Women are now flexing their business muscle and entering with confidence into the world of number crunching, strategising, creative visualisation and management. Earlier the scenario may have been different but women today now are surer of their skills and are passing with flying colours in the field of business.
Nikkita Talreja and Archana Ravindran who started a wedding planning business under the banner ‘Yukti Events’ soon after their graduation weren’t sure if they would be received well an industry that is predominantly dominated by men. “It was a random thought in college and for the idea to materialize it did take time. We started by first networking and building contacts,” says Nikkita.
The duo had to deal with vendors and workers but to their surprise they were received much better than they had expected. “Being women helped us get our way at all times. Men who are in this business have been around for years and they knew what troubles we may be facing. They voluntarily came forward to help us out. As women, we value relationships, and that’s a reason that we’re still working the same vendors,” she adds.
Even the family is going all out to support their daughter, mother, wife or aunt in realising her dream. Krithika Nelson, the founder of shopo.in gushes with excitement, “Being a female entrepreneur is exciting. At business meets and seminars, I get special attention for being a young woman achiever.”
However, she clears that her partner, a man, played a pivotal role in developing the concept. “I had a designer card studio earlier and wanted to evolve further when I arrived on the idea of the shop. I did face a lot of problem as a designer and I believe that there are many talented and creative minds out there who face the same issue too. Thankfully, my husband and my family are the winds beneath my wings,” she adds.
And there are women like Seema Sanghai and Meenakshi Sarin who think that it’s never too late. Having been devoted homemakers for most of their lives and they now impart their skills to children. Kalapataru Chennai is a hobby center that educates children to enjoy nature. “I was always interested in gardening and Meenakshi and I thought why not share our knowledge with others. We teach students organic farming, ikebana and jam-making along with other activities. But, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our family,” says Seema.
She further adds, “We are also looking to rope-in more housewives who can impart various knowledge that they’ve gained over the years and are willing to make use of their expertise.”
It’s passion that drives these women and money is most certainly not a factor. These entrepreneurs are looking beyond monetary benefits and seem to be working for a bigger reason.