One ticket to Manju Akka’s stop, please!
N. Manjula has successfully turned the busiest bus stop in Kothakota into every traveler’s dream stop. How so? Over the last 15 years, she has built a reputation for serving delicious fast food with a self-service model. This keeps her establishment efficient and welcoming. Working out of a one-room hotel near the Kothakota Bangalore road bus stop, paying a visit to Manju Akka has become a go-to destination for travelers and locals alike.
“When I started this business 15 years ago, I had no idea I could sustain it this long,” shared the 31-year-old. “Having dedicated over a decade to this business, it felt like now was the perfect time to take things to new heights.”
Running the hotel alongside her husband, Manjula’s vision has always been about more than just food—she wanted to create an experience. However, limited funds posed a significant challenge to her dreams of expansion. Operating from a single room taken on lease while unable to afford staff, she chose to set up a well-stocked self-service kiosk. This helped her meet the demands of her growing customer base momentarily.
“The Mahila Money loan was like a green light for my dreams!”
However, the financial constraints impacted her progress, slowing down the business. But Manjula refused to let this dim her determination. With the rising demands of her business, she realised it was time to set her dreams in motion. She approached Mahila Money and secured a ₹1,00,000 business loan for a tenure of 12 months, which became the turning point in her journey.
“The Mahila Money loan was like a green light for my dreams,” Manjula explained. With the additional funds secured, she first transformed her modest kiosk into a vibrant and welcoming hub. “I always wanted to renovate the hotel, to give it a fresh and appealing look. Don’t you think this will attract more travelers to stop by my shop?” Some of the funds were allocated to expand the menu. The clientele was growing, and so were their tastes.
Manjula’s income saw a noticeable growth of ₹10,000 per month, an outcome of her strategic investments. She is now in the process of hiring staff to streamline daily operations, further enhancing her hotel’s efficiency. The makeover not only improved the dining experience for her customers but also solidified her position as a community favorite.
The Mahila Money loan not only helped her business grow but also had a ripple effect on her local community.
“Our dream was to create a space that satisfied hunger while offering a memorable experience,” Manjula shared with pride. The revamped hotel has become a bustling hub, serving as a one-stop eatery for weary travelers and enthusiastic food lovers.
Manjula’s business journey is proof that when determination finds the right support, even the most modest beginnings can blossom into extraordinary success stories. Her #JiyoApneDumPe spirit has inspired not just her customers but also her community. By overcoming obstacles and embracing opportunities, she turned a simple self-service hotel into a thriving business.
The Mahila Money loan not only helped her business grow but also had a ripple effect on her local community. As she plans to hire more staff, Manjula is creating job opportunities, further contributing to the economic growth of her area.
“Food has the power to bring people together and create memories,” Manjula said with a smile. Her hotel is a testament to this belief.
If you are a #JiyoApneDumPe woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and needs working capital and entrepreneurship resources, speak to us on Mahila Money. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App or visiting our website http://www.mahila.money.
