‘Her Journey’ Session Inspires Women Entrepreneurs at National Saras Mela 2026

Encouraging women to pursue entrepreneurship and become financially independent, Hemalatha, founder and director of OSK Cadenz Advantage India, said determination and the ability to overcome challenges were essential for business success. Speaking at the National Saras Mela 2026 in Vijayawada, she recounted her professional journey and motivated aspiring entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities.

The interactive session, titled ‘Her Journey’, was organised by the India SME Forum at the Entrepreneurship Development and Acceleration Programme pavilion at Punnami Ghat. Around 300 women from self-help groups and aspiring entrepreneurs associated with SERP and MEPMA from Kakinada, Markapuram and Bapatla attended the programme. It aimed to strengthen entrepreneurial skills, promote self-employment and improve awareness of marketing strategies.

Recalling her early career, Hemalatha said she had been uncertain whether to take up a job or start a business after completing her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The encouragement and financial assistance provided by her in-laws, particularly her husband, helped her overcome her hesitation and enter the business world.

Founded in 2015, her company has expanded into manufacturing, supplying and exporting natural human hair extensions, wigs and related products. It initially supplied human hair and extensions to international wig manufacturers before diversifying into finished products for export. Hemalatha said the company's focus was on delivering quality hair solutions that enhance customers' appearance and confidence.

Hemalatha holds an Executive MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, and is a certified hair technician specialising in extensions and wig manufacturing. Her achievements include the India SME Forum's Most Enterprising Woman Entrepreneur award in 2019–20. Her company was also listed among the top 100 manufacturing SMEs in 2020–21. She received an Excellence Award from COWE India in 2022–23 and participated in a programme at IIM Bengaluru in 2022.

Advising aspiring entrepreneurs, she emphasised the importance of product quality, market awareness and continuous learning. She urged women to monitor changing consumer preferences, refine their business practices and view obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Participants also discussed marketing, business promotion, market linkages and expansion strategies, receiving practical guidance from Hemalatha.

Jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Andhra Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the National Saras Mela provides rural women entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase products, learn from successful businesses and explore wider markets.