From Teacher to Entrepreneur: Changing lives through Creativity

An inspiring story of Mamta Gupta (Khyaal Club Member)

“My name is Mamta Gupta, 57 years old, from Chennai. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved creating things with my hands. Drawing, painting, stitching, embroidery, crafts- anything that allowed my imagination to come alive fascinated me. In those days, however, there weren’t many opportunities to build a career around creativity. Teaching seemed like the safest and most practical option, so I chose that path. After completing my education, I spent nearly 25 years teaching in different schools across Bangalore and Chennai. I taught Hindi, conducted extracurricular activities, and loved interacting with children every single day. Teaching gave me confidence, purpose, and countless beautiful memories.

While teaching, I realized that the moments I enjoyed the most were not when I was teaching textbooks. I felt most alive during art sessions, hobby classes, and creative workshops. That’s when I understood something important about myself that, I was not meant to limit creativity to a hobby. I wanted it to grow. Instead of ignoring that feeling, I decided to invest in myself.

I enrolled in one course after another. I learned tailoring, garment stitching, hand embroidery, Tanjore painting, mehendi, handmade cosmetics, craft making, and many other vocational skills. Every time I learned something new, I became more confident. I always believed that before teaching others, I must first become a sincere student myself. That belief eventually gave me the courage to take the biggest leap of my career.

In 2013, I took one of the biggest decisions of my life. I left my regular teaching job and started Mamta Creations, a vocational skill training institute where I planned to teach various hobby skills to students. My dream was never just to teach people how to make beautiful products. I wanted them to become financially independent. Every course was designed to teach the complete journey, from making a product to pricing it, packaging it, marketing it, and finally selling it. I wanted people to believe that their talent could become their livelihood. I started with a humble beginning and started the institute from my home itself, which helped me manage my work and home responsibilities in a better way. Initially, I distributed pamphlets and flyers, and slowly the word spread, and I started getting students.

All was going according to my expectations. But when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, everything changed overnight. Students could no longer visit the institute. Many businesses struggled, but I decided to adapt instead of giving up. I still remember conducting my very first online class using nothing more than my mobile phone attached to a selfie stick. It was a small beginning, but it opened a world of possibilities. Soon, students started joining not only from India but also from countries like Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and the UK.

My husband has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. He encouraged me to believe in myself and invested in my learning when I needed it most. Coming from a software background, my husband and son patiently taught me how to conduct online classes, use social media, edit videos, and understand digital platforms. They helped me embrace technology instead of fearing it. In 2021, we launched the Mamta Creations mobile app, where learners can access over 100 vocational courses with video lessons, study materials, certificates, and complete guidance from anywhere in the world. Together, we transformed my offline institute into a digital learning platform.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of training thousands of women, men, children, and young entrepreneurs. Many of them came with nothing more than curiosity. Today, they proudly run their own small businesses and earn an income doing what they love. Watching someone discover confidence through their own talent is one of the greatest joys of my life. I have also set a world record in painting a 5 and 1/2 meters saree in just 80 mins.

One lesson I have learned is that learning should never stop. Even today, I continue to learn new skills, update my knowledge, and stay connected with the digital world. Growth only happens when we are willing to evolve. For me, my work is much more than earning an income. When someone learns a new skill, starts a business, gains confidence, or simply feels happier after attending my classes, I feel fulfilled. Creativity has the power to heal, reduce stress, and give people a renewed sense of purpose. Watching others grow has become my greatest reward. I strongly believe that financial independence is important at every stage of life. Whether you are 25 or 75, having the ability to earn gives you confidence, dignity, and freedom. That belief continues to inspire everything I do.

Now, as a next step, I have participated in Khyaal’s 50 Above 50 India’s Biggest Talent Hunt for Seniors under the Social Impact category. I truly appreciate this initiative by Khyaal, which has not only provided a platform for seniors to come forward and showcase their talents, but also has given them wings to fly. What I admire most about Khyaal is that through its regular online sessions, workshops, activities, and vibrant community, it gives seniors a space to learn, connect, and grow together. Although my busy schedule doesn’t always allow me to attend every session, I truly appreciate the positive environment that Khyaal has created.

One message for my fellow seniors is: Never retire from your dreams. Stay curious, keep learning, keep creating, and keep following your passion.” - Mamta Gupta (Khyaal Club Member)