Discover the inspiring journey of Shaik Habibunnisa, a woman from Kerala who transformed her passion for creating YouTube cooking videos into a successful digital marketing business. Learn how a Mahila Money loan helped her overcome financial hurdles and turn her entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
“When you come from a small town, people expect you to have small dreams. But I always wanted more.” – Shaik Habibunnisa.
From Cooking Videos to Digital Marketing: A Woman’s Journey to Financial Independence
Shaik Habibunnisa’s eyes light up when she talks about her journey—a path filled with challenges, determination, and a passion for carving her own identity. Hailing from a quiet town in Kerala, Shaik knew early on that she wanted to achieve financial independence, but societal norms often told her otherwise. “Being a woman and dreaming big is sometimes looked at as too ambitious, especially where I come from,” she says with a soft smile. “But I was never one to follow the rules.”
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The Spark: From IT Faculty to YouTube Cooking Videos
Shaik worked as a faculty member at an IT institution for five years, earning a modest salary of Rs. 26,500. “It was a decent job, but something inside me craved more,” she explains. “I wanted to create something of my own.” That spark led her to start a YouTube channel a few years back, where she shared her love for cooking. Her videos were simple, authentic, and soon gained a following of over 2,000 subscribers. “People connected with my food and stories, which gave me confidence,” she recalls. “It was like a small taste of what I could achieve.”
From YouTube Success to Digital Marketing Business Aspirations
But Shaik wasn’t content with just a YouTube channel. She wanted to venture into something bigger—something that would provide her the financial independence she craved. “I was fascinated by digital marketing,” she says. “I saw so many small businesses struggling to find their voice online, and I knew I could help them.” She spent nights after work, watching tutorials and learning the ropes of the digital world. “It was tough juggling my job, my channel, and my dream. But I had a vision,” she adds.
Facing Financial Roadblocks: The Need for Capital
However, dreams often require more than just passion—they need capital. “That’s when reality hit me. I wanted to start my digital marketing business, but we didn’t have enough savings. My husband, who runs a small hardware shop, already managed most of the household expenses. We have two kids and rent of Rs. 15,000 to pay. It was hard,” Shaik says.
She tried every possible way to save up, but the numbers just didn’t add up. “I felt stuck. I could see my dream so clearly, but it felt like there was this big wall of financial constraints blocking my way,” she shares.
Discovering Mahila Money: A Turning Point for Women Entrepreneurs
During this time of uncertainty, she learned about Mahila Money, a platform designed to support women entrepreneurs with financial solutions. “I remember thinking, ‘This could be my chance.'”
With her heart pounding, Shaik decided to apply for a business loan through Mahila Money. “I knew it was a risk. I didn’t know if I’d get it, but I had to try. My dream was worth it,” she says. A few days later, she got the call that would change everything. “I was granted a loan of Rs. 4 lakhs. I couldn’t believe it,” Shaik shares. “For the first time, it felt like someone believed in me and my vision.”
Building Her Digital Marketing Empire
That loan was the turning point. “With the money, I bought the necessary equipment, hired a small team, and set up my digital marketing business,” she beams. “I was finally my own boss, and it felt empowering.” Shaik’s business started with just a few local clients, but word spread quickly. “People started noticing the work I was doing, and soon, I had clients from different parts of Kerala. It was overwhelming but in the best way possible,” she says.
From Rs. 26,500 to Rs. 50,000: A Successful Transformation
Today, Shaik’s business is thriving. She’s earning between Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month, almost double what she made as a faculty member. “I never imagined I would be here, running my own business, making more money than I ever did. And most importantly, being there for my kids,” she shares with pride.
Reflecting on her journey, Shaik says, “Mahila Money didn’t just give me a loan; they gave me a lifeline. They gave me the confidence to believe that my dreams were valid and that, as a woman, I deserved to dream big.” She pauses, then adds, “If I can do it, any woman can. You just need to have faith in yourself and find the right support. For me, that was Mahila Money.”
Shaik’s story is more than just a tale of business success; it’s a story of courage, perseverance, and breaking barriers. “Every woman should have the right to say, ‘I built this,'” she says firmly. And with Mahila Money by her side, Shaik did just that.
A Message to Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Her advice to other aspiring women entrepreneurs? “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take that step today, even if it’s small. And when you need a push, look for platforms like Mahila Money that believe in you. Dream big, work hard, and never let anyone tell you otherwise. Remember, #JiyoApneDumPe!”
Read more success stories:
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Mahila Money loan transforms Bihar woman Sonali’s business, doubling monthly income from 25K to 50K
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
