In the bustling city of Bangalore, where the aroma of South Indian cuisine mingles with the beats of Zumba, Divya Siyal’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Her story, “From Dosa to Dance,” transcends the ordinary and showcases how Mahila Money catalysed a 40% surge in income.
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Discovering Passion Beyond 9–5
Divya is changing how people perceive the relationship between food and fitness. She had been multifaceted from a young age, having interests in various fields. Divya, who graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (B Com) degree, was unsatisfied with her job. She quit and found her new passion in Zumba and the 5,000-year-old practice of Yoga.
“After completing my degree, I started to work in a corporate job, but soon, I realised what I was doing was unfulfilling and far from my passion. I decided to explore different areas and discovered a love for Yoga and Zumba,” says Divya.
The Home Business Beginnings
Divya started her own home business with only a few yoga mats, a speaker, and some weights. Her centre was her living room, with a makeshift set-up and the tiresome job of moving the furniture every evening. The fitness coach started with only 15 students who desired to lead a healthier lifestyle. Her income ranged from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month.
Juggling Two Passions
While Divya was only an instructor helping her 15 students reach their wellness goals, she operated another business once they left. She regularly takes up bulk orders for various events for her love of the South-Indian cuisine. During such circumstances, she hires a workforce of 2–3 people and pays them per day. “Handling two businesses is not an easy task, but doing what you love makes things work seamlessly”, shares Divya.
Striving for Growth
As Divya’s primary business grew, she received numerous inquiries from interested clients about joining her daily Zumba classes. Unfortunately, due to a lack of space, Divya often turned potential customers away, telling them that her classes were already at full capacity. This worried her as she wanted to train more people but couldn’t accommodate everyone in her small room. She felt that by doing so, she was losing potential clients and failing to serve her existing customer base. While being at full capacity may have been a sign of success for some, for Divya, it only fueled her ambition to achieve even more.
The need for expansion became apparent, prompting her to search for a prime location. However, a formidable obstacle awaited her — the landlady’s demand for a Rs. 80,000 deposit. Unwilling to lower the sum but also understanding Divya’s entrepreneurial struggles, the landlady herself recommended the potential tenant explore the Mahila Money app. A close relative to the lady had already taken a loan from the fintech platform and had a smooth sailing experience.
The Capital Support
Fortune smiled upon Divya when she discovered Mahila Money as a potential solution. Intrigued by success stories, Divya decided to explore the platform. The application process was a breeze, leading her to secure a loan, a lifeline that would propel her dreams to new heights. “Using the app wasn’t that difficult, the interface was easy to navigate, and I wasn’t required to submit unnecessary details. I was so excited and relieved that this new avenue had opened up for me in my time of need”, says Divya with a smile. After her documentation and verification, she was granted a loan of Rs. 1,20,000.
“I’ll never forget when I learned my loan had been approved. I was on cloud nine.” — Divya Siyal
From Dosa to Dance Studio
With financial backing from Mahila Money, Divya secured the desired studio space and elevated the quality of her services. The investment in superior equipment marked a turning point, catapulting her monthly income from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000 — a staggering 42% increase that reflected the success of her endeavours.
Aesthetic Transformation with Mahila Money’s Support
With a 42% profit, Divya’s endeavour continued. She applied for a top-up loan of Rs. 45,000 within a few months. With this added money, she renovated her entire studio for a sense of aesthetic. She added mirrors, glass windows to attract onlookers, better furniture to make her clients comfortable and air conditioners to help cool down after a strenuous workout. “I am grateful to the Mahila Money team for providing me with a loan and trusting me. I’m glad that I’ve proved worthy of your trust. The assistance from the platform has helped me get where I am today and has aided in generating a bigger consumer base.”
Living on Your Own Terms
Today, Divya, our chef-cum-coach, stands at the helm of a flourishing fitness empire, welcoming over 60 students daily. Her journey showcases the power of determination and innovation, proving that anyone can #JiyoApneDumpe with some support and courage.
Read more success stories:
Alwar-based Poonam’s E-Mitra Centre Experiences 50% Growth in Profits with a Mahila Money Loan
Health Warrior Turned Entrepreneur: Manasi Apte’s Journey to 500+ Happy Customers with Mahila Money
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
