From Earning 300 Rupees to Building a Successful Business: 8th Grade Wife’s Journey to Lucrative Income

Canteen Business Idea: In today’s world, people are exploring numerous ways to earn a living, and the story of Sheela Devi, a woman with only an 8th-grade education, is one such inspiring tale. A Gram Panchayat Sitkohar Vikaskhand Gaur resident, Sheela Devi’s journey from financial hardship to success is both motivating and heartwarming. She transformed her life through sheer determination and the support of a self-help group. She now runs a successful canteen business.

Sheela Devi’s story began in 2019 when she joined a self-help group called Sita Ajeevika Mission. Little did she know that this step would dramatically change her life. Not only did she join the group, but she also became its president. The group provided Sheela with a platform to grow, and it was here that she received the inspiration to open a canteen, thanks to an idea shared by a block employee.

The Inspiration for Change

Speaking to Local 18, Sheela recalled how joining the self-help group was a turning point. “I joined the self-help group in 2019 and am also the president of my group. The name of our group is Sita Ajeevika Mission,” Sheela shared. She explained that it was during her involvement with the group that she got the idea to open a canteen. It came from one of the block employees who encouraged her to take the leap. Sheela credits the group’s support and guidance for helping her realize this business opportunity.

Before joining the group, Sheela’s life was quite different. Financial struggles were a constant part of her daily routine. “I was just an 8th-pass housewife. Four years ago, our financial condition was deplorable. I had no idea how to improve it,” Sheela admitted. Her husband worked as a laborer, earning only 300 rupees daily, which was needed to provide for the entire family. “With the 300 rupees, we could hardly feed the family. It was a constant struggle,” she added.

However, everything changed once she stepped outside her home, joined the self-help group, and started thinking about self-employment. The new opportunities and ideas she encountered were eye-opening.

The Birth of the Canteen

With the support of the Sita Ajeevika Mission and financial assistance under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Sheela Devi took the bold step of opening a canteen in 2020. The idea for this canteen came directly from the inspiration she received from the NRLM employees, who guided her in setting up the business. The canteen was established within the premises of the Community Health Center Gaur. This location proved to be an excellent choice.

“I received financial help under the NRLM and opened a canteen at the Community Health Center Gaur in 2020, “Sheela said. She mentioned that before this, she had never ventured outside her house. Her daily routine was limited to household chores, and she had no exposure to business or the world beyond her home. However, her husband’s meager daily wage of 300 rupees made it impossible for them to meet their basic needs. Sheela felt compelled to find a way to improve their situation.

Sheela also revealed that, with the opening of the canteen, she was able to contribute significantly to her family’s finances. “Now, I am earning a good amount every day. My financial condition has improved, and I can better care for my children’s education, health, and overall well-being,” she said.

A Growing Success

The canteen quickly became a success, not just in terms of financial gain, but also in improving the family’s social status. “My children are now studying in a good school, and our social status has improved significantly, “Sheela shared. Her story is a shining example of how entrepreneurship can bring about transformative changes in one’s life.

Sheela’s family is now actively involved in the canteen business. “Both our families do all the work in the canteen together,” she said. The sense of community and teamwork has played a crucial role in the canteen’s success.

How the Canteen Works

The canteen operates within the Community Health Center in Gaur, a district development block. Thanks to the efforts of the NRLM employees, Sheela and her group received the necessary permission to open the canteen inside the hospital premises. This strategic location has allowed Sheela to attract a steady flow of customers, contributing to her success.

The canteen is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day, offering a variety of affordable and tasty items to customers. “

“We offer tea, samosas, biscuits, pakoras, peas, and even jalebi,”

” Sheela explained the wide range of snacks and foods available at her canteen. She has ensured the prices are reasonable so the local community can benefit from the food. “The price of one plate of food is only 70 rupees,” she added, highlighting how affordability is critical to the business’s success.

Inspiring Other Women

Apart from improving her family’s financial condition, Sheela Devi has become a role model for other women in her community. Through her self-employment journey, she has inspired other women to explore business opportunities and take charge of their financial futures. She encourages others to take similar steps toward self-reliance and self-improvement, just as she did.

Today, Sheela’s canteen is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the power of self-help groups in transforming lives. Her story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities, even in the most challenging circumstances, and how one idea can change a person’s life forever. Sheela Devi’s entrepreneurial spirit has not only reshaped her own life. Still, it has also set a powerful example for others to follow.

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