AI Generated Summary
- From an unsuccessful taxi venture to a cart that now draws customers every evening, Garry’s journey is an example of how a small beginning, backed by persistence and changing with circumstances, can open up an entirely new road to entrepreneurship.
- I wanted to try something different, and since I had always enjoyed making fruit cream, I decided to start selling it from a cart,” he said.
- What began as a modest experiment has steadily attracted youngsters and families and given the Canada returnee a new identity as a small entrepreneur.
When Garry Singh returned to Punjab after spending five years in Canada, entrepreneurship was very much on his mind. His first attempt — a taxi business — did not quite take off. But instead of abandoning his plans, the Sarabha village resident changed course and turned a personal passion into a livelihood.
Today, Garry can be found behind a fruit-cream cart in Ludhiana, serving bowls loaded with fresh fruit, including kiwi and dragon fruit. What began as a modest experiment has steadily attracted youngsters and families and given the Canada returnee a new identity as a small entrepreneur.
Garry came back to India around two years ago. During his stay in Canada, he and his wife together earned about $5,000 a month. On returning home, however, he was keen to establish something of his own in Punjab.
He initially invested his efforts in a taxi service, but the venture did not generate the response he had anticipated. Garry says he chose not to regard the experience as a setback and instead began looking for another business idea.
His interest in preparing fruit cream provided the answer.
“I did not see the taxi business not working out as a failure. I wanted to try something different, and since I had always enjoyed making fruit cream, I decided to start selling it from a cart,” he said.
The decision soon began paying off. According to Garry, the business gained momentum within its first three months, with his earnings reaching a level comparable to what an individual could make through regular employment in India.
His working day usually begins in the evening. Garry sets up the cart around 4 pm and continues serving customers until about 10 pm.
Social media has played an important role in spreading the word. His Instagram following has crossed 15,000, while videos featuring his fruit-cream preparation and his journey as an entrepreneur have helped draw more customers to the venture.
Encouraged by the response, Garry is now looking beyond the initial menu. He plans to increase both the quantity and varieties of fruit cream available and has already added traditional “chatti di lassi” to his offerings.
For him, however, the venture is about more than earnings. His experience has also changed the way he looks at small-scale entrepreneurship.
Garry believes many people hesitate to begin with a cart or a modest setup because they associate success with large investments and established businesses. His own journey, he says, has convinced him otherwise.
“There is no shame in honest work. Punjabis should not hesitate to start from a cart or on a small scale. Punjab is generous and people support those who work hard,” he said, adding that social media has made it possible for even a small roadside venture to reach thousands of potential customers.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: begin with the resources available rather than waiting indefinitely for the ideal opportunity.
“Everyone wants to start big, but it is better to start with whatever you have. If people appreciate what you are offering, the business can always grow gradually,” Garry said.
From an unsuccessful taxi venture to a cart that now draws customers every evening, Garry’s journey is an example of how a small beginning, backed by persistence and changing with circumstances, can open up an entirely new road to entrepreneurship.
