40 Things SHEROES Said To Keep Us Inspired in 2014
1) “If you have an idea, a dream or the passion to do something don’t think again, just go for it, just do it, and Take the leap...It will be the best decision of your life.”
Sonakshi Pratap, Founder - Theek Kardo
2) “I am a work in progress. I am always thinking of the next iteration that I will be and become. Courage is contagious. Step into your own glory. Every time one of us succeeds, it raises the bar for the rest of us. Celebrate your strengths and that of other women around you. A rising tide raises all boats together.”
Tanvi Gautam, Founder - The Global People Tree
3) “I think it is important to realize the immense potential that we women have. Once we do, we can be the best that the world has ever seen. Let's nurture our powers and keep improving with time.”
Shakun Sethi, Founder - Dizuna Communications Pvt. Ltd
4) “I think the biggest challenge that women entrepreneurs face is the need to prove themselves to people who comprise of their staff, their contemporaries, clients as well as their near and dear ones. At all steps of been a woman entrepreneur, people doubt you and your capabilities and at times even demoralize you which can lead to self doubting. Your inner strength, belief and the fire in you to prove the others wrong will overcome these hurdles. Last but not the least, Rome was not built in a day therefore, patience is needed to sail through the initial difficult journey.”
Stuti Jain, Sole Proprietor - SSJ Associates
5) “Remember a steep slope that one can slide down on, will also take us up if we try, the climb will definitely be tough, but worth it. Believe in yourself and stay ‘immune’ to negative thoughts and people around you.”
Bindhu Madhu, Founder - Design Studio
6) “I would say – channelize your healthy interests in speaking out against societal ills. There are enough demons to be felled, which will keep you from turning your gaze on the neighbour’s window!”
Aruna Raman, India Program Director - Acara, University of Minnesota
7) “Motherhood is the most amazing guiding factor, nothing in the world teaches you such multi-tasking skills and instils insane amount of patience. Being a mother and being surrounded by a warm supportive family is my strength, the pride I see on my children’s faces makes me more accountable and responsible. Leverage the time or any break from work to equip yourself with skills that only life can teach. Come back stronger and believe in yourself that’s what the real sport is all about!”
Chhavi Sharma, Founder - Toruk Software & www.bakersmile.com
8) “Do not under estimate yourself and don’t let your domestic duties be an excuse for not being an entrepreneur. They are your strength. Being a working woman makes me a much better wife and mom. I am happy and hence my home is happier.”
Khyati Rupani , Founder - Balance, Weight loss & more
9) “Society is never easy for anyone - man or woman. People are blind with their beliefs, faith, religion, culture, values etc. They would always question you. But do not let that deter you from doing what you truly believe in - because it's your life.”
Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, Journalist, Anchor and a Documentary Filmmaker
10) “Start-ups are difficult, even more difficult than we imagine. If you are a mother to a baby or toddler you might just think it’s impossible. But is this not what we are looking for? - A tough new challenge everyday to break the dull, boring monotonous work life. Imagine the fight that you would be putting to the challenges every day. You might not win every day but you are definitely in the making of a tough hardcore business woman with an identity that the world will know soon.”
Ruchika Kar, Founder - GroupShoppy.com
11) “Go for it! Support will follow. Follow your passion and dream big. Your kids love you and understand you and I can't think of a better feeling than being able to cuddle up with my daughters after a long day at work.”
Sunanda Rangarajan, Founder - Green Pantry
12) “I once heard a talking tea cup story which cried in pain while the potter was making it but the potter kept spinning him round till he thought it was perfect. So while it may be great to read inspiring stories, I think that life always puts you under lots of grilling, you cry, you resent, you complain and you give up but if you've gone back to work doing the same thing next day, you should know you are on your way and someone up there is working on your life!”
Tavleen Mehendiratta, Co- Founder - i-mobility.org
13) “Be you. Be true. Don’t get distracted by what you feel others expect from you. Be kind to yourself. Take your work personally but don’t get personal at work. Be kind to yourself. Nurture yourself as you would anyone you love.”
Shrishti Arya - Film Producer
14) “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.’ I say this to myself more frequently than I admit to! All SHEROES are living examples of this in more ways than one. I think when we find that one aspect that creates a thread between our heart, soul and mind; we should develop and leverage it to make it our life's passion.”
Simran Multani,Founder - Ovenderful
15) “Just passion is not enough. It's a starting point, but you have to be good at what you believe is your calling. And the only way to be good at something is to learn. Ask questions, find mentors, get training, evolve, and persist.”
Pooja Kohli, Filmmaker
16) “The good news is that you are the “in-charge” of the choices you make. So make it wisely. Be it at workplace or home. And lead. Rest, will have no choice but to follow.”
Priya Badshah, Head- Corporate Communications - UBM India
17) “Every woman has a SHERO in her. Most often, we are so busy 'managing' our lives that we forget to 'live' it. Live in the moment, make time every day for your passion, and practice gratitude.”
Sumi Thomas,Founder - DropCap Media
18) “Come out of your comfort zone and show the world that a woman can be a great daughter, loving wife, caring mother but with that magical push within her, she can be a real tigress!”
Ishani Malhotra - Writer
19) “Becoming an entrepreneur is an emotional, mental and financial commitment so evaluate carefully if you are ready for it. Once you take the jump into this challenging yet exciting journey, have the staying power and mental strength to weather the storms. Don’t be afraid to seek advice and help whenever required.”
Geetika Dayal, Executive Director - The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE)
20) “Perseverance, honesty, humility & compassion are the key words to success. If you fall, you just have to get up & work towards your goal once again without regretting, taking with you lessons which you learnt from your mistakes.”
Dr Jaishree Sharad, Cosmetic Dermatologist
21) “We are all human beings first, each uniquely gifted with unlimited potential in need of enabling environment. Gender is a human reconstruct that prevents us women from realizing our full potential. Let’s be watchful against gender discrimination: know it and fight it! “If he can be a hero, she can be a SHERO”!”
Tashi & Nungshi Malik,The first ever twin sisters to climb the Mt. Everest
22) “Express yourself. You will be surprised at how liberating it is!”
Radhika Bawa, Painter and an Art Connoisseur
23) “It is perfectly fine to try different things and experiment. You never know what works out, take risks and discover.”
Pri Shewakramani, Co- Founder - The Beach Company
24) “You have to be really patient - it takes time for things to shape up. Dreaming big helps, but take one step at a time to ensure each job is done really well. There are NO shortcuts.”
Priyanka Prabhakar, CEO - Traveller Kids
25) “Dream your biggest! Believe in your magic! Aspire beyond your perceived achievable! Break free from those limiting stories we tell and hear! Master your mind so that it can never under estimate your limitless potential! Let’s achieve it all but also remember to create joy along the journey, both for self and others!”
Richa Grover,Senior Social Work professional - UK Government
26) “Don’t wait for opportunities, make them happen! Never lose sight of your dreams and never lose hope. Somewhere, sometime, somehow, the door to your dreams will open just a crack. Seize that door and pull it open.”
Shivani Adib, Writer
27) “As a SHERO you are your biggest asset. There is no family, or business without you. Recognize that and look after yourself. Sleep on time, eat healthy, exercise, switch off periodically, plan for and; take breaks, every time you do, you will come back revitalized. You will approach the things that drain you with new energy.”
Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Founder - APB Cook Studio Company
28) “There might be times when we want to give up and find it too hard to face the harsh realities of running a business. But those thoughts and emotions are momentary. At those moments we have to look at all the handwork we have done and all that we have achieved and re-determine to continue and never give up.”
Ankita Gaba, Co-Founder - SocialSamosa.com
29) “Support other people's dreams while building your own. When people know you are vested in their progress, they will actively invest in yours. Actively create opportunities in your venture to invest in the success of your partners and teams.”
Naiyya Saggi, Co-Founder - www.BabyChakra.com
30) “Use diplomacy and brutal honesty as the two razor sharp edges of a double-edged sword. When used intelligently, each at the right time, it’s possible to tackle the toughest of situations, be it a complex family matter or a niggling issue at work. Women, especially, lead happier lives when we teach ourselves to get rid of that superfluous emotion called guilt! Taking out time for yourself is the most important mantra, even as we respect everyone around us. Be your own SHERO first, everything else will follow!”
Mukta Naik, Architect and Urban Planner
31) “Be self-aware and connected with oneself. Discover what makes you happy, so that your work becomes 'play'. One should try to 'reframe' every situation to believe that the event happened for your learning and growth.”
Deepa Soman, Founder - Lumière Business Solutions Private Limited
32) “Success is personal; don’t let others define success for you. Choose what success means to you and work towards that. Of course there will be failures and setbacks, but that’s when you discover new strengths and powers in you, which will help you, get to bigger dreams. And most of all enjoy the journey and have fun.”
Suma EP, Head - Knowiz Solutions Private Limited
33) “I have found richness in slowing down. In doing things at the human pace of life. In not rushing from one thing to another. I would urge us all to find a way to slow down, to be alive to all our senses in every moment. That is all we really have.”
Arati Kumar-Rao, Freelance Photographer and Journalist
34) “Self-belief is the biggest asset a woman can have. Indian society has traditionally looked down upon women and challenged their ability to go beyond the four walls of the house. In this era of dramatic change, the challenge for women is to face up to social mores and yet retain their perspective and sense of purpose. Confidence in themselves and their work is the ultimate tool of effectiveness.”
Sangeeta Mall, Author
35) “I think it is a great time to be a female entrepreneur, with the social media boom and changes in the digital landscape, which is giving rise to newer opportunities. If you have a great idea, back it up with a well-thought out business plan. It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to build a dream. There are times when patience runs out, but that is exactly when you need to push yourself even more. Running a business is like raising a baby. Both don't come with a list of instructions and you learn something new every single day. Having said that, I wouldn’t trade the experience with anything else in the world. We need to share and talk about our experiences more often. There are times, when advice, from others with experience helps a great deal.”
Anisha Singh, Co-Founder - Letternote
36) “Age cannot hold you back. Each phase of ageing is special. I encourage you to always pursue a hobby and never stop learning. In your twilight years, this is what will make you feel young and look forward to each day.”
Veena Ajmera, Founder - BeadBlossoms
37) “I think it's so important for women (and men) to take charge of their own lives, instead of waiting around for things to happen. And work on getting the wholehearted support of your spouse, parents, siblings, all your family -- they'll be your biggest cheerleaders when the chips are down.”
Bhakti Bapat Mathew, Freelance Writer
38) “Do not wait for right time to start-up. When you start, that is the right time!”
Shalini Nautiyal, Founder - Yipeedo.com
39) “You have to be a go-getter in today's world. Be a hard worker but also a smart worker. It is a mean world out there, so get ready to fight it out. I know so many people stuck in doing something they do not enjoy, but find a way to do what you love. Trust me you don’t want to look back at life and regret that you never tried your hand at that. Find the SHERO in you and let her shine.”
Tanya Nambiar, Vocalist - Gravy Train
40) “As you blossom, your family too gets the fragrance of the lotus within you. As you live your dreams, you set an example for your children as well and teach them to follow their hearts. And it is never too late!”
Shalini Kalra Jacob, Founder - Loving yourSelf Foundation
