During the adversity phrase of life, some people crumble, while others uplift themselves and create pathways for opportunity. Recite You acknowledges extraordinary people and their remarkable work and of those one such fellow who defines the odds is Laveena Jain, a 56-year-old entrepreneur wo hails from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Who turned her struggles into an opportunity by creating a booming business from scratch.
A Life Altering Challenge
Laveena Jain and her husband led a comfortable life running a transport business. Unfortunately, in 2010, both were diagnosed with cancer, Laveena with breast cancer and her husband with mouth cancer. When get known about the news this not only shattered them but also brought financial turmoil. Shutting down of their business and mounting medical bills made their survival a daily plight.
Their relatives started asking them questions about how they will afford their children’s education, manage household expenses and their mounting medical costs. When no light rays were visible, as a solution to ease their burdens they put forth their house for sale. However, instead of succumbing to hopelessness. Laveena Jain chose to fight back for her children – not just against the financial challenges but also against cancer which devastated the family’s mental health. This all needs great strength and courage and in this kind of situation most people lose their hopes but choosing to fight back is something truly appreciable.
The Small Starting
She then in 2011, started to sell homemade squash, jams, pickles, and more. As days passed, she realized she’s grappling with the challenge of not being able to sell the products. As sometimes the planning doesn’t work. This has again made her hopeless. Convincing people to buy what she made was more demanding than making the product. With her husband by her side, she never gave up and converted a small business into life changing choice.
Switching Passion into Business
During the days of adversity, Laveena recalled about the food preservation course, she had taken in the 1980s. A skill which she thought won’t be in service, but her destiny had other things in store. She with a new hope and zeal started with homemade products free from preservatives with just rupees 1500. Her first product was her favorite lemon squashed and thandai, she sold it to a local women’s group and collected their feedback, gained herself a loyal customer base in no time.
When people asked about her products, she mentions that her products are made using traditional recipes, without any artificial additives. What sets her stand out is her focus on quality, authenticity, and natural ingredients. Encouraged by her family and early accomplishment she decided to expand her business, launching new flavors and varieties of pickles, chutneys and jams. Her brand was named ‘Tripti Foods’, signifying the satisfaction and nourishment her products delivered to customers.
Laveena through her struggles sermonizes that whatever life throws at you, persistence and determination helps overcome any obstacle.
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Challenges in Business
Starting a business is challenging, and for Laveena Jain post her treatment that was around eight months long, the journey was particularly demanding. Although she lacked financial resources and was still recovering from her disease, she refused to let these obstacles hold her back.
Strategies she used to overcome the obstacles are mentioned were, Verbal Recommendation Marketing – She started presenting samples of her work in local kitty party groups, and her son helped by visiting different colony gates and presenting food samples. Quality Product – Right from the start she focused on maintaining high quality standards, using fresh ingredients and traditional methods to produce. Expansion – Over time, she expanded her sales beyond Meerut. This boosted her sales.
Beyond Business
Laveena’s business is commendable, but what makes her enlightening is her commitment towards empowering other women. She understands the hardship of financial uncertainty; therefore, she provides employment opportunities to rural women.
She trains them in food production techniques, packaging of products, and management skills. Her vision isn’t just growing her business but also uplifting her surroundings and helping others to achieve financial stability.
