Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: At a time when unemployment rates in Himachal Pradesh have risen, the struggle for stability—both mental and financial—has deepened for many young people. But standing apart from the uncertainty is Harshita Kalia, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Chamba district, who has built a name for herself with the MH Beauty Studio & Academy in the heart of Dharamshala.
A Childhood Marked by Loss, a Mother’s Courage
Harshita’s story begins in rural Chamba. At just 11 years old, while preparing for her fifth-class exams, she lost her father in 2009. The tragedy could have derailed her future, but her mother, Vimmi Kalia’s resilience became the backbone of the family. Taking charge of the family’s modest restaurant, her mother provided both financial support and emotional strength, instilling in Harshita a determination to chart her own course.
Early Clarity, Bold Decisions
“The biggest thing that gives me confidence today is that I was clear in 11th class about my goal. I took full responsibility for my life,” Harshita told The Newz Radar. She gives credit to her sister Mahima Kalia who is into asthetics for clarity in professional goals of life.
After completing her graduation, she took her first loan—₹1.5 lakh—to pursue a course in cosmetology. The training opened doors, leading her to work as a beautician in Jammu and Kashmir, where she honed her craft and developed a deeper understanding of the beauty industry.
The Leap to Entrepreneurship
In 2023, at just 23 years old, Harshita made her most ambitious move yet. She took a loan of ₹10 lakh to launch MH Beauty Studio & Academy in Dharamshala. What started as a bold entrepreneurial gamble is now recognized as a landmark establishment in the city, offering not only beauty services but also professional training for aspiring cosmetologists.
Her venture has quickly become a symbol of modern youth entrepreneurship in Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating that self-employment and skill-based industries can provide sustainable alternatives in regions where government jobs are scarce.
Inspiration for Himachal’s Youth
Harshita’s journey—from a small-town girl who faced personal loss, to an independent entrepreneur creating opportunities for others—offers inspiration to countless young men and women struggling with unemployment.
“I took risks, but every step was a decision towards self-reliance,” she said, emphasizing that education, determination, and resilience remain the cornerstones of her success.
MH Beauty Studio & Academy today stands as more than a business; it is a statement of self-empowerment, courage, and hope—proof that even in challenging economic times, determination can build futures brighter than glass-fronted towers.
