The Early Years

Emerging from humble beginnings, Poonam embarked on a journey to chase her dreams, graduating in a small town in Gujarat, India. An early marriage thrust her into the unknown complexities and adaptations that matrimony entails. With youthful naivety, she landed in Madagascar, grappling with an unfamiliar culture and language barrier, wrestling with dependency on others for her smallest needs. Being a woman who was always self-dependent, there came a pivotal moment when her inner voice urged her to heed its guidance. She returned to India to study Aesthetics and hold a qualification that could make her independent. She returned to Madagascar and started her salon services offering on-call services to local clients. She started getting clients day by day, that increased her self-esteem and motivated her to have a voice of her own. That’s when she stood up against the tortures, disrespect and frustrations. Determined to take hold of her life, and that of her 8-year-old son, she made the bold decision to relocate to file for a divorce and move to Canada, seeking a safer and more embracing environment for both her child and herself.

Challenges and Setbacks

Life, however, had more challenges in store for her when she chose one of the finest provinces of Canada, with French as the primary language. Fluency in neither English nor French limited her linguistic skills at the time. Nevertheless, Quebec was the chosen destination due to her son’s ongoing French education in Madagascar, leading her to believe that relocating to Montreal would be smoother for him. In a perpetual state of adjustment, the conviction that she could make it work always accompanied her. The key challenges revolved around adapting to a new country, a French-dominant province, and the complexities of raising a young child as a single mother, while navigating through youth supervision laws. There were times when she had to struggle between work and mother duties. These challenges posed a threat to her dreams, often causing her to question the path she had taken. Refusing to succumb, she used these experiences as fuel to propel herself forward.

The Opportunity

What dampened her motivation? Absolutely nothing. “A mother’s spirit remains unwavering when she gazes at her child“, says Poonam.

What fueled her determination? Embracing the roles of both a mother and the eldest child in the family, she had found constant motivation in nurturing and witnessing their growth. With the passing of her father, the responsibilities multiplied, and so did her drive to meet them head-on. “When life leaves us with no choice, being choiceless is the only motivation“, she adds.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Fueled by a hunger for financial autonomy and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact, she ventured into entrepreneurship after dedicating five years to the beauty salon. Feeling stagnant in her previous role, with no room for growth to spark her motivation, Poonam took a bold leap armed with a clear vision and a burning passion for her chosen field. But she didn’t just take the plunge; she was calculative and mindful of the impact of this move of her growing son’s education and life. She waited till her son got into high school and was able to manage himself while she worked, as running a business would require her 24/7 attention. Her journey so far had been a rough ride; as she had encountered numerous obstacles along the way. However, the silver lining of her employment chapter was gaining fluency in both English and French and gaining clientele that instilled a newfound confidence within her. 

Acknowledging the significant risk of starting her own business, Poonam pressed forward with unwavering determination and resilience, conquering the fear that loomed over her. Poonam’s Beauty Salon came into existence in 2018. She also won the Best Beautician Award in the Montreal Hair and Beauty Awards 2019.

Today, she stands recognized as a testament to the power of persistence and taking risks in pursuit of one’s dreams.

Success Against All Odds

Through tireless effort, unwavering determination, and a deep understanding of the market, her business not only survived but thrived. She cultivated a robust network of clients and partners while introducing innovative ideas that set her apart from competitors. Her belief in continual self-improvement led her to acquire a new skill in the beauty industry every year – keeping her learning mode always active. She gleaned valuable lessons from her young son, a member of Generation Z, as well as from her clients and every individual she encountered.

Today, she proudly stands recognized as a successful entrepreneur, sharing her triumphant story with us to inspire others in overcoming their challenges. She feels that this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the warm embrace of this diverse province, which transformed diversity into true inclusivity. “Montreal has become more than a place for me; it is my home, my “Land of Action and Deeds,” my “Karma Bhumi,” as we say in India.”, she says.

What’s Next?

Poonam’s journey stands as a compelling testament that success is not dictated by circumstances, but by the unwavering resilience and determination within. Her narrative serves as a beacon of inspiration for women across diverse backgrounds, urging them to chase their dreams despite the obstacles they encounter. She embodies the truth that with passion, persistence, and a resilient entrepreneurial mindset, the realm of possibilities is boundless. 

Determined to turn her vision into reality, she aspires to expand her business across multiple branches in and around Montreal. Her goal is not just about personal success but also about creating more opportunities for women, akin to another Poonam who may be seeking avenues for growth.

Inspiring Others

Poonam’s story is a vivid reminder that success isn’t shaped by circumstances but by one’s resilience and determination. Her journey stands as an inspiration for women across diverse paths, encouraging them to chase their dreams despite the hurdles they encounter. She epitomizes the truth that with passion, perseverance, and a robust entrepreneurial spirit, the realm of possibilities knows no bounds.

Poonam’s Message To All Women

“1- Strive for self-reliance at an early stage in your life. Dependency has the tendency to dim the radiance of life, and,

2 – Refrain from harbouring grudges or regrets from the past. There is a purpose behind your past not being your present. Illuminate your soul; the more you do so, the higher you shall soar”.