Self Employment
Your Asha Jyothi training is enough to start earning independently. Here is everything you need to begin — practically and affordably.
| Item | New (approx.) | Second-hand (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic sewing machine (manual or electric) | ₹8,000–15,000 | ₹3,000–6,000 |
| Overlock machine (optional to start) | ₹10,000–18,000 | ₹4,000–8,000 |
| Scissors, measuring tape, needles, chalk, pins | ₹500–1,000 | |
| Thread collection (assorted) | ₹500–800 | |
| Cutting table or board | ₹500–2,000 | |
| Visiting cards + basic WhatsApp marketing | ₹300–500 | |
| Minimum to start (manual machine only) | ₹4,000–8,000 | |
You can start with a second-hand machine and basic tools. Buy the overlock machine only after you have a steady customer base — it is not needed for all garment types.
These are local market rates. Charge at the higher end when doing premium work, bridal orders, or delivery at home. Never undercharge — it devalues the entire trade and is difficult to recover from.
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Threading thread + wax strips, spatulas | ₹300–500 |
| Facial kit — cleansers, scrubs, masks (branded) | ₹1,500–3,000 |
| Wax heater + hard wax / strip wax | ₹800–1,500 |
| Manicure-pedicure kit | ₹800–1,500 |
| Hair colour (2–3 shades + developer) | ₹600–1,200 |
| Combs, brushes, pins, clips, hair dryer | ₹1,000–2,500 |
| Towels, capes, steamer (optional) | ₹500–1,500 |
| Makeup basic kit (bridal when scale grows) | ₹2,000–8,000 |
| Minimum to start (threading + waxing + facial) | ₹3,000–5,000 |
Begin with threading, waxing, and one facial kit. Add services as income grows. Buy professional brands like VLCC, Lotus, O3+ — they produce better results and clients notice the difference.
A client who visits monthly for threading + facial spends ₹400–650 per visit — ₹4,800–7,800 per year. 20 regular clients = ₹8,000–15,000 per month without any fixed premises cost.
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Insulated screwdriver set (flat + Phillips) | ₹300–600 |
| Multimeter (digital) | ₹400–800 |
| Pliers set (combination, nose, wire cutter) | ₹400–700 |
| Tester / neon tester | ₹100–250 |
| Electrical tape, cable ties, connectors | ₹200–400 |
| Drill machine (for fan installation) | ₹800–2,000 |
| Tool bag / carry case | ₹300–600 |
| Visiting cards (250 copies) | ₹200–400 |
| Total starter toolkit | ₹2,700–5,750 |
Two-wheeler transport significantly expands your service area and income. If you don't have one, explore Urban Company which assigns jobs near your location. For AC servicing, a gas refilling kit costs ₹5,000–12,000 and opens a high-margin service category.
Always charge a visit fee separately from repair cost — this is standard practice. Confirm the approximate repair cost before starting work. For parts, buy from wholesale markets (Koti or Begum Bazaar) and bill at MRP.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Computer / laptop | If you don't own one: ₹20,000–35,000 (second-hand). Consider this the primary investment. |
| Printer (inkjet or laser) | ₹5,000–12,000. For DTP work, a colour laser printer pays for itself quickly. |
| Software | CorelDraw (DTP), MS Office (data entry), Tally (accounting) — you already know these from your course. |
| Internet / broadband | ₹400–700/month. Essential for sending files and receiving remote work. |
| Business cards + pamphlet | ₹300–600. List all services and your mobile number. |
| If you already own a computer | Start for ₹1,000–2,000 |
Monthly retainer contracts are the most stable income source — 5 small shops at ₹500/month for Tally entries = ₹2,500 guaranteed every month without finding new clients.
Setting Up Your Business
These steps apply to every type of self-employment business. Most are free and take less than a day to complete. Doing them early protects you and builds credibility with clients.
You do not need accounting software to start. A simple notebook or WhatsApp note is enough — but you must keep records. Here is what to track: