My parents started the business when I was 10 years old. I have grown up seeing their struggle. Realising my passion in this field, at the age of 18 I started helping them out in the business during my holidays. I was 21 when I got the opportunity to go to Hyderabad to set up a new store, and my professional journey began by running a business in a new city.
Three years later I felt the need to rebrand the business - to create our own identity as an upscale retail outlet that houses luxury German brands; and in 2015 Plüsch was born. Over the years I have tried to consolidate the business in different cities, trying to make it more professionally run while being ahead of our times in the digital space of social media.
I think the biggest challenge women face is the existing ingrained societal conditioning that women are not equal. People cannot fathom out why a girl would run her family business! But we do break ceilings and shock society because of our own resilience and with the support of our family and loved ones. But until societal norms change our challenges will continue.
Over the years I have tried to consolidate the business in different cities, trying to make it more professionally run while establishing a strong brand identity
My advice to would-be entrepreneurs in their field of work is that there is no substitute for hard work and consistency. Consistency is as important as working hard towards your goal or dream. Also, don’t think of the what-ifs; just take the first step and it’ll be the best thing you can do for yourself.