A New You! Post lock down

-         For women who feel immovable with setbacks

Never expected that an old sewing machine which was given away to a known someone would do such a wonder. My maid’s daughter – in – law (Kantham), who was adept in using the machine, but could not afford to buy one – she comes to me saying that she has orders in hand to make face masks. It was truly surprising to know that this has not only helped a family make a livelihood but also contribute to the society in the most challenging times. When I gave her the machine few years ago, she used it mostly to stitch dresses for her kids or to make some alterations. Her husband who works at a diagnostic lab had to attend the lab even during the lockdown. She made masks for him out of some unused clothes so he can wear during the commute. Soon, she made few for his colleagues with a token amount for each mask.

Kantham discontinued her education after intermediate due to financial constraints. Encouraged with the little earnings from selling the masks, Kantham searched the internet and understood the standards to make a medical mask. She took notes of the specifications and purchased the materials required; made few sample masks – which her husband presented at his lab and it was soon approved. Now – she is supplying the masks to many local offices at a reasonable price and has enough oders in hand. Kantham’s initiative is going to take her a long way – to establish herself as a successful Woman Entrepreneur.

“In times of adversity and change, we really discover who we are and what we’re made of.” Howard Schultz

Our Prime Minister Mr. Modiji says it all during his recent speech to be Vocal for Local – this opens plenty of opportunities for enthusiasts. Due to fancy craze for international made products, many Indian products have gone unnoticed. It is time to think of a Gharelu Nuska for every problem – create a product– package it for usage of mass population and release it into the market. All the ladies making effort and looking for a breakthrough, this is the absolute time to pull up your socks. Who can stop you from being a self-reliant woman in ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

The lengthy stretch of the lockdown has unknowingly built-in a lot of fear for future for most of the earning and non-earning class. During the initial phase – ‘Jaan hai toh Jahan hai’ saying kept us going, but as the lockdown continued and as the resources/ both financial and domestic resources started taking a crunch, fear started to creep in. News talk about growing unemployment and pay cuts – where as there is need to meet the expenses too. It is need of the hour for every citizen (Men and Women) to contribute to the economy rather than to feel disappointed of the Pandemic which has hit the world by large. Only way to overcome fear is by facing the fear.

Lakhs of women struggling to make their mark – Government is encouraging in setting up of new businesses through revised and reformed MSME Loan facilities. Especially for local/street vendors, a credit facility is announced for their benefit. Let the fire to establish oneself not be extinguished with lack of awareness of the wonderful reforms brought around us. There are many reasons why many talents go hidden in women – it could be due to family chores or sometimes lack of confidence. Though there is a pressing need and a burning desire to make up for the living; these setbacks don’t let you take a step forward. But again ‘ Where there is a will there is a way’. The stronger is the will – sooner is the way.

There are many examples of women who made their mark amidst the challenging family situations – we are surrounded by plenty of Self Empowered Women. From school teachers to doctors, or even our house maid – is a Self-Empowered Woman. It is all too inspirational on how a working woman manages both the worlds so gracefully.

For those who are still thinking that they are stuck – its time to dig into your thoughts and work on your strengths. Work on your ideas to project them as business plans. If it is about lack of communication skills – if it is about speaking in English; with a minimum access to internet this can be mastered. Today there are plenty of short-term, long-term or even customised courses available online. Even if one has the hitch to speak about their product due to lack of confidence, there are programs available to work on them. There are programs available especially for budding entrepreneurs through online marketing or creating advertisements. Information is at our fingertips and yet there are many who are only counting the odds.

World is going through an adverse situation – so are you and so am I. And every adversity will open plethora of opportunities if seen with positive lens. At the same time if one has not got any learning from the existing situation, life will take its course ensure you learn to survive. It is time to prove to yourself as to how well you can face the adversity and emerge as a New YOU!

It’s a fresh blooming world out there with reforms for those who are ambitious. Though existing businesses are resuming operations – the business plans are revised and rephrased. Yes, we are sorry for the effects of the Pandemic, and we are back to work by being more humane and emphatic towards each other. We all realise that we continue to fight the outbreak together and we shall follow the social norms for smooth sailing of our economy.  

Its a Makeover time young ladies; unlock your potential to make a new beginning. Wishing you all come back from lockdown for a successful and Empowered You!!

If you have any queries or juggling with any setbacks, do talk out. Basis the nature of your query – I will help or guide you to concerned channel. Write to me on [email protected].

    ~Sravanthi Thimmana