The real ‘Rags to Riches’ stories!

On International Women's' Day, Asawari chats with three women who tell us their 'rags to riches' story and how their single-mindedness to chase their dreams and determination to achieve them, helped them arrive in life

“Keep faith and let your work promote itself”
Maushmi Dhawan did just this. No wonder the 35-year old, who successfully runs a salon and spa, ‘Beautiful Secrets’, has now carved a niche for herself in bridal makeup.

“I came from an affluent family until fate decided to turn tables and I lost everything. But instead of looking out for help I decided to bring some blush back in my life by doing something on my own. It just took a 175 sq. feet room, some basic infrastructure and most importantly sheer zest to start my small parlour. There was fear but parallel to it was belief.”

“I never compromised on hard work and never ever failed any commitments, thanks to my family’s undying support. I then moved to a 500 sq feet salon and now own a sprawling 5000 sq feet space extending our services to a spa as well. I ventured into personality grooming and my forte became bridal makeup. In fact, I’ve travelled all over the world to dress up high-profile Indian brides. My name is now synonymous to bridal makeup and I know I have completely earned it.”

“I just wanted to live my life with complete freedom”
Admits the pretty Lorraine More, the founder and owner of the world-famous ‘Japalouppe Equestrian Centre Private Limited’ at Talegaon.

“I always wanted economical independence and start my own business. To earn some capital for my venture I started modelling. But this did not go down too well with my conservative husband and his family, so we started living separately. But after 8 months he called me back to join him in his family business of stud farms and I agreed.”

“At first I contemplated whether to start a green house or an equestrian school, but then I chose the latter. Not only because I had experience working at my friend’s equestrian centre in Canada but also because I met a Dutch couple who had the expertise and the equipment for the initial start-up. We were doing really well but with the success, the couple started mishandling the funds. None of my horse-shoes were favouring me as with this started a series of unpleasant events like police cases, mental stress, monetary loss, wrong allegations and other litigations. I was completely shattered as I was left with nothing. But I didn’t give up! With the same passion and commitment, I rose like a phoenix from the ashes and today I am proud that I am riding high with success.”

“My riding school is touted to teach novices in the most friendly but yet professional way. It is also renowned for kids’ camps, corporate training programs, hosting of equestrian competitions, wedding and bachelor parties. Maddox, Brangelina’s son had his first horse riding lesson here. Media is covering us, people are recommending us and we are only galloping ahead!”

“If you want to get to something desperately, you will”
Says the 30 year old, Puja Madan, a social Media Consultant who independently manages the new and famous Sulmoz.

“After doing my MBA from a reputed organisation, I started working at different places but always felt that my creative potential was never tapped to the fullest. I felt that I should do something on my own where I can unleash my creativity.”

“So when social networking was at a nascent stage I had some ideas in my head that I wanted to explore. I knew my family would always support me but I also knew that this was something I needed to do from the ground up myself. So after downloading all my savings and uploading loads of perseverance and devotion I started what is now ‘Sulmoz’, a sought-after consulting agency that offers organisations innovative ways to create the necessary online presence. My efforts have been paid off as I now handle the best clients in the business.”

“A word of advice to all women out there, whatever you face, optimism will pull you out of it for sure! I know it helped me.”