Monday Motivation- Archana Kumbhar

Archana Satish Kumbhar, a resident of Pune, Maharashtra, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with Archana Enterprises, a business that sells bags and blouses. Driven by her family's financial instability, Archana's determination and belief in her skills propelled her forward. With the guidance of FWWB’s mentorship, her family’s unwavering support, and her own resilience, Archana has transformed her small home-based venture into a thriving enterprise.

How it started?

Archana embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2017, starting from her home with a modest initial investment of Rs 15000. She faced numerous challenges, from communication and technical skills to business management. However, her resilience and the support of FWWB's mentorship program propelled her forward.

Struggling with communication, technical and business management skills, Archna needed help acquiring customers. After joining FWWB in 2023, her confidence and business acumen have soared.

FWWB's mentorship and capacity-building programs have been instrumental in Archana's journey to success. They have not only provided her with the necessary skills and knowledge but also instilled in her the confidence to take her enterprise to new heights. Her determination, passion, and her family’s support have also been key factors in her success.

The process

FWWB's capacity-building programs have been a game-changer for Archana. They have equipped her with the skills and knowledge she needed to bridge the gap between her existing skills and business requirements. Through these programs, she has learned effective communication, marketing strategies, and financial management, which have all contributed to the growth of her business.

A significant milestone for her has been learning screen printing on bags, which has become a big hit for her customers.

Now, she expertly manages her finances by maintaining a delicate balance between savings, investment in her business and household expenses with the help of financial management training and mentorship support provided by FWWB.?

Under FWWB’s mentorship, Archana designed her enterprise logo and registered for a trademark,?a significant achievement for any business owner. She says, "Thanks to FWWB, I've gained invaluable knowledge. I now thoroughly understand how a woman can successfully establish and effectively oversee her own business. With these skills, I am better equipped to manage my business and proudly carry the title of entrepreneur."

How is it going?

Archana's business has significantly increased owing to extensive?training and mentorship support mainly towards business, financial management and forward linkages.

Archana has significantly enhanced her business acumen, doubling her sales from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 through effective communication skills. This improvement has also bolstered her business profit, increasing it from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000. Furthermore, in April 2024, she secured a substantial order, generating a profit of approximately Rs. 70,000.??

In terms of technological advancement, Archana has expanded beyond screen printing, now utilizing Google Pay and Phone Pay in her operations. This integration underscores her adaptability and readiness to embrace new technologies. Her newfound confidence has transformed her into a seasoned decision-maker, further enriching her entrepreneurial journey.

What next?

FWWB’s constant support and handholding throughout the journey have transformed Archna’s story of becoming a self-sufficient entrepreneur.

She now contributes to her kid's education decisions at home as well.

Archana plans to have her shop in a larger market in the future. This story is proof that with the right combination of passion, direction, and guidance, a truly remarkable success can be achieved.

FWWB can proudly say that Archana secured a bag-making order from the foreign investor.