Seven years ago, Sharmila Hadawale was just another IT professional in Pune with big dreams. Today, she owns a successful garment business that earns her over ₹1 lakh monthly. This women entreprneeurs story is more than just a success story, it’s proof that with the right support, any woman can build her own empire.
The Beginning of a Women Entrepreneurship Journey
Starting a women garment business wasn’t easy for Sharmila. As a new mother, she faced the daily challenge of balancing family life with her business dreams. But she had a clear vision of financial independence through her boutique.
“I remember those early days when I had no idea how to run a business. But I knew I wanted to do something of my own, something that would make me financially independent,” Sharmila recalls.
Her small rented shop, located just minutes from her home, became the foundation of what would grow into a successful garment business.
Daily Life of a Women Garment Business Owner
Sharmila’s day starts early. Every morning, she updates her WhatsApp status with pictures of her latest collection. By 11 AM, her shop is buzzing with customers who trust her eye for fashion.
“I personally choose every piece in my shop. I always think like a customer, would I wear this? Would I buy this for the price I’m asking? This approach has never failed me,” she explains.
Her husband often helps in the shop, making them a true business partnership. Together, they’ve built something special in their community.
The Turning Point: Recognizing Market Demand
The real breakthrough in Sharmila’s women entrepreneurship journey came when she noticed something interesting. More and more customers were asking for sarees, traditional Indian wear that never goes out of style.
“I saw women of all ages coming to my shop asking for sarees, diffrent varieties from silk tp cotton to organza sarees. Young girls wanted them for college functions, working women for office parties, and older women for family celebrations. That’s when I realized I had found my goldmine,” Sharmila shares.
The Challenge: Finding a Small Business Loan for Women
Like many women entrepreneurs, Sharmila faced a common problem, getting financial support to grow her business. Her monthly income was good (₹50,000-60,000), but after business expenses (₹30,000) and shop rent (₹6,000), she needed capital to expand her saree collection.
“I approached three traditional banks for a business loan. Each time, they asked for so many documents and guarantees that I felt discouraged. One bank officer even suggested I should ask my husband to apply instead. That really hurt,” Sharmila remembers.
This is where her Mahila Money success story truly begins.
Finding the Right Partner: Mahila Money Success Story
When Sharmila discovered Mahila Money, everything changed.
She applied for a ₹60,000 loan for 12 months, and it was approved quickly.
“When Mahila Money approved my loan, I felt like someone finally believed in my dreams. It wasn’t just about the money, it was about being taken seriously as a businesswoman,” she says with emotion.
Smart Investment Leads to Successful Garment Business
Sharmila used her loan wisely. She traveled to Mumbai (Dadar) and Surat – major textile hubs – to source quality sarees at wholesale prices. Her business sense proved right: sarees offered 40-50% profit margins, much higher than regular clothing.
Her strategy was simple but effective:
- Offer quality products at reasonable prices
- Think like a customer before buying stock
- Focus on what customers actually want
The Results: A Thriving Women Garment Business
The impact was immediate. Sharmila’s successful garment business grew beyond her expectations:
- Monthly income jumped from ₹60,000 to ₹1,00,000
- Customer base expanded significantly
- Product range now includes trendy tops, kurtis, leggings, and sarees
- Her boutique in Pune became known for quality and variety
Looking Forward: Expanding the Successful Garment Business
Sharmila’s women entrepreneurship journey is far from over. She plans to take another loan from Mahila Money to stock up for the wedding and festive season – the busiest time for any women garment business.
“I want my shop to be the first place women think of when they need anything to wear. From daily wear to special occasions, I want to be their go-to destination,” she says with confidence.
The Bigger Picture: Empowering Women Through Business
Sharmila’s journey isn’t just about building a successful garment business, it’s about sparking a aspirations in her community. Her story has encouraged other women around her to explore their own entrepreneurial dreams, showing that a small business loan for women isn’t just financial help, but a doorway to independence. From homemakers considering a women garment business to young girls dreaming of starting a boutique in Pune, Sharmila’s journey has become a blueprint for what’s possible. .
Key Lessons from This Mahila Money Success Story
- Listen to your customers – Sharmila’s success came from recognizing what her customers really wanted
- Think like your customer – Always put yourself in their shoes
- Don’t give up on funding – If traditional banks say no, explore other options
- Invest wisely – Use loans to buy what gives you the highest returns
- Plan for growth – Always think about the next step
Successful Garment Business: The Numbers That Matter
- Starting investment: ₹60,000 loan from Mahila Money
- Profit margins on sarees: 40-50%
- Monthly income growth: From ₹60,000 to ₹1,00,000
- Business expenses: ₹30,000 monthly
- Shop rent: ₹6,000 monthly
- Timeline to success: 12 months
Why This Women Entrepreneurship Journey Matters
Sharmila’s story proves that with determination, smart planning, and the right financial support, any woman can build a successful garment business. Her boutique in Pune started small but grew because she understood her market and invested wisely.
Her success story shows that when financial institutions understand and support women entrepreneurs, amazing things happen.
Ready to Start Your Own Women Garment Business?
If Sharmila’s success story has inspired you to start your own women entrepreneurship journey, remember that support is available. Whether you’re planning a boutique in Pune or anywhere else in India, the key is to start with a clear plan and find the right financial partner. Visit Mahila Money today and take the first step toward building your own successful garment business.
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
