PROFILE (Spotlight Weekly)

LAXMI SHARMA

Successful Lady Entrepreneur

Sharma proves success will follow dedication and hard labor

By A CORRESPONDENT

There are very few persons with a biodata resembling that of Laxmi Sharma. A successful entrepreneur who is widely recognized as one of the top exporters, Sharma's biodata reads that she has spent only three days in school.

If a person is committed to his/her profession, he/she will achieve success no matter what -- this much is clear after noticing Sharma's meteoric rise.

Sharma's road to progress has been very rugged as she had to go through different difficult phases in her life.

Born in Kathmandu, Sharma, however, did not get the opportunity to attend school. She started out as a housekeeper for diplomatic residences in 1968 where she learnt to speak English language. Ten years after, she became the first Nepali woman to drive auto rickshaw. She switched to craft designing a year later.

When she opened the Laxmi Wood Craft Industry in 1986, no one had imagined that it would be so popular and its products would be appreciated in the markets of different parts of the world. Today, her productions are widely recognized.

Not only inside the country, she is also recognized outside the country. She was recently conferred the title of Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the World 2000 by the USA-based STAR group on her contribution to enhance the handicraft industry.

"I am very happy to receive the award as it is a recognition for the contribution and sincerity on my part," Sharma said.

Sharma witnessed many ups and downs in her life as she had to struggle hard to prove that women, too, have qualities to succeed in business.

Founder and proprietor of Laxmi Wood Craft Udhyog, manufacturer and exporter of bone buttons among other things, Sharma is always concerned with the quality of the products.

It took some decades for Sharma to reach to the top spot. "I believe in hard working and commitment. It is a dedication and commitment which helps us to achieve targets in life," she said.

Along with handmade bamboo buttons, chopsticks, thimbles, baby rattles, needle cases and bangles, her factory also produces artificial, traditional and modern art carvings.

The factory also manufactures silk and cotton fabric specials like men-shirts, shawls, table cloth, bed covers etc. The factory exports most of the products to the western countries including USA.

She is also a member of different business organizations including some social organization. "I want to devote my free time in contributing to the society," Sharma said.

Although her factory is small in comparison to others, she is able to retain her reputation as producer of quality products. Having visited different parts of the world, Sharma has also received a number of national and international awards.