From Rakhees to Real Estate: The Journey of Sheetal Bhilkar

Early Spark of Entrepreneurship

It all began with a few colorful threads and a child’s imagination. At just 10 years old, Sheetal Bhilkar sat in her Mumbai home, crafting Rakhees and selling them to neighbors. It wasn’t just a festive hobby—it was her first taste of entrepreneurship.

That spark never faded. As a teenager, Sheetal helped her mother run a readymade garment business. When her mother met with an accident, Sheetal stepped in and managed the business solo for months. It was her first real test of leadership—and she passed with flying colors.

Balancing Career and Entrepreneurship

After earning her electrical engineering, Sheetal entered the professional world. But the entrepreneur in her was restless. She began freelancing, balancing her career with financial goals. Then came a turning point: during maternity leave, she was offered a project to independently design a blood bank. Nervous but encouraged by her husband, she took the leap—and delivered with confidence.

Birth of Urja Associates

That success led to the birth of her first venture: Urja Associates, named after the Sanskrit word for “energy.” In 2010, with her husband joining the mission, Urja evolved into Urja Building Services Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (UBSC)—a full-fledged MEP consultancy firm.

Industry Leadership

Today, UBSC is a force in the industry, with 750+ projects spanning 120+ million sq. ft., including work for Lodha Group, Mahindra Lifespaces, Prestige Group, and Walmart.

Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women

But Sheetal’s journey isn’t just about buildings—it’s about breaking barriers. In a male-dominated industry, she carved a space for women to rise. She founded The Real Woman Awards to honor women in construction and launched The Real Woman Global Community, a vibrant network of support and mentorship which has members in 18 cities globally.

Professional Expertise

With 30 years of experience, Sheetal has worked on data centres, industries, townships, high-rises, and IT parks. Before founding UBSC, she led planning at ETA Engineering Ltd., handling projects like Reliance Centre, Lupin Labs, and Hilton Hotels.

Legacy of Energy and Empowerment

Her story is not just about success—it’s about energy, empathy, and empowerment. From Rakhees to real estate, Sheetal Bhilkar continues to build not just structures, but a legacy.