ALDONA: Symbols of resilience and determination, the husband-wife duo of Satish and Prajyoti Naik from Corjuem, Aldona, have carved a success story from adverse situations, turning challenges into opportunities for their family.
Prajyoti Naik, hailing from Assagao, grew up in an economically disadvantaged family, but pursued education against the odds. While working at a company in the Pilerne Industrial Estate in Saligao, she married Satish Naik from Corjuem, who was employed in a mining firm. However, the mining crisis and subsequent closures rendered Satish unemployed. Undeterred, the couple carried on, surviving on Prajyoti’s income- but they faced another setback during the Covid-19 lockdown when Prajyoti’s job was also lost.
“It was a double blow for us, and somehow, we had to put together pieces of our shattered dreams. We could not sit back crying or surrendering, but with determination, we created opportunity in adversity,” shares Satish Naik.
During this challenging period, the couple decided to set up a small eatery in Corjuem. Despite being a time of lockdown due to the pandemic, they contemplated starting a takeaway snacks stall to sustain their family. After acquiring a shop that was vacated by its previous occupant, the couple invested around Rs one lakh and set up a fruit juice stall at Corjuem, just after the bridge.
Satish, having done thorough research on the type of business that would thrive, ordered a juice machine from Ahmedabad and a sugarcane crusher machine from Pune. The couple worked diligently at the machines, often taking turns to operate them. Despite the initial challenges, their juice stall quickly gained popularity among travellers, attracting a rush of customers.
The Naik couple’s success is not only in their entrepreneurial venture but also in breaking gender stereotypes. Prajyoti handles the juice and sugarcane machines, traditionally considered male-dominated roles, with skill. “My wife has been brought up in such an environment in which, however highly educated we may be, we believe in humility and do not hesitate to do even small jobs,” emphasized Satish Naik.
The juice stall, bolstered by a pleasing ambiance and personalised service, witnesses a steady influx of customers. Prajyoti , after completing her morning household chores, joins the shop, expressing joy in working with the machines. “For me, it is a pleasure working on a machine. It is a unique business we have ventured into, and one in which no ordinary Goan dares to venture into,” she shares.
While the couple initially managed the shop by themselves, they have now hired a worker as Satish has now secured a job on a private boat in Panjim.
Satish and Prajyoti are confident that their business will continue to prosper, fuelled by the personal touch they provide to their customers. “Business is business, big or small is not an issue, but the real issue is venturing into it and making it a success.
If we could do it, and if my wife could show the way to entrepreneurship being a woman, then Goans should realise that plenty of self-employment opportunities are there, and we should take them up and march ahead in life,” concludes Satish.
