Gorakhpur: Simran Gupta grew up with a dream of becoming a model. She worked hard and earned the title of Miss Gorakhpur, a significant achievement in her pursuit of a modelling career. Simran earned many modelling offers from cities like Delhi and Jaipur and it was exciting to explore these opportunities. However, like many others, Simran’s journey took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. Her modelling career was severely impacted, and her dreams were put on hold. Simran refused to give up and became ‘Model Chai Wali’.

Who is Simran Gupta?

Simran is a resident of Surajkund, Gorakhpur. She earned a degree in arts from Gorakhpur University. Her father, Rajendra Kumar Gupta works in the private sector. Her mother is suffering from illnesses while her younger brother is physically and mentally disabled. In the year 2016, she sold her house to pay for her brother’s treatment. The present rent of the house is Rs 5000 a month. 

Miss Gorakhpur

In the year 2018, Simran participated in a beauty pageant and won the title of Miss Gorakhpur. This boosted her confidence level and she continued with her modelling endeavours. She did a few advertisements in Delhi and Jaipur but had to face a setback because of the pandemic. 

Getting a job

To make the ends meet, Simran secured a job in the electricity department in Fatehpur. But to double her problems, the department did not pay her salary for five months. This prompted Simran to leave the job and look for better opportunities.

Launching a startup

There was a dire need to do something to make money. Simran took a bold step and launched her own startup. She was influenced by Prafula Billore and other entrepreneurs dealing with tea business and worked on her project. She named her startup ‘Model Chai Wali’.

Simran set up her first stall in front of Rani Lakshmi Bai Hostel of Gorakhpur University in Civil Lines. The price of one cup of tea was set at Rs 10. She began working from 6 am to 7 pm. 

Receiving appreciation

Simran shares that she does not regret that she could become a model. Her customers appreciate her work and that encourages her to stay motivated. Most importantly, she is able to manage the household expenses well. 

Expanding the business

Simran earns by selling approximately 250 to 300 cups of tea in a day. With the sales, she makes Rs 75,000 to 1,00,000 in a month. The earnings are more than enough but Simran has plans of expanding her business on a larger scale.