By 2021, the second wave of the pandemic was at its peak. People were scrambling for immunity boosters, and demand for traditional products like camphor, guggal, and loban (frankincense) surged. An idea sparked in Poonam’s mind: why not start a camphor manufacturing business? She researched the process, downloaded a video from YouTube, and presented the idea to her husband. Awadhesh was so impressed with her suggestion that he began discussing the intricacies of the business with her.
Together, they pooled their resources and established a company called Gaurishankar Industries. By March 2023, they launched their startup, Siddhi Aarti Kapoor. Though they had taken a significant step forward, challenges still lay ahead.
Though production had begun, Poonam quickly realized the difficulty of selling her products without proper branding or a trademark. Lacking knowledge in these areas, she faced roadblocks in marketing her camphor. That’s when fate intervened.
Six months into their venture, Poonam met Manoj Tiwari, a mentor from Jagriti’s Udyam program, who introduced her to enterprise expert Sahana. In September 2023, Poonam became a part of Jagriti’s new cohort, where her entrepreneurial journey received a much-needed boost. Jagriti not only helped her secure a trademark for Siddhi Aarti Kapoor but also connected her business to the online marketplace. They provided training on managing digital accounting and offered financial assistance along with expert guidance.
With Jagriti’s support, the business that once struggled to find its feet was now racing towards success.
Filled with gratitude, Poonam reflects on her journey: “My camphor business is growing rapidly. I’m now making camphor in different sizes, and it’s in high demand in Gorakhpur, Deoria, and Kushinagar districts. Jagriti has played an essential role in my business’s expansion, providing timely guidance and financial assistance to ease my path.”
Buoyed by her achievements, Poonam’s aspirations have only grown. She now plans to expand her business by creating other items related to religious rituals, envisioning an even brighter future for Gaurishankar Industries.
Poonam’s story is a tale of resilience and perseverance. From a homemaker bound by daily routines to the owner of a thriving business, her journey reminds us that even in the darkest times, opportunities await those who are willing to seek them. Through sheer determination rightly guided by Jagriti, Poonam turned a crisis into her moment of triumph, inspiring countless others with her unwavering spirit.
