Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others to Pursue Their Dreams
In the picturesque village of Paga, Chabcha, Chhukha Dzongkhag, a young and determined entrepreneur has carved her path to success. Tshering Om, a 28-year-old has driven by her love for natural resources and a deep-rooted passion for providing consumers with the freshest and healthiest mushrooms, established the renowned Mother Made product in 2019. Tshering’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one’s dreams.
The Seeds of Inspiration
Tshering’s journey into the world of fungiculture began with a seed of inspiration nurtured by her father. Guided by his expertise and fueled by her own enthusiasm, Tshering embarked on her mission to cultivate the finest mushrooms in the region. However, her path to success wasn’t without obstacles. After working as a receptionist at resorts for four years, Tshering yearned for a deeper connection with nature and a way to channel her entrepreneurial spirit.
A Supportive Network
With the support of the Entrepreneur of Chhukha (EoC) and the Economic Development and Marketing Officer (EDMO), Tshering found the assistance she needed to pursue her dreams. Empowered by their guidance, she was able to turn her passion for mushrooms into a thriving business. Tshering’s determination and willingness to learn played a vital role in her journey, as she seized the opportunity to participate in the Youth Employment and Rural Entrepreneur training, where she secured the financial backing necessary to bring her vision to life.
Cultivating Excellence
Twice a year, in the months of March and September, Tshering tends to her mushroom farm, cultivating a variety of mushrooms, including the popular oyster, shiitake, and reishi varieties. Yet, Tshering’s innovation doesn’t stop at cultivating mushrooms alone. Recognizing the value of diversification, she creates an array of value-added products from mushrooms, such as mushroom powders and a variety of mushroom-based snacks. Mother Made Product goes beyond mushrooms, offering customers additional goods like shakam eazy, veg juma, fish eazy, and tantalizing potato chips infused with Sichuan pepper and mint flavors.
Nurturing Growth and Overcoming Challenges
While financial support paved Tshering’s way into entrepreneurship, she soon discovered that running a mushroom farm presented its own set of challenges. From managing pest and disease outbreaks to adapting to changing demands dictated by the seasons, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, Tshering’s journey was not without its hurdles. However, she remained undeterred, relying on her resilience and unyielding passion to overcome every obstacle that came her way.
Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom
Tshering’s tenacity and determination have led her to remarkable achievements. Her ability to conquer adversity through effective time management, calculated risk-taking, thorough market research, and a strong understanding of competitors and raw materials have been instrumental in her success. As both an entrepreneur and a mother, Tshering faced unique challenges, yet her unwavering commitment to her work and an unshakeable belief in herself propelled her forward. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of innovation and personal commitment, asserting that staying the course and overcoming challenges are key to long-term success.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Tshering’s success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. She advises future dreamers to embrace their innovative ideas and remain committed to their dreams, assuring them that they have the power to overcome any obstacles they may face. Although the initial stages of a business may be filled with stress and discouragement, Tshering believes that with perseverance, proper strategies, and an unwavering commitment to oneself, the path to success can be traversed.
Tshering Om’s remarkable journey from a receptionist to a successful mushroom entrepreneur showcases the transformative power of passion, dedication, and resilience. Through her hard work and unwavering commitment to quality, Tshering has not only established a thriving business but also become an inspiration to others. As she continues to grow and innovate, Tshering’s story stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead when one follows their dreams with unwavering determination.
By Tendrel Zangmo
