Often we think that to dream big, big money, education or support is necessary. But Sharifa Kalthingal from Malappuram district of Kerala proved that if the intentions are strong, even Rs 100 can change the fate. The same woman who never had money even to buy rice porridge, is today the owner of property worth crores and is providing employment to dozens of women. Poverty, taunts, indifference of banks and epidemic like Corona, every difficulty tried to block her path, but Sharifa defeated the situation every time, today she has become a great example of women entrepreneurship in Kerala. So let us know what is the success story of the owner of 2 restaurants who sold rotis by taking a loan of Rs 100.

What is the success story of 2 restaurant owners?

Sharifa Kalthingal’s life was not easy from the beginning. Her husband Sakkir was a painter by profession. The work depended on the weather, especially during the rainy season, the condition of the house became very bad. Many times it used to happen that only thin rice porridge was left to eat at home. One day the situation became so bad that there was nothing to cook in the house, then Sharifa decided that she would not give up in front of the situation. Sharifa borrowed Rs 100 from a neighboring woman. With the same money he bought rice flour and jaggery and started making Unniyappam, the traditional sweet of Kerala.

He had a one year old daughter. Carrying him in her lap, Sharifa used to walk about 4 kilometers every day to the local shops and try to sell the Unniyappam made by her. Initially the shopkeepers did not trust. Some refused, some even taunted, but when 10 packets made by her were sold on the very first day, Sharifa’s confidence increased. Gradually, along with Unniyappam, she also started making Pathri and Chapati. People jokingly started calling her Unniyappam Ithatha (elder sister), but Sharifa did not pay attention to these things.

Bank refused to give loan

When work started running on a small scale, Sharifa dreamed of starting a small catering business. For this he asked for loan from banks, but no bank was ready. The reason was that he did not have any property to mortgage. This time was very disappointing for him. But Sharifa did not give up, she decided to join Kutumbashree, the women empowerment scheme of Kerala government.

In the year 2018, Sharifa got a loan of Rs 2 lakh through Kutumbshree. With this money he started Muthu Catering in the name of his son, gradually his food started gaining recognition. She started supplying biryani, pathri and chapati. Later he also started tiffin (box service) for government employees, in which food was given to 50-60 people every day.

Corona period became the turning point

In the year 2020, his work almost stopped due to the Corona epidemic. All orders stopped. But in this difficult time, Kutumbashree gave him an opportunity to supply food to Corona patients in Manjeri Medical College.
Sharifa embraced this opportunity with full hard work. He started making breakfast and porridge for about 2000 patients. He also provided employment to many women for this work. After Corona, Sharifa got a chance to run the canteen of Kottakkal Ayurved College.

From here his business grew more rapidly. On the basis of this success, he bought his first hotel in Kottakkal. Later, he started another restaurant by the name of Café Kutumbashree. Today she is the owner of 2 restaurants and her business is continuously progressing. Today Sharifa Kalthingal is not only a successful businesswoman but is also a source of employment for more than 40 women. Her husband Sakkir now leaves his painting work and helps in the management of her restaurant.

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