How Shameena’s Small Provision Store Grew from Scratch to ₹90,000 Monthly Profit in 2 Years

It’s barely 8 a.m. in Alleppey, and Shameena is busy on her phone. 

“Fresh cream buns just in – soft as clouds, come before they’re gone!” she types into her WhatsApp group, attaching a quick photo where the golden buns seem to glow under the shop’s warm light. Outside, the first customers are stepping in to pick their daily milk packets, also lured by the scent of freshly baked Kerala plum cake. Behind the counter of her 250 sq. ft. shop, Shameena greets them with a smile, casually telling her husband, “Keep an eye on the milk crate; it’ll be empty in ten minutes.”

This is Seenas Provision Store – where groceries, fresh juice, and friendly chatter blend into one small but thriving corner of Alleppey’s bustling lanes. And at the heart of it is a woman quietly rewriting her story of independence.

From an Accountant’s Desk to Her Counter

Shameena’s journey into the provision store business didn’t begin behind a shop counter; it began behind an accountant’s desk. For 18 years, she meticulously managed other people’s finances, balancing books while quietly nurturing her dream.

“I always wanted to stand on my own feet. I come from a low-middle-class family. At 18, I joined a computer course. By 19, I was working. But I kept telling myself, one day, I’ll be my own boss.”

That “one day” came two years ago, when she and her husband decided to open a small provision store just half a kilometre from their home.

Building a Store That Stands Out

From sunrise to late night, 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Seenas Provision Store business hums with activity. This small provision store is more than just a place to buy groceries; it’s where the community meets, chats, and shares a slice of local life. Neighbours greet each other in the aisles, friends linger over a glass of fresh juice, and tourists on their way to the Alleppey backwaters stop by for Kerala bakery items to carry on houseboats. The aisles are neatly stocked with everyday essentials, from rice, pulses, and spices to notebooks, pens, and household goods, all sourced from the nearby market to ensure freshness and fair prices.

But the magic of Seenas Provision Store lies beyond its neatly arranged shelves. At the counter, trays overflow with fresh Kerala bakery items, sweet buns, cream buns, dilkush, sweet porotas, and vettu cakes. As the morning rush begins, customers drop by for provisions but rarely leave without picking up a snack.

In one corner, her husband stands behind a gleaming juicer, blending seasonal fruits into chilled drinks that are the talk of the town. “Our juice sells like gold,” Shameena smiles. “It’s something customers come back for again and again.” She knows her numbers well; provisions bring in a steady 10% to 20% profit margin, but the real boost comes from bakery and snack items, which command far higher returns.

Despite being just 250 sq. ft., the shop feels warm and inviting. A hand-painted board announces “Seenas Provision Store” in bold letters, while glass jars of colourful sweets and biscuits catch the sunlight from the open doorway. The smell of freshly baked cake mingles with the tang of cut mango and lime, pulling in passers-by who had no intention of shopping but can’t resist stepping in.

For Shameena, every square foot counts; each shelf is optimised to display both daily essentials and high-margin products. And every customer counts, too.

“Most of my customers are repeat visitors,” she says proudly. “They trust us for quality, and they know they’ll find what they need.”

Beyond the Ledger – The Human Side of the Store

For Seenas Provision Store, word-of-mouth has been her biggest marketing tool, turning curious first-time visitors into loyal customers who return week after week.

A big part of this connection happens online. Shameena runs a bustling WhatsApp group- Seenas Retail Daily Needs, with over 200 members. Every time she stocks something new, from fresh jackfruit pudding cake to seasonal mango juice, she snaps a quick picture and shares it in the group. Within minutes, orders start coming in. Some customers walk over immediately to pick up their favourites before they sell out, while others reserve their share through UPI payments.

“It’s not just about selling,” she says. “It’s about letting people know they’re part of my store’s journey.”

The group buzzes daily with enquiries, product requests, and happy customers sharing feedback. In a small town like Alleppey, this mix of personal touch and instant updates has given her an edge over larger supermarkets.

The Numbers That Keep Her Shop Running

Her small provision store business isn’t just a passion project; it’s a well-oiled business machine. In the last six months, she’s recorded an average monthly revenue of ₹4,50,000 (USD 5,200) and a net profit of ₹90,000 (USD 1,040).

A business loan of ₹1,00,000 (USD 1,155) is now fueling her next chapter. Shameena plans to renovate the store with better shelving, a new display counter for her bakery items. She’s also setting aside part of the loan for bulk purchase of high-demand snacks before the festive season, a move she believes will double her sales during peak months.

Forty per cent of her sales already come through online payments, proof of her comfort with modern financial tools.

“I keep track of every rupee,” she says. “If you respect your money, it will respect you back.“

Dreams That Go Beyond Groceries

Even as she grows her small provision store, Shameena is already investing in her next chapter- bigger shop, more bakery items and more financially sound. But there is one more thing that is brewing inside her. 

“My passion is stitching. Next month, I’m starting a six-month course with my teacher, Krishnakumari. One day, I’ll have my own boutique.”

It’s not just a hobby, she’s already stitched dresses for her daughter, blending creativity with precision, much like how she runs her store.

A Life Lived in Full Colour

When she’s not working, Shameena enjoys indulging in Kerala’s seafood delicacies, watching romantic movies, and listening to podcasts while sitting in her shop. Her life may be rooted in business, but her spirit thrives in the small joys that make each day brighter.

Shameena’s story is proof that small business growth can begin in the most modest spaces. Her small provision store business might only cover 250 sq. ft., but within those walls is a story of discipline, adaptability, and ambition.

“People think a shop is just about selling things. For me, it’s about building my future.”

 

Read more success stories:

How Prema’s Provision Store Business in Bengaluru Became a ₹70K Profit Success Story

How a Single Mother Entrepreneur Found Her Calling as Dr. Mital, the Skin Doctor

How Tehseen Built Three Businesses with Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs

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