A keen listener and a fast learner, Avinash, a footwear manufacturer based in Agra, has adapted to multiple challenges in life. Through it all, he’s only emerged stronger. The one thing that stands out when you speak to him, however, is the fact that he sees possibility and positivity in every sphere of his life.
That’s how we know we are only seeing the beginning of Avinash’s incredible journey as an entrepreneur.
His ambitious outlook and strong business acumen have paved the way for his manufacturing business. His aim? Giving his family a good life as well as to grow his trade into something that will make him proud, every single day.
Flying Sole-o
Growing up in a business family, Avinash’s inquisitive character allowed him to naturally learn the tips and tricks of running this trade. He listened and absorbed what was happening around him. In a short while he grasped both practical skills and the theory and logic behind processes.
Avinash’s father and grandfather, both, were footwear manufacturers and though most would think it is natural for him to continue on this path, Avinash wanted an education first.
However, things changed when he lost his father at a young age. He needed to look for more ways to earn a living. He worked for a while as a technician and soon realised that the skills he was learning, to fix televisions and refrigerators, could quite possibly not serve him in the long run. He saw that newer technology like LED screens would overtake the present machines. There would be no growth unless he could keep up with the changing times. At the same time, the responsibility of the manufacturing business had to be taken up. With the right support and encouragement from his family, Avinash went back to the family business. It was a happy reunion because he soon realized that this is what he was meant to do all along.
Shoe and Steady Wins the Race
Avinash lives on the floor above his shoe manufacturing unit. A typical day for him usually begins at 9. Having his workspace inside his home has been extremely convenient since it has allowed him to manage his household as well as his business. He makes daily trips to the market for all his personal and workshop needs, killing two birds with one stone. For Avinash, family always comes first. Being able to tend to his duties at home while running his business keeps him motivated to provide the best for his loved ones.
With his limited resources he began to grow his footwear business slowly and steadily. Today, he wants to sustain this growth by investing more towards the production of these shoes. He understands his competitors and the quality of products that are available in the market. His goal has always been to experiment in a way that impacts both style and sales. He firmly believes that the worth of his products lies in their quality and durability.
Lacing Up for Success
Like any other businessman, Avinash also wants to scale up his footwear manufacturing unit. However, he says “it is not the number of shoes we make, but the quality of those shoes is what really matters.” He wants to see his younger siblings settle down before Avinash begins focusing on his own plans.
Currently, a separate factory space would be costly and complicated for him. Nonetheless, he is working towards the day he will be able to establish a set up that is much larger and produces quality shoes with the latest technology and machinery. This is a man with tremendous potential and he is constantly brimming with new ideas for his business, such as keeping up with patent grading, new machinery and design trends among manufacturers and local businesses.
The Right Foot Forward
As an entrepreneur and a leader, Avinash is determined to never miss an opportunity to learn. He was recently part of a workshop conducted by FAME (Foundation for Advancement of Micro Enterprises) in collaboration with the Central Footwear Training Institute, Agra. The goal of the workshop was to expose the attendees to the technological advancements currently underway in the industry.
FAME is Aye Finance’s not-for-profit arm which aims to provide small business owners, like
Avinash, with the right guidance and direction to help them build their businesses further. At Aye, we have always believed that our role is greater than just providing financial aid. By conducting workshops across India, FAME aims to empower as many micro- entrepreneurs as possible by providing them with opportunities to learn and grow.
During this particular workshop, Avinash’s previous knowledge in manufacturing and business worked well in his favour. He asked relevant questions about the machinery and the multiple procedures that are utilized while manufacturing shoes.
He aspires to one day own the machines he saw during the workshop, especially the ones with water cutting technology so that he too can produce high-grade shoes. Individuals like Avinash, who thrive in an environment of additional training and support, motivates our FAME Team to explore more opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs across India.
As for Avinash, we look forward to seeing him continue on his journey as an entrepreneur.
Success for him is a “shoe-in”!
