Kulgam’s “Chocolate Girl” Turns Sweet Passion into Thriving Home Business

Sameer Ahmad

Kulgam: Urwa tul Wasqa, a resident of Arreh in Kulgam district, is carving out a sweet niche for herself as a young entrepreneur. While pursuing her graduation at Government Degree College Kulgam, Wasqa has spent the last year running a thriving homemade chocolate business under the brand name ‘Talbia Homemade Chocolates.’ Determined to make a mark across the district, she aspires to be popularly known as Kulgam’s ‘Chocolate Girl.’

Wasqa, Learnt Chocolate Making Through YouTube, 20 year Old Urwa tul Wasqa Starts Her Own Business and is trying to turn her creativity and hard work into a source of livelihood through chocolate making.

Coming from a humble background, Wasqa lives with her parents and three sisters. With her father working as a farmer, Wasqa decided to balance her academic studies with entrepreneurship to financially support her household. Alongside her sisters, she crafts 25 distinct varieties of homemade chocolates right from her kitchen, supplying them to local shopkeepers in district kulgam and Anantnag while catering to a growing customer base.

According to Wasqa, the venture has proven to be highly profitable, generating a steady income that significantly helps her father manage family expenses. A major chunk of her sales comes from online orders, driven by active promotion on social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.

Urwa said she has been preparing different varieties of chocolates from the last one year, including chocolates made with dry and fresh fruits. According to her, customers have responded positively to her products, with several placing repeat orders after making their first purchase.

She said she is currently supplying her products in district kulgam and Anantnag and is working to expand her business and reach a wider market. After returning from college, she devotes some time every day to preparing chocolates.

Currently, Wasqa is showcasing her latest collection of artisanal chocolates at the annual three-day Veshu Festival Exhibition in Kulgam. Organized by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission Yuva, the event serves as a vital launchpad for local artisans and startups, drawing large crowds of visitors and enthusiastic buyers directly to her stall.

Meanwhile, The three-day Veshow Festival 2026, held in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, not only showcased literature, culture and traditional heritage but also highlighted women’s entrepreneurial abilities, self-employment and economic empowerment. Organised by the District Administration Kulgam from November 11 to 13, the festival aimed to preserve cultural heritage while promoting local talent, skills and entrepreneurship.

Held under the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage,” the festival witnessed the participation of a significant number of women entrepreneurs, reflecting efforts to empower women, promote their skills and help them achieve financial independence.

Around 80 stalls representing various sectors were set up during the festival, of which 25 were operated by women entrepreneurs. Many of these women have advanced their entrepreneurial journeys with support from Mission YUVA.