From Homemaker to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Manisha Fauja

At 32, Manisha Fauja from Barahatal Rural Municipality–5, Surkhet, has transformed her life from a homemaker into a confident entrepreneur. Manisha Fauja at Manisha Boutique, established with support from the Skill Up! project. Once dependent on her husband's income from labor migration in India, she struggled to support her family despite repeated attempts to earn an income through a small retail shop and tailoring. Limited education, technical skills, and business knowledge prevented her from turning these efforts into a sustainable livelihood. Today, she successfully runs Manisha Boutique, earning a steady monthly income and inspiring other women in her community to pursue entrepreneurship.

Everything changed when Manisha joined the Skill Up! project. Through Boutique and Fashion Design Training, she gained tailoring skills, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, along with the confidence to start her own business. With a business starter kit provided by the project, she established Manisha Boutique.

Today, Manisha earns around NPR 20,000 per month, contributing to support her family and reinvests in her business. She promotes her products through TikTok, manages her finances using the Karobar App, and has expanded her network by participating in the 9th Women Expo 2026 in Lalitpur, Nepal. She has also diversified her products to meet growing customer demand.

With strong support from her family, Manisha successfully balances her business and household responsibilities. Her journey has inspired many women in her community to pursue skills training and self-employment.

"I am deeply thankful to the Skill Up! project for giving me the skills, guidance, and tools to transform my life. Today, I run my own boutique, earn a steady income, and support my family. This journey has given me confidence and independence, and I hope it inspires other women to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams," says Manisha.

Looking ahead, Manisha hopes to expand her boutique, reach more customers through digital platforms, and mentor aspiring women entrepreneurs. Her greatest dream is to grow her business enough to bring her husband home from India so they can build a secure future together in Nepal.

Manisha's story demonstrates how skills training, entrepreneurship support, and determination can empower women, create sustainable livelihoods, and inspire positive change in their communities.

                                    Skill Up team monitoring and interacting Manish's Boutique Shop

 

Story/PC: Archana Gautam