Chand Bihari Agarwala, Founder, Chand Bihari Jewellers, Patna

Who would have given job to a 10^th pass boy? I was not well educated to get a job anywhere at that time. I had to run my family too without any support from friends. The decision to get into business was a matter of survival rather than choice. I started my business in 1972 with Rs5000 in my pocket. I use to buy saris and other merchandise from Jaipur and sell them on the footpath in Patna. Gradually, I saved some money and started selling gem stones to the jewellers in Patna.

The gem stones business grew as I developed trust with my customers and finally I opened my own store called Chand Bihari Jewellers in the year 1984. With the grace of god, I am now one of the biggest wholesalers of gem stones and gold jewellery for the whole of Bihar and Jharkhand region.

Now my two sons are extending the business further. Over the years, we have gained customer confidence through cost competitiveness and best quality. We specialize in gold, kundan jewellery, diamonds and gems stones. Last year, we did a turnover of Rs12 crore and currently employ 15 people.

We are now planning to go for branding and market our products all across India. Plan for a store in Mumbai is also there in the pipeline. Now, we are looking for funds to steamroll our expansion plans and take our business to a new growth level. During struggle days, I always used to look up to bigger businessmen who were doing well and till date I make it a point to learn from other entrepreneurs who are doing well for themselves and the society.

There is no secret mantra to my rags to riches story. To all the people, who want to become an entrepreneur my message is simple: there is no alternative to hard work, be honest and dedicated towards your work, and never cheat anybody.p