The BIG 3-O can often seem intimidating and pressurising. Shobhna chose to embrace and challenge this decade of her life by opening a beauty parlour instead. Five months into running the business, she was determined to expand her venture, recognising the value of an appealing storefront early on. Shobhna promptly invested in renovating her salon and acquiring essential equipment. With a strategic mix of online and offline marketing, she built a robust brand presence, upgraded services and attracted a larger clientele. However, there were things she still had to tick off her checklist. Now, business expansion also meant a requirement for additional capital.

Shobhna’s Salon Makeover Checklist:

Renovate the salon
Install an air conditioner
Purchase equipment
Build brand awareness — Online & Offline
Stock up on new inventory
Explore franchise investment

Shobhna understood the need to stand out especially as a new business in the vicinity while also living up to the expected standards. Talking about her vision, she shared, “I have big dreams of expanding my offerings and enhancing the experience for my clients. With aspirations to bring in a renowned brand through a franchise investment of ₹1.35 lakh, I aim to provide my customers with top-quality cosmetic items, including a comprehensive makeup kit and hair styling kit.” But that’s not all. The budding entrepreneur also had big plans to introduce a list of advanced machines such as a steamer, a pedicure and manicure machine, and a hydro machine, to improve the services the parlour offered.

“With aspirations to bring in a renowned brand through a franchise investment of ₹1.35 lakh, I aim to provide my customers with top-quality cosmetic items, including a comprehensive makeup kit and hair styling kit.”

To enhance the atmosphere of the space and make it more inviting, she also intended to undertake a small renovation, including installing an air conditioning system and refreshing the salon with a fresh coat of paint. The reason was pretty simple – Shobha didn’t want to miss out on potential customers or clients due to the lack of facilities or services her parlor could most definitely provide if she planned on it. “These investments would not only fuel my salon’s growth but also ensure exceptional experiences for the clients.”

While the plans were many and reasonable, these were expenses she couldn’t afford to bear alone. To finance these ambitious aspirations, Shobhna sought a business loan from Mahila Money. She had already invested ₹70,000 in monthly advertising expenses, both online (social media) and offline (newspaper, hoardings), to build brand awareness and reach potential clients, significantly impacting her yearly business finances.

With the support of a Mahila Money loan of ₹50,000 and her own business savings, she transformed her salon by stocking it with new inventory.

Recognising the opportunity presented by the wedding season, during which she could earn up to ₹4 lakhs, Shobhna’s eagerness and absolute need to have her parlor ready, well-equipped, advertised and stocked with franchise products for resale was a challenging business goal to tackle. But rather than being overwhelmed, she chose to apply for a Mahila Money loan of ₹50,000—a wise and calculated decision. With the additional capital secured, paired with her own business savings, she transformed her salon by stocking it with new inventory.

Shobhna attributes her success to the resources and business growth opportunities provided by Mahila Money.

By utilising the approved loan and her own financial resources, she made a substantial investment in franchise products, establishing an additional revenue stream, allowing her to focus on providing exceptional service to her clients.

Shobhna’s remarkable journey exemplifies how determination and hard work can pave the way for success, even amidst formidable challenges. Her story underscores the importance of maintaining the right mindset, attitude, and finding the necessary support to achieve one’s aspirations. We commend Shobhna as she continues to thrive as a businesswoman, living by the motto #JiyoApneDumPe.

If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money