Women's Day 2025: Know How Entrepreneur Manjula Mishra Is Powering Hundreds Of Women To Be Independent

In a male-dominated industry, Manjula Mishra stands out as a beacon of inspiration. She runs Holo Safe Security Levels, a manufacturing unit where 25% of the workforce are women. "We have around 150 people employed here and now 25% of them are women," she shares. Her journey from Bihar to West Bengal and then to Delhi has been one of determination and hard work.

Manjula's path to entrepreneurship began with her role as North India head for a Gujarat-based chemical company. This experience taught her the ins and outs of business operations. "I was handling A to Z of everything," she recalls. Her MBA background and interest in business eventually led her to start her own enterprise with her husband in 2008.

Empowering Women in Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is often seen as challenging for women due to high investment levels and regulatory hurdles. Manjula acknowledges these difficulties but believes overcoming them makes the journey more rewarding. "Running a manufacturing facility itself is a very difficult job," she admits, noting that being a woman adds extra challenges.

Despite these obstacles, Manjula remains committed to empowering women in her facility. Many female employees start in packaging but can advance to machine operators through skill development programs. "We also try to upgrade them and also skill them," she explains, highlighting the importance of continuous learning.

Education's Role in Shaping Entrepreneurs

Manjula credits her education at Lotto Convent School in West Bengal for shaping her independent spirit. "My school played a very important role in making me independent from the beginning," she says. This foundation helped instill a passion for entrepreneurship, which she continues to nurture by staying updated on new technologies like AI.

Priyanka, a production supervisor at Holo Safe Security Levels, exemplifies the empowerment Manjula promotes. She manages 20 male colleagues and finds satisfaction in breaking gender norms. "It feels very good that being a girl, we are handling boys and that too alone," Priyanka shares, aspiring to reach or surpass her boss's achievements.

Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

For young women looking to enter entrepreneurship, Manjula advises dreaming big and planning meticulously. "There should be complete technical know-how after doing all these things," she suggests, emphasizing persistence and hard work as keys to success. She encourages continuous learning as essential for staying competitive.

Balancing work and home life is another challenge Manjula navigates with flexibility. Being her own boss allows her to manage time effectively between family responsibilities and business demands. "The flexibility that you get... it becomes easier rather than more difficult," she notes, highlighting the support from family as crucial.

Manjula's story is one of resilience and empowerment, inspiring other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams despite challenges.