Nisha from her kitchen to owning her shop
Nisha, a 26-year-old from Sindhuli, turned her life around by starting a small grocery shop. Through her hard work and training, she now supports her family, manages household responsibilities, and inspires other young women in her community.
Gaining my independence
“My name is Nisha, I am 26, and I come from Sindhuli.”
“Before starting my grocery shop, I was a homemaker, helping with small-scale farming and taking care of my family.”
“My husband works abroad, and I was dependent on him for almost everything. On top of that, I care for my paralysed mother-in-law and my four-year-old daughter, helping with her school and homework. Life was busy, and I didn’t have a source of my own income.”
“My turning point came when I heard about the skill-based training opening through Facebook and a notice at the ward office.”
“My turning point came when I heard about the skill-based training opening through Facebook and a notice at the ward office.”
Nisha, Sindhuli
“At first, I applied for cooking training, but it required traveling far, and I couldn’t leave my daughter and mother-in-law.”
“During counselling, they suggested starting a grocery shop near my home. I felt it was the right choice for my situation, and I decided to take the entrepreneurship training instead.”
Learning and applying skills to grow my business
“The training changed everything for me. I learned how to prepare a business plan, manage investments, analyse the market, and understand customer needs.”
“I also learned to keep proper records and the importance of good customer relations. Speaking politely and kindly to customers really makes a difference, and I see it in my daily sales.”
“I stocked the shop with things people need. For kids, I added chocolates, notebooks, and pens. For households, I sell salt, oil, spices, soaps, and shampoos. By understanding what customers want, my sales have steadily increased.”
“The project also supported me with goods worth NPR 58,000 (€370–€380) to start the shop, and I invested NPR 15,000 (€95–€100) of my own. Now, I earn around NPR 25,000–30,000 (€160–€195) in monthly turnover, with about NPR 8,000 (€50) profit. This income helps me manage my mother-in-law’s treatment and my daughter’s school fees. I also save a little each day and reinvest it to grow my shop.”
Support, dreams, and giving back
“My family has been supportive.”
“Even though my husband is abroad, we communicate regularly about the shop. He gives me ideas on what to stock and encourages me when sales are low. Having their trust and support makes me confident to run my business while taking care of my family.”
“I dropped out of school in grade 8 and got married at 15. I faced many challenges and regrets because of early marriage.”
“That is why I always encourage young people, especially girls, to study, gain skills, and build their future before marriage. I share my story to guide adolescents in my village.”
“Running this shop has changed my life. I feel confident, independent, and proud.”
“Every day I learn something new. My dream is to expand this grocery shop into a larger store and provide my daughter with the best education possible, so she can pursue any career she wants.”
“This shop is not just a business, it’s my new identity and my path to a better future.”
About the project
The Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (YEED) project, implemented in partnership with Sindhuli Integrated Development Services Nepal, the Janaki Women’s Awareness Society, and local government, empowers young people in Sindhuli and Dhanusha to develop skills and start their own businesses.
Through YEED, young women like Nisha receive entrepreneurship training and practical support to turn ideas into real businesses. With this guidance, they gain confidence, become financially independent, and contribute to their families and communities. Today, hundreds of young women and men have started businesses, proving that the right skills and support can transform lives.
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