Empowered by Passion: Arpana’s Rise in the Beauty Industry
Amid the demands of a large joint family, Arpana Nikam quietly navigated financial strain and social expectations. While her husband’s income as a gym instructor provided some stability, it was not enough to meet the household’s needs. Her aspirations often met resistance, but her early experiences in nursing and beauty salons, along with the financial discipline she developed through her SHG savings group, laid the groundwork for something more.
In 2018, her turning point came with support from FWWB. The programme equipped her with business fundamentals and, more importantly, the confidence to begin. She started a small beauty parlour from her home, building a steady clientele through skill and consistency. Further training in 2022 helped her refine her services and move closer to financial independence, driven by her determination to secure a better future for her son.
Today, Arpana runs a well-established beauty and wellness parlour offering services such as threading, waxing, and hair treatments. She has diversified her income by designing imitation jewellery and renting wedding gowns, while also leveraging Instagram to expand her reach. With FWWB’s support, she formalised her business through essential branding materials and Udhyam registration, and accessed a PM SVANidhi loan of ₹10,000 to strengthen operations.
Her home-based venture has since grown into a training academy, where she mentors aspiring beauticians. In 2023, another FWWB programme strengthened her financial and digital skills, enabling her to introduce premium services like HydraFacials and Bollywood facials. A low-interest loan of ₹1 lakh helped her invest in modern equipment, further scaling her business.
With her husband sharing household responsibilities, Arpana has been able to focus fully on her enterprise. From earning ₹500–₹1,000 a month, she now makes up to ₹1.5 lakh in just two months during peak wedding season. Her savings have increased, and she now serves around 100 clients each month. Her work has also earned recognition, including the Best Bridal Artist Award from actress Ameesha Patel.
Arpana’s journey reflects more than financial growth—it marks a shift in confidence, identity, and agency. She now stands as a role model in her community, demonstrating how the right support can turn persistence into progress. Looking ahead, she aspires to own a fully equipped salon in a prime location and a home of her own, continuing to build a future on her own terms.