A big degree is not the only road to success — sometimes a skill quietly nurtured inside the home can transform an entire family's fortunes. Pooja, a resident of the Pandri Kripal development block in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district, is living proof of that. Educated only up to the eighth standard, this homemaker began making pickles from her kitchen as a tiny side activity. Today that modest start has grown into a dependable source of regular income and has strengthened her family's financial footing.
From household chores to a business
Speaking to TrendKia, Pooja recalled that her world was once limited to housework alone. The family's income was modest, and stretching it to cover everyday expenses was never easy. After studying up to class eight she got married and settled into the role of a housewife. It was then that she decided to turn her own skill into a livelihood — and that skill was preparing tasty, traditionally made pickles.
The push from Sanju Mishra
According to Pooja, the journey took off after she met Sanju Mishra. Pooja already made small batches of pickle at home, and when she mentioned this, Sanju Mishra suggested she put the talent to use as a proper business. Sanju Mishra explained the entire pickle-making process to her, and that is where the venture's foundation was laid. Today, working alongside Sanju Mishra, Pooja also runs the 'Akshara Achar' brand. She says her family backed the decision fully, with her husband offering the biggest support of all. Going forward, she wants to make several more varieties of pickle, for which she is currently undergoing training.
Which pickles are in highest demand
Pooja says the biggest demand at her unit is for mixed pickle, jackfruit (kathal) pickle, yam (jimikand) pickle, green chilli pickle and garlic pickle. In the beginning she started out at home with mango, lemon, chilli and mixed-vegetable pickles. At first she sold only to neighbours and relatives, but people grew fond of the taste of her handmade pickle, and demand gradually climbed.
A strong focus on quality
As demand rose, Pooja scaled up production. She says that around 15 to 20 types of pickle are now made at her place. Quality is given special attention in every batch — all spices and ingredients are chosen carefully so that the taste and standard remain consistent. That, she says, is why demand for her pickles keeps growing. Her customers are no longer confined to the village or the district; people from other areas now order her pickles too.
An example for other women
Pooja does not work alone — a team of five to six women in all runs the operation together. The income easily meets the family's needs, and everything from the children's education to the full household budget is now managed through this business. Pooja is also inspiring other women to become self-reliant. Her message is simple: if women have confidence and the will to do something, they can build their own enterprise right from home.
