A medical student who cleared the NEET exam and was on a steady path to becoming a doctor never thought that she would become a businessman.
When Yamini Singla, 27, a resident of Sector 27A, Chandigarh, first discussed her business with her family, she was under a lot of pressure to prove that she could open the business within six months, or else she would get married.
And in six months, there was no looking back for this only girl in the family. The situation is such that now the family insists on taking over a studio for her decorating and gifting venture.
Getting over 3,000 orders starting from just Rs 500 and now earning millions, Yamini set up a gifting and decor business “Upahar”, which provides decorations and gifts for major venues and clubs. For the next two days as well, she has 10 orders to decorate at various wedding venues.
“I studied medicine and later completed my BSc from GGDSD College, but I always had a desire in my heart to do something creative,” said Yamini.
For Yamini, the turning point came during the lockdown in 2020.
“Stuck at home has given me time to reflect on how deeply people struggle to express their feelings for each other…and gift giving is a key way to do that. This inspired me to launch ‘Gifts by Yamini Creations’ in September 2020,” she said.
However, the beginning was not easy.
“Convincing my family, especially my father, was a challenge because of my political and academic background. However, I was determined to turn my creative passion into something meaningful and not just a hobby. Looking back now, Yamini Creations’ gifts enter its fourth year with over 500 SKUs. , I remember my first creation: a scrapbook I made for my best friend. That small beginning fueled the dream I live today,” she added.
How and when did this idea come to you?
During the Covid lockdown, staying at home gave me time to observe how businesses were evolving. I realized there was a significant gap in the market for meaningful, personalized gifts. When there were products available, they were often highly standardized, impersonal, and overpriced.
For me, creativity has always been a passion, and I wanted to make something that would allow people to express their feelings in a deeply personal way. My goal was for each gift to tell a unique story — something that truly reflects the sender’s feelings for the recipient. That is where Yamini Creations gifts found their purpose and since then it has been my mission to create gifts that touch my heart.
How far has she taken this idea?
When I started upaar from Yamini Creations, it was with a modest approach, but the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing organically with a loyal base of repeat customers and strong engagement on social media has been our strength. Our customers are diverse, from corporate gifts to personal creations for couples, birthdays, and anniversaries.
A combination of quality, personal service, and on-time delivery has been instrumental in achieving over 500 products and 2000+ creations annually. Then I thought let’s expand beyond gifts so we recently ventured into wedding and party decor, adding a whole new dimension to what we offer.
This parallel vertical aligns well with our ethos of making special moments memorable.
We also aim to grow steadily, expanding our footprint nationally.
What can Chandigarh do to retain its talent or make people stay here?
Chandigarh has always been praised for its charm and quality of life. However, I think, despite its stature as a political capital, its potential as an economic hub is underutilized. Industry and employment opportunities in the city have not grown as per its aspirations, leading to an exodus of young talent in search of better prospects elsewhere. Businesses like ours also face limitations in market access, often considering expanding to other cities for growth. I think that to reverse this trend, Chandigarh needs to focus on becoming a center of economic activity.
Encouraging industries, promoting start-ups, and creating platforms for local businesses to thrive can make a significant difference. Sectors such as IT, tourism, and creative industries hold great promise, and strategic policies to support them can unlock a city’s true potential. With its infrastructure and resources, Chandigarh has all the ingredients to retain talent and attract new opportunities – it just needs the right push to match the aspirations of its people.
What kind of support do you think the government should give to such start-ups?
For businesses like ours, the government can also set up dedicated start-up hubs or incubation centers in cities like Chandigarh, where businesses like ours can access mentorship, training and collaboration opportunities. Platforms to showcase our work – at local and national trade fairs – will significantly increase visibility and market reach. With targeted policies and support, businesses like ours can thrive and contribute to the economy by taking root in cities like Chandigarh.
What do you do in your free time?
In my spare time, I love meeting people and socializing — it’s always inspiring to connect with different perspectives and energies. These interactions that I have often spark new ideas and help me explore creative concepts for my business.
I also enjoy taking the time to brainstorm and experiment with new ideas, whether it’s for product design, packaging, or new services. Free time for me is not just about relaxation; It’s about fueling my passions and staying connected to what I love to do.
How do you reduce stress? What is your hobby?
To de-stress, I like painting and crafting – I just do it for myself. It’s my way of expressing creativity without expectations, and it helps me feel calm and happy.
Spending time at Sukhna Lake is also enjoyable. A quiet walk or just sitting by the water helps me relax. On the fun side, I love walking around Chandigarh with gedis — it’s a great way to enjoy the city and take a break. These little things help me stay fresh and inspired.
What message would you like to give to budding entrepreneurs?
My message to budding entrepreneurs is simple: believe in your vision and persevere. The journey won’t always be easy, and there will be challenges, but don’t let them discourage you. Keep learning, stay adaptable, and trust the process.
Also, never underestimate the power of authenticity. When you build something with passion and true intent, it will resonate with people. Surround yourself with a strong support system, be open to feedback, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Success comes from both hard work and staying true to what you love.
One thing you love and one thing you want to change about Chandigarh
I love everything about Chandigarh. Its beauty lies in its simplicity — whether it’s a peaceful green space, a structured layout or a quiet city vibe. There is a unique charm here that makes it feel like home. If I had to change anything, it would probably be to see more support for small businesses and start-ups. With more opportunities and resources, Chandigarh can truly become a thriving hub for entrepreneurs. But overall, I wouldn’t change much because the essence of the city is perfect as it is.
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