Once Unable to Find a Job, Gujarat’s First Trans Businesswoman Now Employs Many

Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide and depression

When Rajvi Jaan realised she was transgender, her father didn’t accept her identity. He asked her to live by his terms or leave the house. With no option, Rajvi left her house and battled a hard life as she fought to get an education and a good job.

After completing her education, she was unable to find a job. She felt so dejected that she thought of ending her life. But her mother gave her hope and asked her to start a business of her own.

“I realised that I should fight. What’s the worst that could happen? Either I’d win or lose. So I fought with society,” says Rajvi.

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She started a snack store named after her mother — ‘Jagruti Namkeen’ — in Surat. Through this shop, she is providing employment to almost 30 women. Buoyed by the response to her enterprise, she has started another business called ‘Jagruti Vastu and Puja Store’.

Rajvi claims to be Gujarat’s first trans businesswoman.

Today, she also walks the runway and is inspiring other transwomen to lead their life on their terms. “Look harder and you’ll find a way that will take you to your goal,” she says.

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Edited by Pranita Bhat