08 Jul Danfe Divas, A Success Story – Episode 3
“I am so lucky to have such a supporting family, they are there with me in all steps of my life.” – says Samika Shrestha who is one of our dear Danfe Divas from Sangachowk. Now, she has started her journey as a tailor in her own shop which makes her feel immensely empowered. She shared with us about how she turned from a woman who dreaded even to dream into a woman who is confident to turn her dreams into reality.
It’s true that with the help of family, an individual can do wonders in life. After talking to Samika we found out how strong her family support was. She shared with us about her father being more enthusiastic than her to fill the form for tailoring training at Danfe. We saw her grow into a confident girl from a shy, uncomfortable girl. She was always eager to learn new things and explore her own limits. Her parents never stopped or questioned her. Instead she let us know her family was getting the shop ready for her so that she could start her own business soon after she returned. Knowing this made us feel so happy as she had such loving parents. Now, with the help of her mother and sister, she runs her shop. She told us how her mother and sister helped her out in seasons where the work is maximum and deadlines are often a close call.
When we asked her about her sister, she told us about how she is thinking to teach her sister tailoring as well. She told us how her sister had just finished her exams and had holidays. So, to fruitfully utilize her holidays, Samika stated that she wants to teach her sister the skill as well to make her feel self-confident and empowered. This shows how she is not only determined to continue her recently started shop but also wants to share her skill.
Her journey might sound as an easy one but every journey has its own story. Likewise, Samika had and still has to face many challenges. The first being, getting clothes for her shop. It is very difficult to get preferable material near her village so everytime she comes till Kathmandu to get clothes for her shop. Secondly, the business functions seasonally which means at certain times she has a lot of orders but sometimes none. After knowing this, when we asked her if her morale went down due to the challenges, she expressed how she is planning to run her shop for a long time and that she won’t let such meagre problems get in her way of achieving success.
Now, we know how much hard work is put in by Samika and we should all hope for her success in what she has planned to achieve. This story is hence, for all those who dare to dream and more over for the ones who dare to change their dreams into reality!
By Brinda Bhattacharya