Women have been the pillars of Uttarakhand’s economy since long. From working in fields, collecting firewood from the forest, raring animals to the new startups’ women are everywhere. After Dehradun became capital of the state the city flourished rapidly. Advancements in the economic sector brought women out of their homes to take the city to where it is today. These women entrepreneurs fulfilled their dreams breaking stereotypes and inspired generations to come.
1. Astha Tandon – Conceptree
Astha completed her graduation in Mass Communication from IMS Unison University Dehradun. After her graduation, she worked 8 years as a journalist for the leading daily, Garhwal Post English newspaper. As a daughter of an army personnel, she kept moving across various cities along her father. Probably that was the grooming that allowed her to adjust to changes and start afresh. In 2013, Astha decided to do PR work and her first few jobs included working for the former chief minister Harish Rawat. She left her job in journalism and started her own PR company, Conceptree. It went on to become the sole company that has a local client pool and is relied upon by all. Conceptree is located near Silver City Cinema on Rajpur Road. Astoundingly all the employees of Conceptree are females.
2. Archana Tomar – Dream’s Creation
Hailing from conservative Jaat family, Archana faced hurdles no one could cross. She belongs to Roorkee and completed her education from her home city. Later she got diplomas in Make-up from Javed Habib’s Saloons and hairstyling from Vidya Tikri. Married off in a typical Jaat family Archana was in a setting where women can’t think of stepping out of the house. But the worst of circumstances surrendered to her zeal and determination.
Archana came to Dehradun and started her own beauty parlor, Dream’s Creations. Single-handedly she started running her parlor. Working hard everyday managing other daily chores she struggled endlessly. Today her beauty parlor employees 10 beauticians and is an established brand name.
3. Swati Singh – Saptak College of Performing Arts & Womenia Band
Swati’s mother also wanted her to be a government servant. The reason being that all her family members living in Unnao district are government employees. So, Swati completed her B. Ed and cleared BTC and was appointed as a teacher in primary school along with her sister. Unsatisfied with the life she was living, she left the job and joined a stock market company. Later, she got a promotion and moved to Dehradun as Branch Manager 10 years ago. In Dehradun, she found Saptak College of Performing Arts. It was the beginning of a new journey which seeded an all women band “Womenia”. The new band gave her a unique identity and scaled heights. Today it is a popular band that has performed at big events across the country.
4. Varsha Singh – Varshaa
Varsha graduated as an engineer from Hemawati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. She started working for an MNC in Delhi. Disappointed with her boring 9-5 job she decided to explore her passion for fashion. Determined to follow her heart the Nainital girl left the office job. She got a diploma in fashion designing and launched her online store, Varshaa. Increasing shoppers over her online store fueled her enthusiasm and courage. The online shop got a boutique in Ballupur, Dehradun. Sounds easy when you’re listening only to the bright side of the story. Varsha had to struggle a lot to convince her parents about changing her career path. Coming to fashion designing after graduating as an engineer is a risk only few can take. Varsha not only went against the flow but even proved that how beautiful it is when passion and career meet.
5. Payal Gurung – Payal’s Click
Photography sector mostly has men as biases believe that women can’t go beyond selfies. And a photographer’s job is full of challenges, long hours and tonnes of after work. After all they are the ones who hide the flaws and make it all look perfect. Not standing in front of the camera but behind the lens Payal proved that women ace both sides.
Despite getting married at an early age Payal did not surrender to her fate. Though her marriage also wasn’t her hurdle but a bridge. Her husband encouraged her to follow her dreams. Not only through words but he supported her by financial means and other ways. Payal credits her partner for the accomplishments. She mentioned that it would not be possible to be where she is today without him. Today Payal’s Click is a leading wedding and event photography company.