Parbati Giri
Parbati Giri, an entrepreneur from Tilottama in Nepal, embarked on her journey toward entrepreneurship at a very young age.
Born and raised in a traditional village, she encountered significant challenges early on. At just 14 years old, she eloped with Bhesh Giri, who was working in India at the time. Upon returning to Nepal while pregnant with her eldest daughter, Parbati found herself managing the complexities of a joint family household as the eldest daughter-in-law. Despite the societal pressures and isolation that often accompanied her role, she remained resilient. With her husband's support, who later moved to Dubai to provide for the family, Parbati eventually moved out and began carving her path toward becoming an entrepreneur.
In 2017, Parbati attended a pickle-making training organized by a local cooperative. Inspired, she and six fellow trainees pooled their resources and started the Subhalabha Pickles venture with an initial investment of Rs. 5,000 each. A year later, in 2018, Parbati took a bold step forward and launched her pickle brand, LaKaC. This decision marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey into establishing a successful pickle business in Tilottama.
LaKaC's range of 21 varieties of sweet and savory pickles, including specialties like akbare, lime, mangoes, and mushrooms, quickly gained popularity for their quality and unique flavors. The business expanded rapidly, leading Parbati to persuade her husband, Bhesh, to return from Dubai to support their growing enterprise.
Acknowledging the need for additional skills and business strategies, Parbati enrolled in Daayitwa's REAP program. This initiative provided her with essential training in business planning, strategy development, and community engagement. The program played a crucial role in equipping Parbati with the tools needed to navigate challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining business operations and expanding market reach.
Under Parbati's leadership, LaKaC's monthly profits have soared to Rs. 75,000, demonstrating significant financial success and sustainability. The business now operates from a rented shop along the highway, serving customers not only in Tilottama but also in Palpa, Bhairawa, Butwal, and beyond. LaKaC's commitment to quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction sets it apart in the competitive pickle market.
In recognition of her entrepreneurial achievements, Parbati received awards from both local cooperatives and the Mayor-Daayitwa Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program. These accolades underscore her dedication, innovation, and contribution to the local economy.
Beyond business success, Parbati is actively involved in supporting other women through training initiatives in pickle-making. Her commitment to social work and empowerment reflects her belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to uplift and inspire others in her community. Parbati's journey from elopement to entrepreneurship, combined with her resilience and determination, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women aspiring to achieve economic independence and pursue education later in life.
Despite marrying early and initially missing out on formal education, Parbati's determination led her to return to school at the age of 37. She completed her Grade 12 exams with a focus on sociology and journalism, aiming to pursue further education. Parbati's personal growth and academic achievements exemplify her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement.
Parbati Giri's story encapsulates the transformative impact of entrepreneurship, resilience, and community support in overcoming adversity and achieving success. Her journey from a young bride facing societal pressures to an accomplished businesswoman and advocate for women's empowerment inspires admiration and hope. Parbati's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality have not only enriched her own life but also contributed significantly to Nepal's entrepreneurial landscape and community development. Her continued commitment to empowering women and fostering social change highlights the enduring legacy of her journey.