Home Inspiring stories Inspiring Stories of Women In Business

Inspiring Stories of Women In Business

by Vidya Sury March 8, 2018 19 comments
Women in Business #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

Yesterday, I signed the pledge to Press for Progress,  this year’s theme for International Women’s Day.

Individually, we’re one drop but together we’re an ocean. Commit to a “gender parity mindset” via progressive action. Let’s all collaborate to accelerate gender parity, so our collective action powers equality worldwide.

I believe in supporting women and in the spirit of International Women’s Day, I am proud to know these fabulous women in business.

Papamma. Meticulous, always shows up to work and is in charge of cleaning and waste collection in our apartment complex. She has a thousand-watt smile and believes in doing her job well. If the lift doesn’t work, she doesn’t care. She just brings smaller buckets to carry the garbage from floor to floor. She used to be a construction supervisor, she said. I can believe it from her authoritative attitude.  Doesn’t believe in whining and has no time to listen to those who do. We are grateful to her for our clean corridors, our garbage free homes and our clean surroundings.

Here she is: bright, cheerful, well-dressed, most days with jasmine in her hair, usually glove and… loved!

Women in business. Contractor #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

Next up, this lovely lady who serves with a smile. She never gets irritated and heaven knows, people can be so annoying. Yet, look at her. Happily mixing up that concoction of peanuts, lemon juice, coriander, masala  and rustling up an instant snack for the people milling around her. Very crowded market place too! And in summer, hmmph! Don’t ask. Did you notice how nicely she’s dressed?

Women in business. Catering. #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

She stakes her claim on a few squares on the sidewalk, right in the middle of the two-wheeler parking area. Unperturbed, she weaves fragrant garlands of jasmine, rose and marigold…and other flowers, while gently humming to herself. Oh yes, she has a regular clientele that shops in the supermarket just behind her and on their way out, buy flowers from her, chat with her.  If she spots what they’ve bought, she’ll sometimes offer up a recipe wrapped in a story from her “those” days.  If you’re lucky, she’ll throw in a few home remedies. Comes in the evening around 4 and leaves around 8.30 or 9.00 p.m.

Women in business Flowers. #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

This lady with the charming expression and no-option-but-to-like-her personality manages the group filed behind her. I met her in Jharkhand. They are from the Santhali tribe. Except that lady with the camera around her neck, who’s out of line. Some of these girls are her nieces or related to her and some are just part of the cultural group. Most go to school and live in the same locality, meeting for regular dance practice. Every time there’s a big event, they’re there to perform, beautifully costumed. They wait for hours in the hot sun. The main performance is usually during the cultural evening on the first day of the event. After that they perform in the open, much to the delight of the visitors to the event. Hats off to their patience and always cheerful smile. And all of them, super-shy! The lady-manager takes good care of them.

Women in Business. Arts #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

This brave woman can be seen everywhere in our area, alternating between major traffic signals. She sells balloons, braving all kinds of weather—and weaves between the traffic with absolute confidence. Those of us who watch of course have our hearts in our mouths. She literally sashays around, her skirt swirling around her, offering these large colorful balloons fixed to a stick. Smart businesswoman. Sometimes balloons, sometimes handmade toys, sometimes electronic stuff like mobile holders, car chargers, etc. She has kids who hang out on the sidewalk.  The older ones assist her, while the little ones just amuse themselves. Not sure where they live, but they show up every morning and leave late in the evening!

Women in business #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

This lady sells rangoli templates. She’ll demonstrate to all and sundry cheerfully. The moment she arrives around 3.00 p.m. she sets up shop in her spot, much like Sheldon Cooper, with a few designs already on display. As she waits for her prospects, she is also busy making bracelets. Clearly she doesn’t believe in putting all her eggs in one basket.  Quite happy to sit on a sheet of newspaper, using the corner of her sari as her towel in warm weather, she’s content to make her money especially during festivals. It is a good thing we’re blessed with several and rangoli is auspicious, if not pretty. Some of us buy because we feel it is our duty to support her. Also, the templates are inexpensive and make nice gifts.

Women In business. Rangoli #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

We see two businesswomen here. I am sorry you can’t see the lady standing. She’s an established flower seller who started with just a small basket of marigold flower garlands flitting from spot to spot before she grew to the stage where she has a stationary cart and her own spot now. She stocks a substantial quantity of different kinds of flowers. Life isn’t easy for her as she has to be at the flower market at 4.00 a.m. to catch the best bargains, then return home to finish housework, take care of family and segregate the flowers to display before she settles down to business for the day. She does two shifts—one in the morning from around 9.30 a.m to lunchtime and then again from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. before she returns home. Love her anklets!

The lady in red sitting with the two bags of rice flakes and roasted gram and talking on the phone? She can carry on a conversation while attending to her customers. Her presence at the market is short-lived as she finishes her stock in 2-3 hours and heads back home. But it is hard work, nevertheless.

Women in business. Selling flowers #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

 

Love these cheerful gals! Always joking, laughing, they sell their colorful garlands sitting at the corner of the street. They are clever enough to reduce their prices as the day comes to a close so they can go home with an empty basket. Friendly, they look like they’re enjoying their job. They are usually there in the evenings, probably after college, to attend the school of life. Most likely their moms or aunts are around, too, busy with their own work.

Women in business. Flowers. Parttime. #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

This lady is not a local, but somehow she has moved here, hoping she can make a decent living.  She sells her local craft—these colorful handmade streamers that look great at the side of doorways. They are quite well-made. I’ve got some that I bought over a decade ago that still look as good as new.  She’s an astute negotiator and if she senses you are interested, you can safely bet you’ll go home with a couple of those in your bag.

Women in business Home decor. #WomenInBusiness #PressforProgress #IWD18 #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay

What I admire most about these women in business is this:

  • They work in the outdoors and do not complain.
  • They show up for work every day.
  • When we order ahead for large events, they never let us down.
  • They know a thing or two about customer service.
  • They’re generous.
  • They are courageous–no matter what the weather, they’re at work.
  • And they support one another.

I bow to them and all the other women I see regularly.

As I hold the note my Mom, my mentor wrote me, I wish all the amazing women I know a very happy Women’s Day, I’d like to add a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful men in my life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgEDNuPB1yF/

Happy Women’s Day!

 

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19 comments

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19 comments

Ramya Abhinand March 9, 2018 at 8:37 am

Different shades of women indeed. Joyous, enterprising, and living life with a zeal. It is simplicity of life that trickles down from each one fo these faces. Look deep within and each of these stories have a thing or two inspiring!!!

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Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com March 9, 2018 at 8:53 pm

Hi Vidya! What a wonderful way of highlighting the hard work, dedication, strength, beauty and character of these women. It especially reminds me of how easy it is to overlook those around us if we aren’t paying attention. Yet, our world would be infinitely less beautiful and run far less well without them. Thank you for reminding me and you can be sure today I will take the time to notice and appreciate the women in my life too. ~Kathy

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Rubina March 11, 2018 at 12:32 am

First of all kudos for capturing the true essence of being a woman. Loved this post. How many times do we walk past these women and never even smile a greeting. Make me feel very humble to be me. The note from your mom brought a lump in my throat. Some of these things makes us feel human again.

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Rachna March 11, 2018 at 6:39 pm

Loved every story and such cheerful images as well. There are so many of these women around us quietly living their lives and making a difference. Thank you for sharing these with us.

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Darla M Sands March 11, 2018 at 7:49 pm

Wow! What inspirations. I’m not surprised that someone like you, an inspiration herself, tells their stories so beautifully. Namaste, my dear.

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Parul Thakur March 11, 2018 at 8:27 pm

Loved every single story an d those pictures. I think the most amazing part is that these women do not complain. They may not have a penny but they keep at it. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

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Nabanita Dhar March 12, 2018 at 9:24 am

Thank you Vidya for bringing us the stories of these amazing women. They inspire in so many ways.
On Women’s Day, I heard about a woman names Sasikala who works from 3am to 7 pm at night taking care of her family and selling tea. Something she said stuck with me. She said she is happy with whatever little she has because she doesn’t need more, just enough to keep her family happy, fed and safe.
Your post reminded me of her.

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Shailaja Vishwanath March 12, 2018 at 9:25 am

This was the BEST Women’s Day post I read this year 🙂 I consciously stayed away from most of the posts on social media this time because I was unable to decide if it was okay or not to wish people Happy Women’s Day! People get offended for everything 😉

But this, this is the reason we need a day for Women. To celebrate the humble, the extol their achievements in the face of incredible odds. I love each photograph and each story. This is such a Vidya post 🙂 Your mom would be proud.

Happy Women’s Day, Vidya. Today and always 🙂

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Debbie L Hampton March 12, 2018 at 6:31 pm

Love these inspirational everyday examples of female heroes. Women are strong. We do what has to be done. It’s nice when we help, support, and appreciate each other.

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Paige Burkes March 12, 2018 at 10:08 pm

I always love your pictures and the stories of the people in your area, Vidya. After reading your articles, I feel like I’ve just visited for the day (from half-way around the globe). Thank you for celebrating these brave women!!

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Pratikshya Mishra March 13, 2018 at 12:18 am

So many inspiring people are in our surroundings only. We just need to pay attention. Take notice.

The girls lining up in traditional attire – the pic is so beautiful! Those flowersellers in the flower market too!

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Sandra Pawula March 13, 2018 at 3:25 am

What a beautiful tribute to these amazing women, Vidya. I love your aspiration for strong women too!

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Soumya March 13, 2018 at 5:36 pm

This just melts my heart, Vidya! No one but you could have given these wonderful women such a beautiful tribute 🙂

As my eyes well up, I have the brightest smile too <3 <3

Never thought I could love you more, but now I do after seeing this post <3

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Rajlakshmi March 14, 2018 at 8:13 am

So glad you wrote about women we see almost everyday. Each inspiring and working hard to make a living. Plus they have to handle all kinds of customers, that requires some serious skill and patience. Kudos to all these ladies 😊

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Elle Sommer March 15, 2018 at 3:08 am

Your images and stories are always so captivating Vidya. What a great tribute to the women of your neighbourhood. 🙂

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Sachin Baikar March 15, 2018 at 8:41 am

Very well written post 👍 They are around us, we see them everyday and we interact also. But you highlighted the business elements of them. Thanks for sharing these inspiring stories 🙂

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Shilpa Garg March 16, 2018 at 12:04 pm

What a beautiful tribute to these amazing women around us, Vidya. Their service with a smile, grit and determination is so awe-inspiring. More power and happiness to them.

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Hempworx CBD Oils April 3, 2018 at 11:04 am

Wow. Thanks for sharing stories of these amazing women in different colours. I really enjoyed it. Keep sharing these inspiring stories with us.

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PhyllisBowman October 24, 2018 at 1:04 pm

Different shades of women indeed.Thanks for sharing these inspiring stories

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