She Believed, She Could, So She Did - Hemal Gala (Sangoi)

Hemal Gala (Sangoi)

"She's a surprise, quiet, soft spoken, yet headstrong and determined" what better way to describe Hemal. She is a true Mumbai girl, born n raised with 3 siblings. She was always creatively inclined, but succumbed under peer pressure, when it was time to choose her stream. She went with science and went on to do her masters in Biochemistry. Subsequently, started her corporate grind of 9 to 5. All this while she still nurtured her creativity and kept it alive. Soon she got married and was blessed with a lovely daughter. She took a break to attend to her maternal duties and this break proved to be a breakthrough for her. Time off the job scene, sowed in her the seeds of 'entrepreneurship'. This rekindled her fire and with encouragement from family started her journey. She is one of my old colleagues, I still remember her as a very gentle human being. A fun-loving timid girl, who would leave a lasting impression on anyone. Let hear more about her venture from Hemal herself.

 

1. What service(s) or product(s) do you offer/ manufacture?

We manufacture packaging products and offer solutions to both businesses and customers. Pinkari was born in 2017. We started with exhibiting at various events, great reviews our products soon lead to building a loyal customer base. After a while we expanded our base and started catering to corporate clients as well. We are into 4th year of business, constantly growing and evolving. 'Aatmanirbhar' and 'Vocal for Local' may be the latest catch phrases but we have been doing it all along. All our material is sourced and manufactured locally in India. A while back we have introduced eco-friendly range of products. Constantly we are encouraging businesses and customers to opt for these products. We offer personalized and customized range of products like Travel Pouches, Shoes Bags, Organizers, Wedding Envelopes, Coin Pouches, Potlis and much more.  

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/Pinkari0801/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pinkari0801/

2. How did you get your idea or concept?

My mother has been an entrepreneur and into this business for a long time. As a kid I was always fascinated by the products which my mother used to make. When I was on a break from my job, I used to help my mother with her business. While working with her I realized that we have these brilliant handcrafted products, but they are not reaching the masses as the business was in offline mode. That is when the idea stuck of taking this business online, scale it and reach the masses. The idea was conceptualized by my mother and I am working to take it to next level. Someone has rightly said, fruit doesn't fall far from the tree!  

3. What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?

Being a Mother and an Entrepreneur, I must constantly juggle and don multiple hats. On the professional front I divide my time in 2 blocks.  First half is spent oiling the wheels, managing the logistics, artisans, clients and vendors. Second half is my favorite, this is where the creative mind takes wings. this is the time, when I look for inspiration, design and conceptualize new products. 

4. What are some of the mistakes you wish you could have avoided?

I have always believed that there are no mistakes but only learnings. The most important thing that I learnt in my entrepreneurial journey was to sense the pulse of market. Earlier I used to make products that were great for my liking but did not click with the clients. I spoke extensively with my clients and analyzed their feedback. This led to dramatic change in my thought process, I started to think from my client’s perspective. Identified my target audience and started making products suitable to their taste and budget. 

5. Are you happy and what would you change?

I am extremely happy and wouldn't change a thing. Nothing can beat the joy of empowering people, the joy of contributing towards a green cause, the joy of a satisfying a creative mind and the joy of seeing a happy client.     

6. A quote you stand by ...

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life." - John Lenon

This quote has always helped me put things in perspective. Look at the larger picture and let go of small things.

WOW !!! what a journey! entrepreneurship is more about enabling others, than enabling oneself. We have the needed exposure and expertise and when we use it bring up local artisans, that is when we truly shine as an entrepreneur. I am so happy to see, "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikash" in its true element. Making locally available talent and raw material as the backbone of a venture is the future, we all look up to. So happy to see it budding and growing to scale. I congratulate Hemal and wish she grows from strength to strength!