Reshma Mulla’s story celebrates the bond between the trust of a father and his daughter and is a symbol of ambition and independence. A commerce graduate from Saint Meera’s College, Pune, she was the first in her family to complete higher education. Reshma’s journey began in accounting, but with her father’s encouragement and her husband Aarif Mulla’s support, she embarked on a brave venture in 2006. They started Mahek Industries with just one piece of equipment – a Fly Press Machine funded by her father. This machine, essential in shaping metal by bending or cutting, became the cornerstone of their business and the start of Reshma’s entrepreneurial dream.
On January 19, 2024, in the heart of Pune, the Balgandharv Rang Mandir lit up with a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit. It was the 76th Annual Awards Ceremony of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture. Among the twenty-four honorees, Reshma Aarif Mulla, the Founder and CEO of Mahek Industries, was distinguished with the Ramabai Joshi Award for Women Entrepreneurs. The honour was bestowed by Dr Pramod Chaudhari, the Executive Chairman of Praj Industries Limited, amidst an audience of industry luminaries and peers.
Mahek Industries, known for its expertise in crafting sheet metal press components, BIW fixtures, and custom shims, has made a name for itself in the tool room industry of Maharashtra. Their ability to provide specialized laser-cutting shims tailored to client needs has become a vital link to numerous sectors across the state. As Reshma looks back on her 18-year journey, from the seedling of a startup to a flourishing enterprise, she sees a fine fabric woven from threads of triumphs, learning from setbacks, and the unconditional support of those closest to her, complemented by guidance from unexpected quarters.
Reflecting on her early days, Reshma recounts to Machine Maker, “Initially, when I began with the hand press my father Late Bashir Shaikh gifted me, our manufacturing knowledge was virtually nonexistent. Yet, we were determined to learn. Countless hours were devoted to understanding the intricacies of the manufacturing process. Those initial days were intense with learning, setting the cornerstone for what Mahek Industries would become.”
Hailing from Pune, life took a turn for Reshma when she moved to Satara after her marriage. However, drawn by the dynamic pace of development and the bustling life of her hometown, she decided to plant the seeds of her entrepreneurial venture in Bhosari, Pune. This location, known for its rapid industrial growth and vibrant economic cycles, was the ideal backdrop for Mahek Industries to take root and flourish.
Realising Dreams through Perpetual Learning
Reshma’s venture into manufacturing fulfilled her father’s dream for her to own a business. “It all started with my dad. He had immense faith in me, more than I had in myself, and he was the one who inspired me to own something of my own,” Reshma fondly recalls. With this vision, the groundwork for Mahek Industries was laid. “So, naturally, my husband Aarif Mulla and I ventured into manufacturing,” Reshma shares.
In the beginnings of Mahek Industries, Aarif Mulla’s commitment to his work left Reshma shouldering the struggling enterprise alone. She poured her spirit into the business, balancing the scales of work and home, striving to give her all. When Aarif could finally join her, the couple embarked on a learning journey steeped in trial and error. “Understanding technical drawings was a challenge,” Reshma recounts. “We made plenty of mistakes, but each one taught us something new. We learned from our clients and on-the-floor experiences. After we brought grinding machines in-house, we truly began to grasp their function and names. It took us a year, but through persistence and patience, we learned.”
Reshma and her team were determined to learn despite the initial lack of technical know-how. Through tireless effort and ceaseless nights, they slowly mastered the craft. “It was a steep climb, learning everything from the ground up. I’ve been the helper, the operator, and now I lead. The journey from the workshop floor to where I stand today is paved with relentless hard work and the insatiable desire to learn,” she recalls with pride.
This inner drive, combined with the support of her family, served as the catalyst for her entry into the manufacturing sector. It was not long before Reshma found herself deeply involved in the ‘ins and outs’ of sheet metal manufacturing, learning and adapting with each passing day. Reshma’s educational background in commerce may seem unconventional for a manufacturing entrepreneur, but her natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge pushed her forward.
Aarif’s technical background, with an IIT Diploma and NCTVT training, initially needed to translate into immediate clarity for the business. But life had a mentor in store for Reshma, a ‘Godfather’ figure, her father’s friend, who became a source of inspiration and immense support. His influence injected a newfound strength into Reshma. With that vigour, Mahek Industries surged in the vehicle parts manufacturing sector. As Aarif delved deeper into marketing, Reshma took command of the operations.
“From production to quality checks to dispatch, I’ve managed it all,” she says proudly. “I’ve operated various machinery; our capacity now is 50 tonnes, and I’ve handled everything from the hand press to the power press. There’s not a machine in our workshop I haven’t used.” Her hands-on experience reflects her dedication and the collaborative spirit that runs through Mahek Industries.
Women to Lead Indian Manufacturing
Reshma Mulla is a staunch advocate for women’s capabilities in manufacturing. “I strongly disagree that women can’t excel in manufacturing. In my experience, women bring dedication, continuity, patience, and hard work—qualities crucial to success in this field,” she asserts. According to Reshma, many women inherently possess these traits; those who recognize and harness them tend to thrive. Juggling her roles at home and the firm, Reshma faced and overcame daily personal challenges. “It’s been a challenging journey, and the past 18 years have flown by in a blur of continuous learning and adapting,” she reflects.
She credits education with changing mindsets and expanding women’s opportunities. “My father’s decision to educate me was important. Education shifts perspectives and has brought more women out of their homes and into various professional fields,” Reshma observes. She recognises that while many women aspire to achieve, a confluence of factors, including education, upbringing, and societal norms, shapes their ability to do so.
Changing mindsets isn’t something that can be forced; it must come from within, fuelled by individual desire and willpower. Reshma encourages, “No one can stop a determined woman from entering and excelling in manufacturing or any field. It’s about the willingness to embrace and overcome challenges.” Her vision is clear: “I earnestly hope to see more women entrepreneurs rise, not only for their growth but also for the progress of our nation. Like China, known for its significant female contribution to manufacturing, India can also become a manufacturing hub with women playing a significant role.” Reshma’s message is a clarion call for women to help propel themselves and the country to new heights.
Fragrance of Continous Support
The essence of Mahek Industries is interwoven with the affection of a family legacy, named thoughtfully after Reshma’s daughter, Mahek, which means ‘fragrance’. For Reshma, this name encapsulates the support and love that has been the wind beneath her wings, helping her to build the company from the ground up. It’s a fragrance that she endeavours to spread through her company’s success. This positive spirit permeates every aspect of her business, symbolizing hope, growth, and the sweet scent of success from a foundation built on familial love and collective aspirations.
Support is the cornerstone of any success story, and Reshma acknowledges this wholeheartedly. “The credit for where I stand today goes first to my mother Saira Shaikh. The way I learned her managing our home made me what I am today. My father’s initiative and belief in me were the sparks that ignited this journey. My husband, in-laws, friends, and the entire team at Mahek Industries have been pillars of support. Even those who have since moved on played a part in our growth at crucial times,” Reshma gratefully shares.
Reshma extends her gratitude to everyone who has been a part of her journey: “It’s not just my effort but a collective one. Our vendors, suppliers, and clients have trusted us, contributing to our firm’s success. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who believed in us and contributed to bringing Mahek Industries to where it is today.”
Empower Yourself Through Positive Mindset & Strong Willpower
One of the driving forces behind Reshma’s commitment to her work is her love for her country. “If we think that we want to take our country forward, it automatically leads to one’s own growth,” she reflects. “So, I want more women to contribute to taking themselves as well as the country forward.” Reshma sees her work as not only a means of personal fulfillment but also as a way to contribute to the greater good of her nation. Looking ahead, Reshma remains committed to the growth and expansion of Mahek Industries. To aspiring entrepreneurs, Reshma offers a message of encouragement and empowerment, urging them to believe in their vision and keep going amidst adversity.
“Having an engineering background resolves a major hurdle; it equips you with the technical know-how essential for the field,” Reshma points out. “With that knowledge, you’re better prepared to tackle other challenges. It’s all about your mindset and willpower. The settling-in period was extended for us since we lacked an engineering foundation. It demanded time to learn and comprehend the nuances. However, other aspects can be navigated in time if engineering is in your skill set. Ultimately, it boils down to your vision and how you pursue it”, shared Reshma.
Reshma started her manufacturing journey in a modest plant of 325 square feet. Over time, with persistence and dedication, she has expanded to a larger facility. Yet, her eyes are set on the future, brimming with plans that call for even greater effort. Central to these plans is team building and enhancing the already efficient export quality of their products. “While we are proud of our current standards, we always strive for improvement,” Reshma asserts with optimism about the road ahead.
Reshma emphasizes the importance of a solid and committed team in her factory. “From the ground up, I’ve built a life that’s now stable. Moving forward with a good team, doing something meaningful for me and everyone involved, is my goal,” she shares. Her initial vision was centred around creating jobs, but it has evolved. “Now, we prioritize quality, good work, excellent customers, and a skilled workforce. These are the things that motivate me daily. I’m working towards the day when everything aligns perfectly with the vision I have in my mind.”
Reshma Mulla also envisions a bright future for Mahek Industries, aiming to have at least 1000 employees in the company within the next few years, with a significant portion of the workforce comprising women. She believes in fostering a culture of responsibility, efficiency, and growth, ensuring that both the company and its employees flourish together. Furthermore, Reshma emphasizes the importance of education and continuous learning, recognizing it as the key element of personal and professional development. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue education and acquire technical knowledge, stressing that it forms the foundation for success in the field of manufacturing.
