Sheela's Story
My name is Sheela, and ever since I was young, I've loved taking responsibility. I used to volunteer for tasks whenever I could, always eager to learn something new. After I got married, my desire to keep working and challenging myself only grew stronger.
At my office, Narbhavi, our new trustee, Sowmya Ma'am, appointed me as a self-help group coach. At first, I was nervous about taking on this role because it involved guiding women to work both individually and as a group. There were definitely risks, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready. But Sowmya Ma'am shared her vision: she wanted us to work toward a world where women’s voices are valued in their families and communities. That idea spoke to me deeply, and I realized that I wanted to be part of that change.
Before I started coaching other women, I felt it was important for me to experience running a business myself. I thought, if I could succeed in my own venture, I’d feel much more confident in helping other women do the same. So, I decided to try my hand at a tea delivery business.
I started by visiting every shop in Kaladipettai market to see who might need tea delivered. I noticed something interesting: many of the shop owners worked alone and didn’t even have time to step out for a tea break. There were plenty of tea shops around, but none of them delivered directly to the shops. I saw this gap and thought, “Why not fill it?” So, I started making tea and delivering it right to my customers' doors.
What surprised me most was how quickly my customers spread the word. Through their support, I connected with even more people, and I began to understand my own value and the quality of my service. This business wasn’t just about earning an income—it was about proving to myself that I was capable.
Now, I’m able to support my family in new ways, and my family members even listen to the ideas I share. Running this business takes a lot of time and energy, and there are times I face setbacks, but I never see that as the end of my journey. I keep learning, improving, and finding new ways to grow.
Today, I use my experience to encourage other women to start businesses of their own. I help them understand finances, manage risks, and build confidence. My journey has taught me that we’re all stronger and more capable than we think—and I’m proud to help other women see that in themselves too.