Young entrepreneurs empowering city’s progress

 

Nagpur is seeing a surge of young entrepreneurs who are turning their passion into businesses and creating careers that give them independence and fulfillment. From chocolates and desserts to tote bags, clothes, books, and restaurants, these entrepreneurs are redefining success for their generation. Shruti Meghani, an engineering student at Ramdeobaba University (RBU), turned her love for baking into a thriving chocolate and dessert business. Her primary motivations were both financial independence and the desire to channel her creativity. Starting a business while studying undoubtedly came with challenges. Managing deliveries, handling client expectations, and balancing academics taught her to remain solution-oriented under pressure.

 

Shruti said that entrepreneurship has helped her develop critical skills like time management, working under stress, and learning to handle failures gracefully. “I believe young people are drawn to entrepreneurship today for the freedom, flexibility, and creative control it provides.” Fashion designers Rashida Kiranawala and her sister-in-law Hussaina chose a niche path by focusing on ridas (traditional attire for Bohra Muslim women) rather than pursuing jobs in western fashion. Their entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. Building a recognisable brand and keeping up with competition required learning skills that could not be found in textbooks, like understanding people and their expectations, how to deal with clients, and creative problem solving. Rashida mentioned that for her, entrepreneurship provides a platform for creative expression and autonomy.

 

“My advice is that if you have an idea, and if you know that it is a solid idea, just start working on it. Trust yourself and start it, because even though there will be a lot of places where you may fumble, it is all a learn-as-you-go process,” she added. Arefa Saifee began her entrepreneurial journey with a book business before expanding into a restaurant. Inspired by her family’s business background, Arefa was motivated by financial independence and a desire to create something of her own. Her journey taught her invaluable skills like leadership, decision-making, and trusting her instincts. While she faced challenges like recruiting skilled staff and overcoming self-doubt, family support was pivotal. Arefa mentioned, “I believe that the modern workforce is drawn to entrepreneurship because jobs have become unstable, demanding, and creatively restrictive. Also, shows like Shark Tank India have inspired many young people to explore their own business ideas.” Alefiya Dalal and her younger sister Sakina turned inspiration from their mother’s fabric bag business into a tote bag venture.

 

Alefiya, who holds a degree in English Literature from Hislop College, balanced working two jobs before launching the business and gained real-world experience that sharpened her decision-making and leadership skills. Family support played a key role, especially guidance from their mother, which softened the learning curve for them as newcomers. Alefiya stressed on the importance of market research, especially in Nagpur, adding that trends popular abroad may need adaptation locally. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear. “Research your market thoroughly, start small, and gradually build confidence while learning from challenges.” These ventures show that small businesses are not only about money, they are a means to develop self-growth, creativity, and independence. These young innovators are not waiting for opportunities. They are creating them by turning their passion, problem-solving skills, and strategy to transform Nagpur’s business landscape and inspire a generation to pursue their dreams, one venture at a time.