A medical student who had taken her NEET exam and was on a steady path to become a doctor never thought she would become a businesswoman.
When Yamini Singla, 27, a resident of Sector 27 A, Chandigarh, first discussed with her family about her business idea, she was under immense pressure to prove within six months that she can establish a business, else she would be married off.
And in six months, there was no looking back for this only girl in the family. Such is the state of affairs that now the family insists on to getting a studio for her decor and gifting venture.
Beginning with just Rs 500 to making lakhs now with over 3,000 orders every now and then, Yamini set up a gifting and decor business “Uphaar”, which does decor and gifting for prominent places and clubs. For next two days too, she has 10 orders to decor for various wedding venues.
“Though I pursued medical studies and later completed my BSc from GGDSD College, I always knew my heart craved for something creative,” said Yamini.
For Yamini, the turning point came during the lockdown in 2020.
“Being confined at home gave me time to reflect on how deeply people struggled to express their feelings for one another…and gifting is the key way for that. This inspired me to launch ‘Uphaar by Yamini Creations’ in September 2020,” she said.
However, starting out wasn’t easy.
“Convincing my family, especially my father, was challenging given my political and academic background. However, I was determined to turn my creative passion into something meaningful—not just a hobby. Looking back now, as Uphaar by Yamini Creations enters its fourth year with over 500 SKUs, I fondly remember my first creation: a scrapbook I made for my best friend. That small beginning fuelled the dream I’m living today,” she added.
How did this idea strike you, and when?
During the Covid lockdown, being at home gave me time to observe how businesses were evolving. I realised there was a significant gap in the market for meaningful, personalised gifts. While there were products available, they were often too standardised, impersonal, and overpriced.
For me, creativity had always been a passion, and I wanted to craft something that would allow people to express their emotions in a deeply personal way. My goal was to make each gift tell a unique story — something that truly reflects the sender’s feelings for the recipient. That’s where Uphaar by Yamini Creations found its purpose, and it has been my mission ever since to create gifts that touch hearts.
How far has she taken this idea to?
When I started Uphaar by Yamini Creations, it was with a modest approach, but the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing organically has been our strength, with a loyal base of repeat customers and strong engagement on social media. Our clientele is diverse, ranging from corporate gifting to personalised creations for couples, birthdays, and anniversaries.
The combination of quality, personalised service, and timely delivery has been instrumental in achieving over 500 products and 2000+ creations annually. Then I thought let’s expand beyond gifting so we’ve recently ventured into wedding and party décor, adding a whole new dimension to what we offer.
This parallel vertical aligns beautifully with our ethos of making special moments memorable.
We also aim to grow steadily, expand our footprint nationally.
What can Chandigarh do to retain its talent or make people stay here?
Chandigarh has always been admired for its charm and quality of life. However, I feel, while it stands tall as a political capital, its potential as an economic hub remains underutilised. Industries and job opportunities in the city haven’t grown in step with its aspirations, leading to an exodus of young talent in search of better prospects elsewhere. Even businesses like ours face limitations in market reach, often considering expansion to other cities for growth.I think to reverse this trend, Chandigarh needs to focus on becoming a centre for economic activity.
Encouraging industries, promoting start-ups, and creating platforms for local businesses to thrive could make a significant difference. Sectors like IT, tourism, and creative industries hold immense promise, and strategic policies to support them could unlock the city’s true potential. With its infrastructure and resources, Chandigarh has all the ingredients to retain talent and attract new opportunities — it just needs the right push to match the aspirations of its people.
What help you feel should be given by the govt to give more impetus to such start-ups?
For businesses like us, the government could also establish dedicated start-up hubs or incubation centres in cities like Chandigarh, where businesses like ours can access mentorship, training, and collaboration opportunities. Platforms to showcase our work — both locally and at national trade fairs — would significantly enhance visibility and market reach. With targeted policies and support, businesses like ours can thrive and contribute to the economy while staying rooted in cities like Chandigarh.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I love meeting people and socialising — it’s always inspiring to connect with different perspectives and energies. These interactions that I have often spark new ideas and help me explore creative concepts for my business.
I also enjoy taking time to brainstorm and experiment with fresh ideas, whether it’s for product designs, packaging, or new services. Free time for me isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about fuelling my passion and staying connected to what I love doing.
How do you de-stress? What are your hobbies?
To de-stress, I love painting and crafting — something I do just for myself. It’s my way of expressing creativity without any expectations, and it helps me feel calm and happy.
I also enjoy spending time at Sukhna Lake. A quiet walk by the water or just sitting there helps me relax. On the fun side, I like going on gedis around Chandigarh — it’s a great way to enjoy the city and take a break. These little things help me stay refreshed and inspired.
What message you’d like to give to budding entrepreneurs?
My message to budding entrepreneurs is simple: Believe in your vision and stay persistent. The journey won’t always be easy, and there will be challenges, but don’t let them discourage you. Keep learning, stay adaptable, and trust the process.
Also, never underestimate the power of authenticity. When you build something with passion and true intent, it will resonate with people. Surround yourself with a strong support system, be open to feedback, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Success comes from both hard work and staying true to what you love.
One thing you like and one thing you want to change about Chandigarh
I truly love everything about Chandigarh. Its beauty lies in its simplicity — whether it’s the peaceful green spaces, the structured layout, or the calm vibe of the city. There’s a unique charm here that makes it feel like home.If I had to change anything, perhaps it would be to see more support for small businesses and start-ups. With more opportunities and resources, Chandigarh could truly become a thriving hub for entrepreneurs. But overall, I wouldn’t change much because the city’s essence is perfect as it is.
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