Pimpri: She was born brilliant.. full of energy. She took care of her family after her marriage but deep inside, her mind was empty. Her brain was starving for something better. She sought something more creative. Days were passing by and she was eagerly waiting for some help so that she could give some meaning to her existence.
Exactly when ‘Tanishka Foundation ’ gave her a hand!

She started gaining confidence and then kept no stone unturned to fulfil her dreams. With a lot of courage, she entered into an entrepreneurial activity and started a business of spices (Masala) making. Today, she is a glittering source of energy for women. On top of this, she wants to share her experiences, skills and guide Tanishkas from all over the state.

This is a success story of Pooja Waychal, a resident of Maheshnagar at Pimpri.

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Pooja was a bachelor of Commerce. After graduation, she married Prakash, who was an officer in a private company in Pimpri. Pooja dreamt of an ‘out of box’ career. She was looking after her big family…her husband, his two sisters, her children (a daughter & son) and her in-laws.
Pooja wanted to help her family, wanted to earn and support her husband, similarly wanted to help others. So, with zeal, Pooja started a small business five years ago and busied herself in making spices at home.

POOJA SAYS:

By this time, my children were grown up. So, from year 2007, I started making spices at home on a very small scale. I had chosen my business with complete care and planning.
Spices are consumed on large scale and are always in demand in the market. So, strategically it was a right decision. Meanwhile, I tried getting thorough knowledge of this business and acquainted myself with the loan schemes available in banks. At the same time, I supported my business with total technical awareness, which in turn, improved my confidence in dealing with it. Last year, I joined Tanishka Foundation . This initiative supported me and my business. My business expanded in new markets. In February, we started our business at a new rental office at Transport Nagar in Nigdi. Before installing machinery, I acquainted myself with its know-how. We employed Tanishka members as our employees and educated them to handle the machinery.

Today, I have launched nearly twelve products in the market. I want to market these products in entire Maharashtra. ‘Cleanliness, quality of the products and marketing skills- these are three pillars of our success. I have travelled a lot, learnt each and every detail about the raw materials. That’s the reason why our products are unmatched in their quality and taste.

My in-laws are from Kolhapur. My mother-in-law prepares a spicy ‘onion – garlic Masala’ in a traditional way. It has an amazing taste! People truly love these spices. In the beginning, she was not comfortable to discuss anything about my business. But as I established myself in this business, she now personally introduces our ‘Lavanya Spices’ to everyone. Things are settling down fast.

We do know that we owe many things to our society. That’s why, I feel, people should try to be entrepreneurs and help others to lead a successful life.

Tanishka’s initiative also changed my life. People from rural-tribal areas also need to know about these success mantras.

Initially, I was engrossed only in family matters. Now, I want to conquer the world. My family members are contributing to home front. That is my greatest support. I could reach this stage because of their mutual support at all points of time. My brother who helped me in my endeavours, he is my mentor, like God for me.
I feel really sad when I remember my father-in-law’s contribution during my business journey. He is no more, but his memories and his blessings support my courage and aspirations.

For my employees, I am boss in office, but otherwise we share quite a friendly relation.

FAMILY SPEAKS:

“As a daughter-in-law, Pooja managed our family with complete care and love. But once her children grew up, we gave her total freedom from family responsibilities. Today, when people praise her, I feel very proud. Earlier, my own family was also engaged in the same business. We are happy, that Pooja is taking the legacy ahead. In fact, I would say, she is nurturing my own dream and aspirations.” –Laxmi Waychal. (Pooja’s Mother in law)

“I was sure that Pooja wanted to express herself through entrepreneurship. I understood her need. But, after marriage, she had to spare her time for our children. So, till 7-8 years, she could not manage to start her own business. She wanted to work as an entrepreneur as well as wanted to work for the welfare of this society. I found it really genuine. That’s why I helped her and tried to give room to her skills. Now, I am proud of her, as she has really proved herself and changed her destiny.”-Prakash Waychal. (Husband)