This is a perfect time for you as an Indian woman to start your business. From Government schemes to technology advancements, a lot of things are falling in line for providing women entrepreneurs with a favorable environment to flourish.
According to a recent study, businesses led by women are estimated to grow by 90% in the next five years in India. That’s more than the US (50%) and UK (24%) combined. Another survey found that Indian women entrepreneurs provide employment to about 22-27 million people and it will increase to 150-170 million jobs by 2030.
But statistics, however quantifiable, are just numbers at the end. We know the idea of starting something of your own may scare you. What you really need is to find your “why.” You can be driven onto the path of entrepreneurship in many ways. But when things get tough, it’s your ‘why’ that will keep you going.
To help you out, we asked real women entrepreneurs about why they started their business, and here’s what they told us.
1. Turning Passion into Purpose
Yes, passion is one of the biggest reasons that leads many down the path of entrepreneurship. For Nicke Tuli, it was her passion for promoting her mother’s work that pushed her towards her business. Pritikala was inspired by her mother’s talent for knitting and beading bags and accessories. “Funny story, my mom started making pearl bags as wedding favors she would give to my in-laws. And, there I was like, whenever I plan to marry we’ll do this, but meanwhile let’s do some business together,” shares Nicke.
Similarly, for Swati Khandelwal, of The Marigold Diaries, it was her passion for designing that guided her towards creating a business where she got to explore her creativity. Swati says, “It was never a set plan but a small idea to add some warmth to homes and little corners just kept building into a business.”
It was passion for Indian handlooms and styling that led Vandana Kapoor Dhawan to start her clothing business, Radhas Weaves.
2. Unexpected Turns lead you to your Purpose
Passion might be one of the biggest reasons for some, for others it can be unexpected turns and chances that lead them down this path. Like for Kajal Srivastava, founder of Swadesi Sports Wear, who says, “I never set out to become an entrepreneur; my dream was to become an IAS officer. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading me to start a social movement that inspires courage through Kalaripayattu workshops. This eventually led to the creation of a sportswear brand specializing in indigenous workout clothes.” While her original dream did not work out, it was something unexpected that led her to discover her true purpose in life, of being a woman entrepreneur.
Unexpected turns was also the case for Vandana Arora who was working in her family’s architectural company, as an interior designer. After her son’s wedding, with more time on her hand, Vandana attended a candle-making workshop. This workshop became the cornerstone of her starting her individual entrepreneurial journey, Remeha Candles and More.
3. Self-Discovery and Personal Healing
For some, the entrepreneurial journey begins with a deep personal journey or self-discovery. Anannya Debnath embarked on her entrepreneurial path during one of the lowest moments of her life. “I went through some of the most turbulent moments in my personal life, feeling as if I was teetering on the edge of a breakdown. It became clear that I had to do something, not just for myself but for my children as well. I felt like a failure, utterly convinced that I wasn’t capable of achieving anything. That’s when the idea of starting something of my own took root,” shares Anannya.
Battling personal struggles with the help of her family and her business partner, Pragya, she finally found her purpose through her quirky gifting brand, The Wrap Whisperers.
Personal battles leading to business ideas also resonate with the story of Supriya Arora Malik, founder of Indulgeo Essentials. Supriya’s mother Seema Arora was suffering from Alopecia for several years. She has tried all kinds of solutions and medicines, but nothing helped. It was when she turned towards Ayurveda to find a concoction made of natural ingredients. It not only worked for her, but also became a start of their business. And, it is also their best-selling product.
You might also like to read: 5 Homegrown, Women-Led Beauty Brands Offering Clean and Natural Skincare
4. Filling a Gap and Creating Solutions
Many women entrepreneurs are driven by the desire to solve a problem or fill a gap in the market. Dipali Gupta discovered a group of women in rural India practicing the traditional art of chikankari embroidery and saw an opportunity to support them by launching her own business, Dhaaga.
Similarly, for fashion designer Manvi Tejpal, starting her own company was a dream come true, fueled by a passion to fill a gap in the market for affordable luxury wear with a focus on sustainability.
Both women saw untapped potential in their respective fields and used their entrepreneurial skills to create solutions that benefited both artisans and consumers.
5. Empowering themselves and building Legacy
Some women are motivated by the desire to create something as a way to empower themselves and others. Rekha Ramare, founder of Ramare Jewelry, who endured a childhood of financial hardship, was determined to take control of her future and create a better life for her family. With the unwavering support of her husband, she decided to start her own business after working for others for nearly three decades.
Image Coach Meena Jagwani found her inspiration behind her desire to be financially independent, and to achieve something significant. Kavita Yellumahanty left behind a successful corporate career to pursue her desire to create something that would outlast her, fueled by the freedom to innovate and make an impact. “The ONE inspiration that drove me was the desire to create something that would outlast me and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I wanted to be my own boss, create jobs, and build a brand that would inspire others.”
So, what are you waiting for, look inside you and you will find your “why” to finally take that plunge down the entrepreneurial path. And, if nothing else then maybe the stories of these women entrepreneurs might inspire you to discover your reason to create something of your own.
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