Mother’s Day : 3 Moms Who Turned Struggles Into Success

Motherhood is a journey unlike any other, defined not just by love but by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering determination to see the next generation thrive. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the stories of three incredible women—Laveena Jain, Poonam Sharma, and Dr. Michelle Harrison—whose courage, perseverance, and love have not only transformed their lives but also touched the lives of many others.

From the heart of rural India to the bustling city of Kolkata, these mothers faced immense challenges. Yet, they used their unique experiences and strength to build something far greater than themselves. Their stories are a testament to the power of motherhood, the strength of the human spirit, and the transformative power of love.

From Cancer to Business Empowerment
In 2010, life took a devastating turn for Laveena Jain and her family. Living in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Laveena was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her husband, Sandeep, was diagnosed with mouth cancer. With two young children to care for, they were hit not just physically and emotionally but financially. The mounting medical expenses forced them to consider selling their home—a prospect that seemed like an admission of defeat.
But Laveena, determined not to let cancer break her spirit, decided to turn her crisis into an opportunity. Drawing on her love for cooking, she started Tripti Foods, a small business making homemade pickles, jams, and squashes. Armed with just ₹1,500, she began selling her products at local kitty parties and through word of mouth. Her creations were quickly embraced by the community, known for their authenticity and taste.

What started as a way to support her family turned into a flourishing business that not only paid off the family’s debts but also enabled Laveena to hire other women from nearby villages, offering them jobs and training. Today, Tripti Foods offers over 70 varieties of products and serves customers nationwide, including on platforms like Amazon. Through her journey, Laveena proved that even in the face of adversity, resilience and determination can lead to unimaginable growth.

The Power of Maternal Motivation
For Laveena, motherhood was the anchor that kept her grounded. It was her children who motivated her to keep going, to rise above the challenges, and to show them that no matter the circumstances, perseverance always pays off. Today, her children are not only thriving academically but are also learning valuable life lessons from their mother’s strength.
From Financial Ruin to Business Success
Like Laveena, Poonam Sharma’s journey began with immense hardship, but hers was defined by an unwavering belief that a mother’s love could overcome any obstacle. Hailing from Haryana, Poonam’s life took a devastating turn when her husband lost his job, leaving their family in financial ruin. Soon, their children were expelled from school due to unpaid fees, a moment that would define the course of her life.
"I still remember how my children stood outside the school gate crying. That was the moment I decided to do something," Poonam recalls.

With limited education and no formal skills, Poonam began stitching clothes to support her family. But she knew this wasn’t enough. Poonam had a deep connection to traditional foods, especially millets, which are nutritious and part of India’s rich culinary history. Inspired by the health benefits of millets and driven by the need to provide a better future for her children, Poonam started Dadi Ka Pitara, a business focused on millet-based food products.

Starting small, Poonam faced countless challenges. She didn’t have capital, a brand, or even a solid business plan, but she had an undying belief in her cause. Slowly, her products gained traction, first in her local community, then nationally, and even internationally. Her brand today offers over 100 different millet-based products, which are sold not only in India but also in the USA, Canada, and Singapore.

Empowering Women and Building a Legacy
Even when a paralytic attack in 2020 threatened to halt her progress, Poonam’s resolve never wavered. Her team, mostly women from rural areas, took over the reins, ensuring the business continued to grow. Through Dadi Ka Pitara, Poonam has not only regained her family’s financial stability but has also empowered hundreds of women by providing them with employment opportunities and training.

Poonam’s story is a shining example of how, with a mother’s love and unwavering perseverance, one can transform adversity into success. Like Laveena, she proved that love for one’s children is the strongest catalyst for change.

A Career Change that Changed Lives
In the crowded streets of Kolkata, where millions of children struggle for basic care, Dr. Michelle Harrison made an extraordinary decision. Originally from Israel and having had a successful career as a gynecologist and psychiatrist in the United States, Dr. Harrison’s life took a sharp turn when she adopted a child from Kolkata in 1984. The experience opened her eyes to the plight of orphaned children, particularly those with disabilities, who were often neglected and left to fend for themselves.
Motivated by the desire to make a difference, Dr. Harrison gave up her life in the U.S. and moved to Kolkata, where she established Childlife Preserve Shishur Sevay in 2006. This home became a sanctuary for orphaned girls, especially those with disabilities who had been rejected by the adoption system. Here, these girls received not just a roof over their heads but also education, medical care, and, most importantly, love.

Revolutionizing Care for Orphaned Girls
Her approach to care was revolutionary—Dr. Harrison used advanced therapeutic techniques, including the Tobii Eye Tracker, a communication device that allowed non-verbal children to express themselves. Under her guidance, Shishur Sevay became more than just an orphanage; it became a place where these girls could rediscover their humanity, their voice, and their potential.

Despite facing challenges in the form of bureaucratic red tape and skepticism from society, Dr. Harrison’s commitment remained unwavering. She became a mother not only to her adopted children but to dozens of orphaned girls whom she helped raise. She embraced motherhood in its truest form—without borders or limits—and turned her pain into a gift for the many children she helped.As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s extend our appreciation to the unseen mothers who are quietly transforming the world with their courage and love. Whether they are business owners, social workers, or philanthropists, these women prove that the role of a mother goes beyond raising children—it is about raising hope, creating futures, and making the world a better place for all.

To Laveena, Poonam, Dr. Michelle, and mothers like them, we honor your strength, your love, and your indomitable spirit. Your stories inspire us all to believe in the power of resilience and the unbreakable bonds of motherhood.

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