faced multiple challenges in both social and workplace environments due to her identity. She often experienced judgment, bullying and discrimination. Many times, she was not given job opportunities and even when employed, she was not treated with dignity. These experiences could have broken her spirit but instead, they made her stronger and more determined to succeed.
From a young age, Prachi had a passion for creativity. She loved makeup, stitching, fashion design, rangoli and painting, but did not know how to turn these interests into a career. Prachi had only basic, self-skills in makeup and beauty services. She did not have any formal training or professional exposure. Her understanding of products, client handling and service standards was very limited. She would occasionally do small makeup work earning Rs.1000/- to Rs.2000/- which was not sufficient to meet even her basic needs.
Her life took a turning point when she joined CYDA’s Entrepreneurship Development Training Program. This initiative taught her to explore business ideas, skill development, maintain profit and loss. She also learnt new skills such as Professional makeup and beauty techniques, basic business management and pricing, confidence in presenting in professional environments, makeup artistry and jute bag stitching.
Further, she decided to start her own small business. Initially, she faced challenges in building customer connections due to high competition in the market. However, she overcame this by focusing on customer needs and using social media to promote her work. She earned profit of Rs.3000/- every month. She was also supported with a seed capital of Rs.15000/- to develop her business. She invested this amount in building a basic makeup kit, which included essential products such as foundation, brushes, compact powders, eye makeup items, and skincare essentials. This investment enabled her to begin taking independent makeup orders and gradually build her client base. Prachi initially worked at a salon in Pune while also developing her own small beauty business. With support from CYDA, she gained valuable exposure through a job placement opportunity at a local salon in Ahilyanagar, where she strengthened her practical skills in makeup, client handling, product usage and professional service standards.
While continuing her business, Prachi was introduced to a new opportunity by Rubina, CYDA’s Field Executive from Ahilyanagar working closely with the LGBTQIA+ community. Thereafter, Prachi stepped in working as a receptionist in a leading private firm Larsen & Tourbo, earning 18K per month, alongside managing her make up business as per order, earning approximately Rs.8000/- In addition, she also possesses talent in crafting jute bags. She began exploring this as a secondary source of income, turning her creativity into another entrepreneurial opportunity. Her innovation and talent have been recognized at the National YESUMMIT 2026, where she presented her unique jute bag advertisement idea. Competing in the Art & Craft thematic category, Prachi secured the first position and was awarded a cash prize of Rs.25,000/-. Today, she stands as a multi-talented entrepreneur and professional, successfully balancing a corporate job, makeup business and her creative venture in jute products.
Prachi expresses deep gratitude towards CYDA for helping her with skill development, documentation, job opportunities and business support. She believes that such platforms are essential in empowering transgender individuals and enabling them to lead dignified lives.
Her message to the society – If transgender individuals are given equal opportunities, they can perform exceptionally well. They have immense talent—what they need is a fair chance.
Family and society also accepted her and people now recognize her for her skills and professionalism rather than judging her identity.
