Rekha Jalan 

Age is no bar to success - Rekha Jalan

She started her business after she became a grandmother and her business is growing with her age. Today, at 50 plus, she is a mother, mother in law, and a grand mother, and most important of all, an entrepreneur, whose creativity is getting chiseled with time. We are talking about, Rekha Jalan, daughter - in - law of Jalan family, who owns the Calcutta based Hamilton & Co.

Rekha Jalan, as any other female in a Rajasthani household got married at a tender age. In her husband she found someone who always encouraged her to move to the outer world. "Inspite of my husband's support in the beginning, I never thought of taking up any business, because that time my priorities were my children. Today they have grown up and are engrossed in their own family life. So in 1995, with my husband's support, I thought of doing something on my own," revealed Rekha.

In 1995, she thought of giving a new definition to her hobby, making artifacts, not really knowing that one day she will become an entrepreneur pursuing her hobby. She mainly indulged herself into making unique decorative pieces for household, offices, etc. She produced thousands products for daily use as well as special purposes. "All the designs are given and approved by me. I generally do not take customer's designs,. I show them my creative output and if they like they buy it. I have all range of products, starting from few hundreds to lakhs of rupees ," she added.

Today she is the well know manufacturer of finest quality of silverware in Mumbai and silver that are used in these art pieces are certified by the concerned organisations. Her strive is to bring out something different for her customer that too with a classy touch. Her perseverance for quality, has made her products, most sought after by big wigs of the country like, Ambanis, Sheths, Birlas and similar. "People tend to get confused whether I work only for the upper class or so. I want to clarify that, I have clients from almost all section of the society, middle class, upper middle class and more. I receive many bulk orders from outside states, and I make it a point to cater to the need of all my clients," clarified Rekha.

Almost all the products are manufactured in-house. Presently she is working with few fine art students of J J College, Mumbai and the students are working on the models given by Rekha. Commenting on the students involvement in her production she said, "By getting all the students work under me, I am making an attempt to expose them to the work culture of the society, and in return, they are taking away experience and good pay packages. But when it comes to silverworks, most of the works are done by silver and goldsmiths, whom I often hire from Calcutta. Today the students are most inclined towards abstract figures."

Rekha is planning to exhibit her works, till date held only in Mumbai, further to Gujarat. She believes that Gujarat is an upcoming market for artifacts she produces. Over the years she has worked with metals and alloys but glass and marble remains her favourites. According to her, the product has a class and can be carved to fine details. Perfection is one thing she craves for in all models, irrespective of size and price.

According to her, "Coming to office is something similar to worship, a regular activity." Taking out time of her busy schedule, she also accompanies her husband for a walk every morning and evening, play with her grand children, often cooks food for the household and above all reach out to people who needs her help. She helped people to stand on their own feet, by getting them a cycle rickshaw or a sewing machine etc. And she believes, blessings she receives from people makes her strong enough to carry on her work, till the end.

After meeting and talking to a person like Rekha Jalan, it is easy to believe, 'their is no age to success'. Only thing that one should have is a goal ahead and aptitude to accomplish.

Address:

Hamilton & Company Ltd,
Empire House, A.K. Naik Marg, Mumbai 400 001.
Phone: 207 7391 / 95
Fax: 207 6096

By: Sharmistha Chakraborty
Photographer: Vinayak Prabhu