After six years of unsuccessful job applications, Hari’s sister Sharon Sondh created something no employer had offered him: an opportunity to prove what he could do.
Hari graduated from university at the age of 30 with a BSc in IT. He had the qualifications, determination and ambition to work. But after six years of applying for jobs, he hadn’t received a single offer.
Hari has cerebral palsy, a condition affecting movement and coordination. Born three months prematurely, he was diagnosed at birth following a brain haemorrhage. His childhood involved numerous hospital visits and operations to improve his mobility, but his determination to achieve never disappeared.
Despite everything he had accomplished, finding employment proved to be one of his biggest challenges. That’s when Sharon decided to create an opportunity herself.
Disability or opportunity?
Hari’s story raises an important question: How many capable people are being overlooked simply because of assumptions about their disability?
Cerebral palsy affects everyone differently. Some people require significant day-to-day support, while others pursue careers, education and independent living. Having a disability doesn’t automatically determine someone’s abilities or ambitions.
“People with cerebral palsy are very capable, employers just have to be willing to make the adjustments required,” Sharon explains.
Hari’s experience is a powerful reminder that opportunity matters. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle isn’t a person’s disability, but the assumptions and barriers that prevent them from being given a chance.
Turning rejection into opportunity
With over 20 years of marketing experience, Hari’s sister Sharon founded The Candlewala, a family-run candle business inspired by the scents and memories of their Indian heritage.
From Pistachio Kulfi to Garam Chai, each candle celebrates a little piece of their upbringing. But behind the fragrances lies a much more meaningful purpose.
Today, Hari carefully packs and dispatches every candle from their family home, with a little support from his parents.
“It might take a little longer, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that he wakes up with purpose and pride because this is his business too,” Sharon explains.
More than a candle business
The Candlewala also donates 50p from every order to Cerebral Palsy Scotland, helping raise awareness and support others living with the condition.
The family’s story has already reached thousands of people through newspapers, radio and social media, encouraging important conversations about disability and employment.
But perhaps the most powerful message comes from Hari’s sister herself:
“See the person, not the disability.”
Six years of searching for work. Six years without a single job offer. Yet all Hari wanted was the opportunity to contribute, work and feel a sense of achievement.
Why we’re sharing Hari’s story
As a provider supporting people living with complex conditions, including cerebral palsy, we understand how important independence, choice and opportunity can be.
We wanted to share Hari’s story because what Sharon has done is truly special. She recognised how much Hari wanted to work, saw the challenges he faced in finding employment and decided to create an opportunity for him herself.
It’s a wonderful example of how believing in someone’s abilities, rather than focusing on their limitations, can make a real difference.
Sometimes, making a difference is simply about giving someone the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.
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