Survana Shinde, a determined entrepreneur from Vishrantwadi, Pune, always dreamed of creating a successful beauty parlour business that not only serves her community but also helps her achieve financial independence. Despite her passion and determination, the journey to success was far from easy. Like many small business proprietors, Survana faced several challenges in managing her beauty parlor. She knew she needed to learn new skills and strategies to elevate her business and take it to the next level.
Recognizing the need for growth
Survana’s business was growing steadily, but she found herself at a crossroads. The beauty parlour, though popular in her local community, was not operating at its full potential. She faced difficulties in managing operations effectively, engaging customers consistently and maintaining financial stability.
“At first, I relied on passion alone, but soon I realized that without proper business knowledge, it was difficult to grow. I was doing my best, but it was not enough to break through the barriers,” Survana recalls, acknowledging the challenges she faced in balancing the demands of a growing business.
The turning point through CYDA’s EDP
Survana’s journey came when she joined CYDA’s Entrepreneur Development Program. The program provided crucial guidance on business management, customer engagement, and financial planning. Survana learned the importance of structured processes, customer satisfaction, and efficient resource management. Equipped with practical tools and strategies, she streamlined operations, improved service quality, and managed finances more effectively. This newfound knowledge empowered her to confidently tackle challenges and grow her beauty parlour business.
Implementing business practices
After completing the EDP, Survana implemented organized appointment systems, enhanced customer service with personalized experiences, and improved resource budgeting. These changes had an immediate positive impact, with clients responding favorably. Word-of-mouth recommendations grew, and her beauty parlor gained a reputation for excellence.
Support from YouthAid Foundation
In addition to the training, the foundation provided Survana with a beauty parlour kit, which included high-quality beauty products and essential equipment. This was a significant boost for her business, enabling her to offer even better services and enhance the quality of her work. Survana was thrilled with the kit, which helped elevate her beauty parlour to new heights.
“Receiving the beauty parlour kit through the organisation was a significant turning point for me,” Survana says with gratitude. “It allowed me to take my business to the next level, and the positive response from my clients has been incredible.”
The new equipment and products helped Survana improve the overall quality of her services, leading to a surge in client satisfaction and business growth. As her beauty parlour became more well-known, her reputation within the community grew, and she began attracting a loyal base of clients who appreciated her expertise and the quality of the services she provided.
Achieving Balance and Personal Growth
Setting up her beauty parlor at home allowed Survana to balance her professional and personal life, providing stability and security. This decision enabled her to manage work and family commitments more effectively. With improved financial stability, Survana now feels confident in her ability to sustain and grow her business. She continues to apply the lessons from CYDA’s program, further enhancing her entrepreneurial skills and expanding her business with greater confidence.
“Challenges are part of any business, but with the right knowledge and support, you can turn them into stepping stones for success,” Survana reflects.
Survana’s journey from a small-scale beauty parlor owner to a successful entrepreneur highlights the importance of passion and business knowledge. With the foundation’s training and resources, she overcame challenges and transformed her business.
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation officer, CYDA)
