Every year on the 8th of March, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in various domains. This year, Mauve is honoring the success of women entrepreneurs and leaders across India. As part of our initiative, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing inspiring women who have made significant strides in their fields.
Among them is Aishwarya Rao, the Director of Academics and Administration at The Vivekalaya Group of Institutions.
In an exclusive interview with Mauve, Aishwarya Rao graciously shared her journey as an entrepreneur.
Journey and Inspiration:
1. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and how has your journey been so far?
Answer: Entrepreneurship wasn’t a conscious decision for me; rather, it evolved naturally as I pursued endeavors I was passionate about. The desire for independence and self-sufficiency has been a driving force since a young age, guiding me towards entrepreneurial ventures. As for my journey, it has been marked by invaluable learning experiences, numerous challenges, and moments of perseverance. While it’s been rewarding, I view it as just the beginning, with much more ahead on the path to realizing my entrepreneurial vision.
2. Can you share a pivotal moment or a role model who has influenced your entrepreneurial path?
Answer: Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, there have been several pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped my path. One such significant moment occurred when I joined Vivekalaya, then known solely by that name. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative period, during which I explored diversification into various sectors and boards. Each of these ventures represented crucial turning points that propelled me towards initiating new endeavors and embracing change to venture into uncharted territories. Notably, the establishment of multiple centers and schools stands out as a pivotal milestone in this journey. These experiences have profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial perspective and contributed significantly to the evolution of my endeavors.
Challenges and Triumphs:
1. Entrepreneurship often comes with challenges. What obstacles have you faced as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: As a woman entrepreneur, I have encountered numerous challenges along with moments of triumph. One of the primary hurdles I faced was navigating an environment that often proved less than conducive, even within the educational sphere. Decisions made within the education sector sometimes failed to prioritize the holistic development and well-being of students, necessitating the need to adapt and establish systems that did not necessarily serve the best interests of the students. Additionally, external environmental factors, such as regional regulations and policies, posed further limitations.
2. Could you share a success story or a significant accomplishment that you are particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?
Answer: I adopted a resilient approach, working diligently to overcome obstacles and achieve progress. Through strategic decision-making and perseverance, my team and I have managed to make significant strides. Moving forward, I continue to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, endeavoring to work within existing systems while striving to enact positive change and improvement wherever possible. In my entrepreneurial journey, I find significant pride in the various triumphs along the way. One particular source of accomplishment lies in witnessing the success of students under my guidance. Seeing them excel in exams, witnessing their personal growth and development, especially when overcoming challenges, represents meaningful triumphs to me. Additionally, achieving institutional growth, financial milestones, and implementing innovative educational strategies all stand out as noteworthy achievements. Each of these milestones, although small, contributes to the overall success and fulfillment of my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Mentorship and Support:
1. The role of mentorship is crucial. Have you had mentors along the way, and how has mentorship played a role in your success?
Answer: Undoubtedly, mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey towards success. Having access to role models and mentors has not only provided me with invaluable guidance but has also served as a compass during pivotal moments of decision-making. The presence of a mentor is of paramount importance in navigating through complex choices and situations. I have been fortunate to benefit from the mentorship of remarkable individuals, notably my mother and aunt. Their unwavering support, coupled with their wisdom and resilience, has been instrumental in shaping my character and helping me in overcoming challenges. I am profoundly grateful to these strong and independent women who have not only influenced my personal and professional growth but have also shielded me from potential pitfalls. Their mentorship has been a cornerstone of my development, and I hold them in the highest regard for their profound impact on my life.
2. How can we encourage and foster mentorship opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Answer: To foster mentorship opportunities for aspiring women entrepreneurs, it is crucial to recognize the significance of women supporting women. Providing a safe, accessible, and supportive environment is essential for women to thrive, especially considering that many may come from unsupportive backgrounds. Mentorship plays a vital role in this process, as it offers guidance and support for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Encouraging women to mentor each other and creating avenues for mentorship can help aspiring women entrepreneurs succeed. It is imperative for women to remain open and accessible to offering support and guidance to one another, thus fostering a culture of empowerment and growth.
Innovations and Trends:
1. How does your business contribute to innovation in your industry, and what trends do you see emerging for women-led businesses?
Answer: Our business contributes significantly to innovation within the education sector, which constantly evolves to cater to the changing needs of learners and the evolving world. As the sector is inherently dynamic, we prioritize adopting innovative practices and policies to effectively serve today’s children, who represent the future generation and leaders. Women-led businesses play a pivotal role in driving innovation within various sectors, including education. Creativity and innovation, once solely associated with fields like science and technology, now span across diverse industries such as cosmetics, fashion, education, advertising, and design. Women excel in these areas due to their inherent creativity and problem-solving skills. Despite historical challenges, women are increasingly taking leadership roles in entrepreneurship and business, contributing significantly to innovation and growth.
2. Are there any specific challenges or opportunities unique to women entrepreneurs in your field?
Answer: In our field, women entrepreneurs encounter unique challenges and opportunities. Despite progress, women often face greater scrutiny and are held to higher standards than their male counterparts. However, we are witnessing a positive shift, with more women-led businesses gaining prominence. This trend is especially evident in community-focused sectors like education, where women are driving significant developments. As we continue to prioritize impact and community engagement, it’s inspiring to see women making strides in entrepreneurship, although against additional obstacles.
Impact on the Community:
1. Beyond business success, how does your entrepreneurial venture positively impact the community, especially for women?
Answer: In addition to achieving business success, our entrepreneurial venture significantly contributes to the welfare of the community, particularly for women. We actively engage in community-driven initiatives aimed at supporting women, who constitute a significant portion of our workforce. Moreover, within sectors such as education, where our venture operates, women play a pivotal role in community development efforts.”
2. Are there any initiatives or projects your business is involved in to give back or support women in your community?
Answer: I think we can support women in our community, our business by actively engaging in several initiatives aimed at empowerment and skill development. One such initiative involves providing training in diverse professions and fields where women may lack formal education or experience. Each year, you can prioritize activities for your female staff that encompass skill enhancement, educational opportunities, and access to new professions. I firmly believe that investing in women’s education and skill development not only benefits them individually but also contributes to the broader community’s growth and resilience. As leaders and stewards of our institutions, it is incumbent upon us to create a supportive environment that fosters women’s professional advancement and ensures their security in the workforce.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs:
1. What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs who are looking to start their businesses?
Answer: My advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to maintain perseverance and determination. The journey may not always be straightforward, and challenges may arise. However, it’s crucial to remain focused on your goals and unwavering in your vision. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and don’t let failures or rejections deter you. Recognize that the path for women entrepreneurs may require forging new trails, but believe in your capabilities and resilience. Success is built on perseverance, effort, and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
2. How can we create a more supportive environment for women pursuing entrepreneurship?
Answer: To foster a more supportive environment for women pursuing entrepreneurship, it is imperative to increase the representation of female entrepreneurs. Facilitating avenues for dialogue and idea exchange among women entrepreneurs is essential, as it cultivates a supportive ecosystem. Establishing clubs and hubs that connect women with resources and opportunities for learning and growth in their respective fields can further bolster this supportive environment. By leveraging these initiatives, we can contribute to strengthening and nurturing a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial community for women.
Balancing Work and Life:
1. Balancing work and personal life is often a challenge. How do you manage this balance, and what strategies have helped you maintain well-being while running a successful business?
Answer: Balancing work and personal life presents a significant challenge, particularly for women, given the comparable demands of both spheres. While achieving an ideal equilibrium may be elusive, maintaining a healthy balance remains paramount. Throughout the entrepreneurial journey, priorities may fluctuate, necessitating varying levels of attention to work and personal commitments. Instead of striving for perfection, it is more practical to pursue a manageable balance tailored to individual circumstances.
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