Kiran
After the sudden loss of her husband, Kiran found herself solely responsible for raising her children. With no stable source of income, she had to quickly find a way to support her family while managing her responsibilities at home. Determined to become financially independent, Kiran began selling small confectionery items from her home. Although her efforts brought in some income, her business remained limited due to a lack of capital and resources.
Her turning point came when she learned about the GEAR Women Self-Employment Programme through a Field Officer visiting her community. Recognizing the opportunity to grow her business, Kiran applied for and received a microfinance loan. With this support, she expanded her product range, improved the display of her shop, and ensured a more consistent supply of popular items for children. Her shop gradually became a convenient stop for local families, especially for school-going children. Kiran focused on building strong relationships with her customers by maintaining fair prices and a friendly, welcoming environment. As trust in her business grew, so did her customer base, largely through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Today, Kiran’s confectionery shop provides a reliable source of income, allowing her to better meet her children’s needs, including their education and daily expenses. Her journey highlights how determination, combined with the right support, can help transform a small initiative into a sustainable livelihood.
