Rupali Mandhare, hails from Abhepuri village from the districts of satara, Maharashtra. Her life was like many others – simple, yet fulfilling. As a homemaker, she managed her household with love and care. However, the COVID-19 lockdown brought unprecedented challenges. Rupali’s family, like many others, struggled to make ends meet. Neighbors, too, were facing hardships. Amidst this uncertainty, Rupali’s determination sparked a new dream – to start a business that would not only support her family but also empower fellow women.
With a 12th-grade education, Rupali’s entrepreneurial journey seemed daunting. Yet, she was resolute. She joined YouthAid Foundation’s entrepreneurship training program, which equipped her with essential skills to launch her venture. The training opened her eyes to various business opportunities. After careful consideration, Rupali decided to delve into the world of tamarind candy making.
Tamarind, a staple fruit in Indian cuisine, offered immense potential. Its immunity-boosting properties and huge market demand made it an attractive choice. Rupali realized that producing tamarind candies required minimal investment and could be done manually or with small devices. Doctors even recommended tamarind extract to COVID-19 patients due to its high fiber and Vitamin C content. Indians’ love for sweets after meals further validated her business idea.
Starting small, Rupali and a group of women handcrafted tamarind candies. She focused on quality control, marketing strategy, packaging design, and competition analysis. As demand grew, Rupali secured government schemes and loans to purchase packaging machines. This increased production, eased workload, and enhanced product quality.
Rupali’s success has been remarkable. Her annual revenue exceeds ₹2-3 lakhs, with a net profit of ₹35,000/-. More importantly, she has generated employment for 5-7 women from her village. These women, now financially independent, have gained confidence and a new lease on life.
Rupali’s journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and innovative spirit. She envisions expanding her business, promoting entrepreneurship development in neighboring villages, and empowering every woman in her community to become self-sufficient and financially secure. Rupali’s story inspires hope and resilience, demonstrating that adversity can be transformed into opportunity and that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for empowerment and prosperity.
As Rupali looks back on her journey, she realizes that the COVID-19 lockdown, though challenging, was a blessing in disguise. It pushed her to explore new possibilities, challenge conventional norms, and create a better future for herself and those around her. Rupali’s sweet journey to empowerment is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and a willingness to take the road less traveled.
(This article is contributed by Sofy Mathew, Board Member, YouthAid Foundation)
