Women Entrepreneurs and partners in service are not just traversing the competitive business space, they also additionally face the challenges that are inherent to being women – yet with grit and determination many women entrepreneurs scale great heights and inspire others.
Here are Hyderabad based women who excel individually and shine as partners in enterprise and in service sector.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Said Michelle Obama, former first lady of the US. One could add – at any age and despite any challenge. Invest in Woman, Accelerate Progress is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day. And, this is true in every aspect, and that includes investing in her business acumen and her abilities.
If a woman makes up her mind nothing can stop her and when it is two women that make up their mind, there is no power in the world that can stop them. Age-old stereotyping and proverbing that over plays the animosity that two women evidently harbour for each other – a probability than has been blown out of proportions. Across the world there are several such instances when two enterprising women sharing the same heat in the belly and spirit in their hearts have moved ahead together to achieve success in their respective fields.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024 Fridaywall Magazine brings to you women, who are friends and partners in their business and collaborators for greater objective. How they are gloriously taking their company / organisation ahead on the chosen path is inspiration for many.
Shashi Reddy & Dr SriNagi B Rao, the founders of Parampara- Gudisambaraalu started Parampara with an intention to safeguard and promote Indian culture from going extinct.
Dr SriNagi is a physician by education, administrator by profession, an aesthete of art and culture, a person concerned deeply about the preservation of culture and environment, with an idea to preserve and give a better India for future generations to come. Both hailing from a family of politicians with a genuine interest to bring a change in the community, is the power behind starting Gudisambaraalu on preserving the culture and tradition of Bharat and successfully running this for the last 10 years. They choose age-old temples and organise dance and music programmes at these temples, and the programmes are open to everyone.
Shashi Reddy & Dr SriNagi B Rao
SriNagi Rao says a woman is a marvel; she possesses the unique ability to create, multitask, plan, execute tasks, and deliver results like no other. “We were fortunate to have equal access to opportunities and shared responsibilities on a level playing field, with only a few physical challenges standing in our way. Ultimately, it’s financial independence and self-worth that define the success of a woman in today’s world.”
Shashi Reddy adds, “I was driven by a desire to emphasize the importance of making cultural events accessible to all, especially the middle class and youth, who often found themselves excluded to these events due to ticketed venues. Hence all our events are free to enter as we believe in the importance of promoting and preserving India’s performing arts.
We have an abundance of heritage spaces across the country, such as ancient temples and forts. These need to exposed to the younger generation for them to understand India’s rich cultural heritage and to ensure its preservation for future generations.”
They as all women have had hurdles on their path, but the absence of basic amenities that is the most common, yet unresolved issue at most places rings a bell of alarm. “The primary challenge we encountered revolved around the inadequate provision of sanitation facilities and toilets in these locations. The absence of restrooms frequently forced us to hold until we make a late-night drive back to the city or to our homes,” they relate.
Sai Sudha Gogineni and Veda Gogineni, sisters and engineers from IIT Kharagpur started Earthful after a decade of working in the corporate sector.
Sudha, a Chemical Engineer worked in entrepreneurial roles both in established companies and startups, and Veda studied Biotechnology, was in investment banking sector followed by Meesho – before both of them decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge.
They founded Earthful, a revolutionary 100% Vegan nutritional supplement brand born out of health consciousness. “We both (Sudha, Veda) understood the need to fight undernutrition with a clean plant-based supplement. Earthful started amid the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Things were tough during that time,” they share.
Being the first of its kind product line has had its share of problems for the sister-duo. “Building the ecosystem was a challenge. Finding the right partners was a hurdle and when you are women, you are met with people who do not want to put their trust in you. It required convincing them to believe in Earthful’s potential even in its starting stage without substantial sales.
To make people believe that Earthful has a future was one of the first milestones that launched the sister-duo on the path that will open possibilities for other women as well.
“Having had the privilege of graduating from IIT Kharagpur and working in reputable MNCs, we realized that many women lack such opportunities. Earthful has become a platform that offers ambitious women a chance to work, grow, and contribute. Our team comprises passionate women committed to creating a meaningful impact. We drive a lot of happiness by being job creators and working with a team of talented individuals. Enabling women to become financially independent is a very satisfying part of our business,” they relate.
Akhila & Pooja
Rah is an upscale multi-designer store in Hyderabad – founded by Pooja Reddy Singireddy and Akhila Reddy, both sisters-in-law.
Akhila by profession is an interior designer, and founder of Fleagram. She also owns The Label Company. Pooja on the other hand is a successful entrepreneur armed with a degree in design management. She is the co-founder of the popular restayrant chain Antera Kitchen and Bar. Together they have conceptualised Rah complimenting each other with their skills and expertise in their respective fields.
Commenting on the amazing inner strength that women possess Pooja quotes Web Duboise – There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise – which she has proved with Antera as well.
Akhila shares, “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.
Passion for fashion they feel empowered to be entrepreneurs and this drives them to face the every-day challenge of being in the highly competitive space and enjoy the journey.
