For two days, homemakers test entrepreneurial skills

HUBBALLI: These homemakers had no prior experience in business, but there is always a first time. And that opportunity came at Samuday Bhavan recently when members of the Mangala Mahila Mandal in Lingaraj Nagar discovered the entrepreneurship skills in themselves. On offer were snacks and garments at exhibition-cum-sale event held at a location far away from market and crowded areas.
These women tasted mixed success. Some earned profits to the tune of Rs 5,000 in two days while a few failed to break even. In the process, however, a larger success was achieved: igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in them.
Roopa Patil set up a snacks stall in partnership with Saroja Jamadar. They had invested Rs 4,000 for grocery and other materials. “We prepared and sold Mysuru bhajji, brinjal mirchi, girmit, kodubale and butter biscuit. When we counted the cash at the end, we could not believe that it was Rs 9,000. More than the profit, we were proud that we have entrepreneurial and communication skills,” said the duo.
Satyavati Mekala, wife of a college professor, said that all members were intimated to book a stall two weeks before the event. “In those two weeks, I bought raw materials and stitched and designed leggings, lehanga and other dress materials. I got profit of about Rs 5,000 and realized that there is a market for my designs. I thank Mangala Mahila Mandal for providing such an opportunity to me,” she said.
Another member Roopa Hanchinamani could not garner any profit by selling garments at the event. However, the event has motivated to change her approach towards business. “If they organize again, I will definitely display my products with a fresh approach. I will take this setback as the first step towards success,” she said.
Nagaratna Bhosle, Savitri Mulagund, Shilpa Patel, Deepa and others said that the event was litmus test to prove capabilities of homemakers. “Overall, we have achieved success and noted some demerits in organizing the event. We will rectify them in the future,” the said.
“Out of 34 stalls, 10 were by members. We collected a rent of Rs 300 from outsiders and Rs 200 from members to meet logistic needs for the event. Inspired by the success, many members are talking about holding another such event in December. However, we will take a decision in our next meeting,” said Jyoti Neelagund, president of the Mandal, and Uma Mugadur, the treasurer.