Sneha Kanse, a determined woman from Sinnar Taluka in Nashik District, Maharashtra, grew up in a traditional family where women were expected to focus solely on homemaking. However, Sneha harbored a dream that defied these societal norms. She envisioned starting her own business to supplement her family’s income, a bold ambition that initially met with resistance from her family.
Undeterred by the lack of support, Sneha decided to follow her passion and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by starting an agarbatti (incense stick) making unit. She recognized the potential of this business, which catered to a steady demand for incense sticks in temples and households. From sourcing raw materials to crafting the agarbattis herself, Sneha single-handedly managed her venture.
The Turning Point: YouthAid Foundation Training
Amid her struggles, Sneha learned about an upskilling training program on entrepreneurship conducted by the YouthAid Foundation. Seeing an opportunity to enhance her skills and grow her business, Sneha eagerly enrolled in the program, despite feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement as it was her first formal training experience.
The training became a pivotal moment in Sneha’s journey. She gained insights into various aspects of business management, which empowered her to approach her enterprise with newfound confidence and expertise. Key takeaways included:
- Product Packaging: Sneha mastered the art of creating attractive and functional packaging, ensuring her agarbattis had a longer shelf life and appealed more to customers.
- Negotiation Skills: She learned how to effectively negotiate with suppliers, securing better deals for raw materials and reducing her production costs.
- Digital Marketing: The program introduced her to the power of digital platforms, enabling her to promote her products online and reach a broader customer base.
- Financial Literacy: She developed a keen understanding of managing her finances, ensuring efficient use of resources and steady business growth.
- Quality Management: Sneha realized the importance of maintaining high product quality to retain her customers and build trust.
Innovations and Growth
Equipped with these skills, Sneha began innovating her products. She started exploring sustainable methods of production, such as creating eco-friendly agarbattis from waste flowers, which not only reduced raw material costs but also appealed to environmentally conscious customers. She also introduced a variety of fragrances, catering to diverse customer preferences. These innovations led to a surge in customer engagement, resulting in increased revenue.
By leveraging her newly acquired digital marketing skills, Sneha expanded her business beyond local boundaries. Orders started pouring in from neighboring towns, significantly boosting her income, which now stands at ₹15,000 per month—a remarkable achievement for someone who started with no external support.
A Family Endeavor
The most significant transformation, however, was within Sneha’s family. Witnessing her success and the positive impact of her business, her husband began supporting her entrepreneurial pursuits. He now actively helps with sales, turning Sneha’s venture into a collaborative family endeavor. This support not only strengthened their bond but also set an inspiring example for their community about the value of empowering women.
An Inspiration for Many
Sneha’s journey from being a homemaker to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and continuous learning. Through the support of the YouthAid Foundation and her unwavering spirit, she has not only achieved financial independence but also broken societal barriers, paving the way for other women in her community to dream big.
Sneha Kanse is now an inspiration, proving that with the right mindset and opportunities, one can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness. Her story is a celebration of courage, innovation, and the transformative impact of entrepreneurship.
(Article is written by Sofy Mathew, Member Board of Directors, YouthAid Foundation. This project is part of NASSCOM foundation support to upskill women entrepreneur)
