Sometimes, mixing friendship with business is a good idea

They say you shouldn’t mix friendship with business. But Sheetal Bapat and Anjali Joshi have a different tale to tell. Before joining hands to start their own venture, both women were holding their own in full-time jobs. Sheetal was working in the Software industry at first, and then as an IT teacher for a couple of years. Anjali was working as an accountant for 12 years, before she decided to hand in her papers. With time on their hands, the two friends turned to their shared passion of creating decorative embroidered items.

From passion to profession

Things took an interesting turn when the two friends decided to sell these decorative items, and found many takers. With a renewed sense of motivation, they decided to convert their hobby into a professional business. But how can you run a business, when you have no clue where or how to start your business? That’s when the duo heard about deAsra, and made it a point to attend one of our seminars.

The deAsra seminar lights the way
The deAsra session outlined the basics of starting a business, which was eagerly attended to by the two enterprising women. Inspired by what they had learnt, the two entrepreneurs then booked an appointment with the deAsra team. Looking back, Sheetal and Anjali feel that this was the defining moment of their professional lives.

Of stitches and smiles

The deAsra mentors offered crucial pointers to help set up their business, along with effective techniques to attract more customers. Today, Sheetal and Anjali focus on a Machine Embroidery unit called Emblazon Embroidery on Sinhagad Road, while deAsra regularly monitors their growth and progress. Emblazon Embroidery has a roll of happy customers to its credit, and plans to expand operations soon. But most satisfying of all is the broad smile lighting up the faces of the two entrepreneur-friends, as they recount their journey. “Guess friendship and business do go hand-in-hand after all,” says Sheetal with a laugh. Their mentor, Rekha, concludes “We at deAsra wish Sheetal and Anjali a bright future ahead, and we’re sure their venture will grow to be as strong as their friendship.”

deAsra Foundation offers end-to- end support and guidance to emerging and existing entrepreneurs in the small scale sector. To date, we have helped 100+ entrepreneurs grow and nurture their new and existing businesses into successful businesses. You could be next! Reach out to us at 020 – 65365300/11 for personalised guidance and help.