Just a few years ago, Sreedevi G Nair from Alappuzha in Kerala was a humble homemaker who was worried about the financial crisis in her family. But through sheer grit and an entrepreneurial spirit, this 56-year-old of Vallikunnam village has not only turned her family’s fortunes but also became a financially independent woman, winning respect and admiration from all around her.
Nothing but a strong desire to contribute more substantially to her family’s income made Sreedevi explore opportunities to turn her knowledge in farming into a small business. She started a small venture of making homemade products from banana to coconut and jackfruit. Realising the demand for high-quality homemade food products, Sreedevi soon introduced other value-added products like homemade squash, which became an instant hit.
As the small business became the cornerstone of her life, the income from it not only supplemented the family’s financial stability but also earned her a reputation in her society beyond what she ever expected.
“I am no longer seen as just a housewife but rather someone who can manage a successful business from home. This has positively impacted our entire family,” Sreedevi told “Open Digest.”
While Sreedevi’s husband Gopalakrishnan Nair, an ex-serviceman, helps her in her business, her children – a daughter and a son – work in private establishments. Sreedevi says the financial stability from her small business gave her confidence and a sense of fulfilment and determination. “It has given me a new purpose in my life,” she said.
Sreedevi, who is now a huge inspiration to the other housewives in her locality, dedicates considerable time to help other women learn the nuances of starting a small home-based venture of their own.
She adds that the main reason for the success of her small venture is that she doesn’t depend on anyone else in her work. “I cut the vegetables for making the chips and fry them. Also, I handle the sales by finding new customers for my products. I never feel tired and derive a lot of happiness from completing the task all alone. My journey shows that with determination, continuous learning, and a bit of creativity, anyone can turn a simple idea into a successful business,” she added.
