Success Stories
Transformation from a woman with limited opportunity to a budding entrepreneur
Ranju Shrestha is a 24 year old living in Maina Pokhari VDC, ward no 6, in Bardiya District. Her family's main occupation is farming. They made a living by selling cash crops grown on their land. Although Ranju is an energetic lady who wanted to do something productive in her life, she was held back in the past due to money concerns within the household. She was unable to continue her studies beyond the tenth grade. She has had no choice, but to help her family out with the daily household chores and assist in the farming activities.
Ranju wasn't happy with the situation at home and wanted to contribute more to the family. During her search for other opportunities, she learned of a USAID funded "USAID/Nepal's Education for Income Generation (EIG) in Nepal program". She applied and got an opportunity in the hair cutting and beautician training program conducted by USAID/Nepal EIG from May 13, 2008 to July 20, 2008 which included 19 other female participants.
She was fully committed and a quick learner in the training program. While attending the program she took the initiative to purchase a beauty parlor in Maina Pokhari Bazaar in Bardiya, with the help of some personal saving as well as a cash loan. She renovated the Beauty parlor named and named it "Samarpan Beauty Parlor". She started her business even before finishing the training and was able to work in the Beauty parlor in the mornings and evenings and attend the training program in afternoon.
She has been able to generate a good start in the business earning an average net (after deducting the expenses incurred for rental and cosmetic products, etc.) monthly income of more than $60. She has been able to support her family's needs such as education expenses and buying household items from the savings. Her family is very proud of her success and has been very supportive from the beginning.
The training program has made a significant impact on her life. She has not only learned the necessary skills required of a beautician, but also the knowledge of how to effectively manage the parlor and deal with customers. She has already begun making plans to expand the business and take on more beauticians in the near future.
The USAID/Nepal's EIG training program has helped her gain confidence, which she lacked before taking the training. Because of the training she can also comfortably deal with her customers and has developed strong entrepreneurial skills.
