Striving for a world where women support each other
Luvash Callakoppen's dream is to one day open a centre for abused women and children to teach them how to bake and, hopefully, help them create a future for themselves.
Luvash Callakoppen, a local businesswoman, comes from a long line of strong and independent women.
“My grandmothers on both sides of the family were self-assured, intelligent, self-sufficient, strong-willed, independent, and incredibly hard workers. They were mentally strong women who were free in their thoughts and actions,” Luvash elaborated.
The women in her family stood by their husbands’ sides, assisting them in reaching their goals. “They were opinionated and pious in their belief system that a woman’s place is not limited to the kitchen and that education is a priority.”
Luvash and her husband, Sam, own a business in the Little Falls area and run it together. After working together at a dealership, the couple embarked on this adventure.
“My husband is passionate and knowledgeable about vehicles, whereas I am more familiar with the company’s management and financial aspects. We are a team that relies on one another and we are not afraid to seek advice from one another,” she said.
She studied Public Relations Management and Business Management at Varsity College and Boston City Campus, and is pursuing a degree in Finance and Insurance Management. During lockdown she started her own catering company after noticing a demand in the community for egg-free bakes.
“During Covid I spent my time baking novelty cakes and spotted a market niche for egg-free bakes. Indians fast a lot, and most of the time they require eggless bakes. I decided to start baking from home, and my business grew overnight,” Luvash added. She even presented classes on preparing egg-less bakes.
Her dream is to one day open a centre for abused women and children to teach them how to bake and, hopefully, help them create a future for themselves. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish, and he will eat for the rest of his life.
As a female business owner, Luvash said like with any other business there will be ups and downs. She compared owning a car dealership as a businesswoman to being a rose among thorns. People and coworkers frequently put her patience or strengths to the test, and they frequently fail miserably. She explained that at times she needed to keep her head above water in a male-dominated environment, but she trusted her abilities.
Luvash had advice for future businesswomen and women who are unsure how to start their own business:
“Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart and should not be taken lightly, but it is something worth striving for if you are committed to making time for work, personal, and family life.” Building a successful business necessitates sacrifice. In a world full of trials and tribulations, women should stand together and support one another rather than resorting to bullying and boycotting”.
