Have you considered having your old shoes cleaned, repaired, and dried by a professional service? Probably your answer will be that there is no such place for getting your shoe a king treatment.
What if I told you that there is a shoe laundry that provides such a service to you? And I’m not talking about cobblers, but rather a shoe laundry service place where professionals breathe new life into your old, worn-out shoes.
We are speaking of “The Revival Shoe Laundry Service”, which was founded by Shazia Quaiser, a middle-aged woman from the still-developing state of Bihar in India. A leather shoe repair, cleaning, and refurbishment service that is one of its kind and definitely a first in India. Seriously, our country is full of surprises, and this particular example is one of those that deserves a round of applause.
Her story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the unwavering belief that no dream is too small. Let’s peel off the layers of this fascinating journey, word by word!
The Humble Beginnings of Shazia Quaiser’s Business, “Revival Shoe Laundry”
I desired to do something that would liberate me. As a mother, I don’t want to compromise my time with my kids as when I was working at UNICEF, It kept me away from them for a whole day. That desire of freedom and break-free led me to start my shoe laundry business.
Shazia Quaiser
Shazia Quaiser’s journey begins not with a business degree but with a degree in physiotherapy and a career at prestigious organisations like WHO and UNICEF. However, she wanted to break free, as her entrepreneurial spirit was always bubbling beneath the surface.
In 2014, Shazia Quaiser took the plunge, leaving behind the security of a job to embark on an exciting but challenging path to make her innovative idea of a shoe laundry business true.
The “Aha!” Moment:
Shazia Quaiser’s “aha!” moment came when she realised the lack of professional shoe and leather goods services. She realised there were only shoe manufacturers and small cobblers, but no service could provide top-quality leather shoe repair, cleaning, or refurbishing.
“This idea has been on my mind since I was in student life. But I was not that serious about it at that time. I just said it jokingly, but then I did not know it would come true.
Shazia Quaiser
Shazia Quaiser saw an opportunity to provide a one-of-a-kind service that would meet a practical need and restore worn-out shoes to their former glory. Thus, Revival Shoe Laundry was born.
Upgrading People’s Opinion with Her Innovative Idea
Consider the following scenario: an untested business idea and a lack of resources and finances. To make matters worse, starting a shoe laundry service in a market where traditional cobblers charged a fraction of the cost was no easy feat.
I started my business alone at first since no one believed my business idea would work. People used to ask, “Why Shoe laundry?” when you could have a far brighter future in the medical field. People believed my business idea was of a low standard.
My husband, on the other hand, was a tower of support for me, I recall him saying that he was so inspired by witnessing my enthusiasm and resolve that he couldn’t find a reason to say no.
Shazia Quaiser
Her husband’s support made other people’s negative comments ineffective. Shazia even stated that when her husband supports her, the outside world doesn’t matter. Well, Shazia’s husband sets an example of a kind because, in the end, behind every successful woman, there is a progressive man.
When a “Nai ki dukan” (barber shop), sitting under a tree, can evolve into a salon and garner much-needed respect, and a “darzi ki dukan” (tailor’s shop) can transform into a boutique, why can’t a “chamde wala” (shoeshiner) become a shoe laundry? I’ve always believed that everything evolves, and with a fancy name, it can gain the respect it deserves. I knew this will work too.
However, success did not happen to her overnight. Shazia Quaiser didn’t come from a business family, and she had no knowledge or guidance. Initially, she used to face difficulties in understanding business terms of sales and marketing. As stated, she knew that her idea of shoe laundry was something substantial. As they say, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” and something similar happened in this case.
My faith didn’t faltered by people’s opinions and I continued to build my shoe laundry business. By God’s grace, I got the much-needed support and guidance through the startup Policy made by Bihar’s government.
Shazia Quaiser
Shazia Quaiser also stated that her shoe laundry business idea was selected among the ideas of 300–400 candidates In a Bihar Incubation campaign. Her selection only strengthened her belief in her business idea. She attended the business event and interacted with the great personalities of the business world. Her confidence rose, and she moved forward in her journey.
Shazia Quaiser’s Faith and Determination in Creating Her Success Story
When the lockdown happened, hygiene became the priority and that helped people understand how important it is to keep our shoes clean as they are the most unhygienic necessity of our life which we use daily. This whole hygiene importance helped my revival shoe laundry to grow.
Shazia Quaiser
During the COVID-19 lockdown, her revival shoe laundry got a lot of attention as people started to rely on online services more, and the orders just shot up. Today, Revival Shoe Laundry’s per-annum profit is over Rs 28 lakh. The minimum rate is five times what she initially charged, proving that quality and innovation can win over even the most skeptical.
The success of Revival Shoe Laundry is summed up in Shazia’s words: “There is no fixed formula for business. You will understand how to go about it by experimenting.”
Shazia has already taken some outstanding actions to expand her business, Revival Shoe Laundry. First, she focuses on the quality of its service, customer experience, and innovation. She has expanded her services to include jackets and bags, with a focus on catering to a broader audience. She has used social media to reach customers in cities other than Patna, with orders coming in from Mumbai, Delhi, and Kashmir for shoe repair, cleaning, and refurbishing.
Creating Employment Opportunities
Shazia’s journey is about more than just personal achievement; it is also about giving back to the community. There were only three employees when she began. Revival Shoe Laundry now employs approximately 20 people and directly and indirectly employs five more. Her business has provided a source of income for several people, helping them earn handsome money.
Future of “The Revival Shoe Laundry”
It is natural to believe that Shazia and her small juggernaut are not satisfied and wish to reach the sky. Shazia’s revival vision is magnificent. She wants Revival Shoe Laundry to be the go-to service partner for major shoe brands in India. Her ambition is to broaden Revival Shoe Laundry’s reach to every corner of the country. Her journey demonstrates that with determination, taking risks, experimenting, and innovating, no goal is too impossible.
Shazia Quaiser’s entrepreneurial journey with Revival Shoe Laundry is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her story of starting Shoe Laundry is about more than just cleaning shoes; it is about giving dreams and aspirations a new life.
Her story teaches us that when we are driven by passion and perseverance, no business is too small and no dream is too big. So, inspired by Shazia’s journey, let us continue to innovate, try new things, and have faith in our goals, no matter how big or small, just like her.
To learn more about Shazia Quaiser’s business, you can follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Youtube.
If you like the story of this Unique business idea, please read about 33-YO Lost Confidence To Vitiligo & Weight Gain, Side Hobby Of Making Crochet Toys Turned Her An Entrepreneur
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