In Etah, a small city in western Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gupta has turned a simple observation into a source of livelihood. With homes and shops struggling for space, she saw demand for compact, foldable furniture that could be packed easily, transported without damage and assembled in minutes.
What began as a casual phone search soon grew into a micro enterprise and, for Priyanka, a strong step towards self-reliance.
From family business to independent venture
Priyanka grew up observing a family-run firm managed by her husband, where she picked up basics such as sourcing, pricing and customer interaction. As videos of portable tables and racks appeared online, she connected the idea with the space constraints common in her town.
That insight encouraged her to register a business in her own name. “I wanted to stand on my own feet,” she says, adding that running her own venture has boosted her confidence while allowing her to balance family responsibilities.
Government support and early momentum
To raise capital, Priyanka approached her local branch of Punjab National Bank after learning about the Chief Minister’s Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan. She was guided through documentation and enrolled by the District Industries Centre for a seven-day orientation on bookkeeping, spending and margin tracking.
She applied for a ₹5 lakh loan, which she says is interest-free, easing repayment pressure and allowing her to focus on steady sales.
Practical furniture for tight spaces
Priyanka’s products are simple and modular, using ply boards with standard fittings. Each unit comes with instructions and can be assembled in about ten minutes. Many pieces serve multiple purposes, helping keep prices affordable.
Her range includes open racks for small shops, compact cupboards, children’s study tables, bedside coffee tables and corner storage units. Flat packing lowers logistics costs and reduces transit damage, making the products suitable for customers who move frequently.
Encouraging more women to start
Priyanka now aims to stabilise demand locally before expanding through referrals. She also plans to create flexible, part-time earning options for women in assembly and delivery roles.
From homemaker to entrepreneur, she sees her journey as a way to secure her children’s future and inspire other women to explore small but sustainable business ideas.