Sangeeta Pandey, hailing from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, began her entrepreneurial journey with just Rs 1,500 in capital. Today, she proudly manages a thriving company valued at Rs 3 crore. Her remarkable success story serves as an inspiration for housewives who juggle household duties while dreaming of becoming self-reliant. Sangeeta's journey is a shining example of hope and determination for women everywhere, proving that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.

Background

Sangeeta Pandey comes from a humble family in Gorakhpur, where her early life was filled with challenges. She graduated from Gorakhpur University, but about ten years ago, her family faced tough financial times. With the responsibilities of managing a household and caring for a young child, Sangeeta found it difficult to take on a traditional job. 

However, instead of feeling discouraged, she had a brilliant idea: why not start something that could bring in extra income without having to leave home? This thought sparked her entrepreneurial spirit and set her on a path to create a better future for her family while balancing her duties at home.

Business ideas

Sangeeta began her entrepreneurial journey by making sweet boxes from the comfort of her home. With just Rs 1,500 to invest, she creatively used old materials and relied on her bicycle to buy fresh ingredients from the market. In the beginning, Sangeeta faced numerous challenges, but instead of letting these obstacles discourage her, she embraced them with determination and patience. She understood that every setback was a stepping stone towards success, and her unwavering spirit kept her moving forward in her quest to build a better life for herself and her family.

On her very first day, Sangeeta prepared 100 sweet boxes and headed to the market to sell them. To earn the trust of her customers, she realized that she needed to continuously improve both the quality and design of her boxes. Sangeeta put in a lot of hard work, experimenting with different styles to ensure her products stood out in a crowded market.

Her dedication paid off, and as she refined her offerings, she gradually won the hearts of her customers. With each sale, Sangeeta built a reputation for quality and creativity, creating a unique identity for her products amidst fierce competition. 

Expanding the business

To take her business to the next level, Sangeeta began sourcing raw materials from Lucknow. This strategic move not only enhanced the quality of her products but also helped reduce costs, which was crucial for her growing business. This change turned out to be a significant turning point for Sangeeta, and she started to see her sales increase steadily.

To further boost her production capacity, Sangeeta made a bold decision to pawn her jewellery and take out a loan of Rs 3 lakh. This financial support allowed her to invest in more resources and expand her operations. 

Sangeeta took a significant step forward by securing an additional loan of Rs 35 lakh to open her very own factory. With the launch of large-scale production, her business gained impressive momentum. She invested in modern machines and techniques, which streamlined her operations and improved efficiency.

Empowering women

This Diwali, Sangeeta is excited to introduce a new product: organic lamps made from special cow dung. This innovative approach not only highlights her commitment to sustainability but also adds a unique touch to the festive celebrations. 

Moreover, Sangeeta's success has allowed her to give back to her community by providing employment to over 100 women. By creating job opportunities, she is empowering others while furthering her mission of growth and self-reliance. Sangeeta’s journey is truly inspiring, showcasing how determination and vision can lead to remarkable achievements.