Name: Sharmila Pashte
Self-Help Group: Zep Entrepreneur Self-Help Group
Project: PSS Project
Location: DHARAVI, Mumbai

At the age of 46, Sharmila Pashte has transformed her home into a small centre of entrepreneurship and empowerment. With determination and the support of the PSS Project, she has begun crafting a brighter future for herself and her family through her incense stick (dhoop batti) making business.

After receiving training under the PSS initiative, Sharmila set up a small home-based unit where she produces handmade incense sticks. She sells each packet for ₹20, with a production cost of ₹15, earning a steady margin. What started as a modest effort has now begun to grow, with regular orders giving her the confidence to expand further. Her husband works as an electrician, and together they are raising three children. Sharmila’s dream is to support her family and provide them with better opportunities. Through her business, she is not only generating additional income but also building a foundation for a more secure and prosperous future.

Encouraged by her Community Resource Person (CRP) and members of the Zep Entrepreneur Self-Help Group, Sharmila distributed product samples within her community and received positive feedback. This collective encouragement has strengthened her belief in her abilities and motivated her to aim higher.

The financial education and entrepreneurship guidance provided by the PSS Project played a key role in her success. The training programs helped her understand costing, savings, and business management, while the Self-Help Group offered her a strong support system.

Today, the fragrance of Sharmila’s incense sticks symbolizes more than just a product—it represents confidence, independence, and hope. Her journey proves that with the right training and community support, even small initiatives can lead to meaningful change.

 

Sharmila Pashte’s story is a true reflection of empowerment

where opportunity meets determination and transforms lives.