“I joined work on 15th day of my husband’s death”: How a single mom beat all odds to head one of India's top legacy brands

"On February 13, 2013, my life turned upside down. I lost my husband in a tragic road accident. In that moment, a decision was made for me — I had to step into the family business. I did not have the privilege of relying on my in-laws, and my son was very young.

I had no choice. I had to work to support my child and carry forward our family legacy." says Meghali Gupta.Meghali was born in an affluent business family. She was the only daughter in a joint family and was protected, shielded and pampered as a child. Having no interest in family business, she wanted to become a fashion designer and go abroad to pursue a degree. However her family could not think of sending her alone and hence she settled with perusing English honours.

She got married at the age of 23 into a family of jewellers.

Life was beautiful till she lost her husband in a devastating accident. He was barely 32.

Her husband Mohit Gupta was the only son and had lost his parents earlier. His family had a great reputation as his great-grandfather was the treasurer of Bahadur Shah Zafar, and it was the emperor who had given him the 'gaddi,' and hence the iconic jewellery shop came into being.

"I returned to work on the 15th day after my husband’s passing. At that time, my son was still in playschool. I was juggling office responsibilities and home, learning to balance grief, motherhood, and business all at once. "It was especially challenging because I was stepping into a business that was not originally mine—one I had only observed from the outside," says Meghali.Those early years were tough, both emotionally and professionally.

But I made a conscious decision to learn. For three years, I immersed myself completely in understanding the business. I involved myself in every aspect — from operations and customer interactions to design and team management. I was determined to earn my place, not inherit it."Fortunately, since Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers is a 230-year-old legacy brand, I had the support of team members who had been with the company for 20 to 40 years.

Initially, it was difficult for them to accept me in a leadership role. I joined humbly, as a learner. Gradually, as they saw my commitment, my willingness to understand the craft, and my ability to handle customers with empathy and confidence, respect began to grow.

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Meghali says she feels fortunate to have had the support of her sister-in-law and parents, who helped raise her child and stood by her during the most challenging years.

Their emotional strength became her foundation.She also feels deeply indebted to the elders in the business, her uncles who acted as guiding angels during her journey. The road, however, was far from easy. From emotional turmoil to the responsibilities of being a single parent, life felt full of unexpected turns and silent struggles. There were moments of doubt, exhaustion, and loneliness. But there was also resilience.Today, Meghali Gupta, a dynamic designer and artist, carries forward the 230-year legacy of Shri Ram Hari Ram Jewellers. With over a decade of iconic creations, multiple accolades, and her role as a jury member for the Jewellery Eminence Awards for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), she seamlessly blends artistry, tradition, and innovation to redefine contemporary jewellery.

Being a single mother did not deter her. Instead, it strengthened her.

Her journey reflects not just professional success but emotional courage.Meghali’s story is not just about inheriting a legacy—it is about earning it. It is about stepping into uncertainty with dignity, learning with humility, and leading with compassion. Her journey shows that adversity can either break you or build you—and the difference lies in your willingness to grow.Her advice to other women facing sudden responsibility or loss is simple yet powerful:

Life may not always go as planned, but resilience, faith, and continuous learning can transform even the darkest moments into defining chapters.