The 'Womanufacturing-duo' Sheela Dharia and Richa Dharia has defied the odds to create their vibrant presence in the manufacturing industry. Setting a benchmark in women entrepreneurship in manufacturing, the duo is as shining in contributing to India's missile manufacturing requirement as much as they are in encouraging many other women to explore the field.
It's not every day that one gets to see a mother and daughter working together in the manufacturing sector. Despite challenges, Sheela Dharia and Richa Dharia are defying odds to set a benchmark. The mother-daughter duo perfectly complements each other and works together towards their dream.
Stepping up to the challenge
Sheela Dharia took over AE Anant Enterprises in 1998 and is now the proprietor of the firm. The firm was originally founded by her brother-in-law and later when he decided to move on with other interests, Sheela stepped in. Even though she comes from a business family, she says, “It wouldn't have been possible without the immense support of my husband and mother-in-law who were an integral part of my journey as an entrepreneur.”
Sheela had a clear vision from day one and knew exactly how to implement it. “In the beginning, I had to thoroughly study springs and their technicalities along with learning about the nuances of the market. I regularly met with potential clients, updated machines, and hired efficient mechanical engineers for the team to establish a strong path for the company to succeed,” she adds.
Supporting Indigenization across Sectors
In 2008 Sheela and her team assisted in the manufacturing of the BrahMos missile by customizing 26 types of springs as per the requirements. Sheela proudly points out that while developing springs for BrahMos Aerospace, they had only 3 female engineers and herself on board. Even though the team was small, the dedication and understanding among these women were what enabled them to smoothly and efficiently complete the task.
The company mainly focuses on the manufacturing of springs. They have a wide range of springs such as Helical compression, Tension spring, Torsion springs & wire forms. Anant Enterprises is actively looking forward to adding more passion-driven women to their team. Along with this, the team is also driven to fully automate the company.
Facing Indignation from society
Before such great accomplishments, she too had to face the wrath of male prejudice. She recalls one such experience when she visited a renowned company to check on their failed spring system which was costing the company around 5 crores loss. She met the team of quality and purchase managers and started discussing the prospects, she noticed one of them was constantly looking out through the window and when she asked why he swiftly replied saying he was looking for her superior who must be on the way.
Sheela calmly responded to this by ensuring him that she would manage this. But to her shock, he was not ready to accept a woman in the field. He openly questioned her authority by asking how she was going to manage this, as she won't be having the required technical knowledge.
Sheela handled the matter very professionally. “I asked him to give me the benefit of doubt and further assured him that we would complete the task that he had assigned. We were able to complete the task successfully and show everyone our capabilities.” Sheela was appreciated and well-received in further gatherings by the same person who questioned her. “Even though women are coming forward in this industry, such incidents still take place from time to time.” Sheela asks every woman out there to push through and shine.
Inspiration from her mother
Growing under the wings of her mother and grandmother, Richa was naturally drawn to the manufacturing field. She has been witnessing firsthand how her mother and grandmother balanced the fine line between managing the family and shouldering the responsibilities of a big company. “They are my inspiration- mother and grandmother inspired me to become independent like them and prove my worth,” Richa added. So, after completing her MBA in Finance, she joined the company almost a decade ago as a marketing assistant and has now risen to the post of Managing Director.
Having someone as capable as Sheela as the head of the company is a blessing for everyone in the company. Richa adds, “I am very grateful to have my mother as my boss. Not just for me, but having a woman play the most powerful role in the company gives every female employee working here a positive change in their level of confidence. We all look up to her.”
Encouraging the participation of women
Sheela works to motivate and train young people who are the future of the industry. She has been working on internship programs for students who are fresh out of college. She also points out several policies by the Government of Maharashtra to train and guide budding women entrepreneurs. “There are ample opportunities out there and women should be grabbing such opportunities.
Other than limiting themselves to just clothing, food, or fashion, women should consider manufacturing as they are equally capable as men. If they are determined to reach their goal and they work hard following the guidance of fellow entrepreneurs, it will pay off sooner or later,” Sheela believes. Richa and Sheela ask every woman out there to come out and give it their best and are paving stepping stones for the younger generation to not settle for anything less.