Tag Archive 'singapore'

Oct 30 2011

Shailja Suresh Kumar- Owner of Om Vedic Heritage Centre

Published by Charu M under Entrepreneur of the month

Holistic wellness-The Ayurvedic way

Dynamic, Aggressive and Highly spirited-three words describe Shailu Suresh in a nutshell who established Om Vedic Heritage Centre in Singapore (OVHC), a traditional wellness center to spread the message of Ayurveda, health and wellness. Shailu was in list of 15 finalists for SICCI-DBS Singapore entrepreneur award2011 and this nomination speaks a lot about her hard work and passion for her entrepreneurial set up. Womenlines is proud to share her success secrets, dreams and her visions with its readers! 

Om Vedic Heritage Centre is a unique medical spa and is a hybrid between a medical clinic and a day spa that operates under the supervision of a certified Ayurvedic physician.  OVHC also offers other holistic services such as Yoga, Meditation, Astrological consultations and more. It is recognized as the first authentic Ayurvedic center in Singapore to be accredited by Case Trust [the accreditation arm of the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE)], for Spa & Wellness Accreditation for good business practices since October 2010.

Mother of 2 girls (18 and 14) Shailu considers her center as her 3rd baby  which is 1 yr. and 5 months old now, hence needs all her attention at this stage! Shailja  held  senior management, administrative and teaching roles at various Singapore Government and Statutory Boards such as A*STAR, NYP, NUHS for almost 13 years in Singapore, in 2009 she quit her role as the Assistant Director from the National Medical Research Council, MOH, to pursue her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Even though she is a qualified postgraduate in Biochemistry and Biomedical Engineering, she wants to be known as an  ‘Ayurvedic Lifestyle Practitioner’. The reason being her upbringing in a holistic environment with a family of Pioneers in Ayurveda. Shailu shares “A strong belief, drive and passion of wanting to spread Nature’s wealth in the form of our own 5000-6000 year old Indian Vedic Traditions, I started the first One-stop traditional Wellness Centre in Singapore, in 2010 to spread the message of Ayurveda, Health & Wellness.”  Currently she still works part-time at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, helping manage a Government funded research project on Dengue and lectures part-time at MDIS.

OVHC in technical collaboration with the Ayurvedic Trust, Coimbatore, India, brings to Singapore the Pioneers in Ayurveda – The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore, India)). AVP which was established in 1943 is one of India’s premier multi-faceted institutions in Ayurvedic medicines, teaching, therapy, research and related areas. AVP today has a network of over 1000 agencies, 50 branches across India and more than 25 treatment centres and hospitals in different parts of India and abroad. In a short period of time OVHC has been successful in establishing its credibility among its visitors and has also been featured by Tabla and Channel News Asia. OVHC’s clients and customers come from all walks of life, many races and nationalities with only about 50% of its customers beings Indians. OVHC has been successful in managing many chronic diseases. To name a few- Sinusitis in kids and the old alike, skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis , chronic pain management in chronic pain cases.

Talking about the challenges Shailu  comments “Challenges and failures have always excited me and they actually help me strategise and become more creative.”Challenges for Shailu started right from finding an appropriate location for a holistic wellness set-up with close proximity to the Indian cultural belt in Singapore (Little India), with a heritage appearance. This business falls under Singapore’s Spa Service Sector and thus acquiring a Massage Establishment License from Singapore Police Force (SPF), Case Trust Accreditation from Case Trust were her next big challenges. Employing staff (ayurevdic physician and therapists) with required skills after getting across the many hurdles she faced from the Ministry of Manpower and SPF, WERE and ARE still her biggest challenges in this business.

Shailu is big hearted in giving credit to her supporters in her entrepreneurial journey. She says “Fortune of being born into a family that spreads the message of Indian Culture and Heritage, my passion, drive, support from my family, good service oriented staff, 7 decades of reputation from the family business in Ayurveda back in India, a good network built up over 14 years of having stayed in Singapore and a great country (Singapore) are some of the many reasons to get us to where we are today.” Family support is a big support for any women entrepreneur and Shailu considers herself very lucky to have such a supportive family, specially to her husband who provides IT support for her business too.

Any entrepreneurial setup grows well if is backed up by a big vision which aims to provide a strong basement to the set up.  OVHC is also backed up by a big vision by Shailu “To see ourselves Leading the Wellness Revolution” in Singapore, by innovatively coupling our ancient and rich Indian traditions, heritage and culture with modern day people-oriented practices and technology  and set foot on other shores in the region (SE ASIA) with confidence. I intend to diversify further and offer services in the areas of Ayurvedic Education, Ayurvedic/Healthy Diet/Food, and an in-patient facility either in Malaysia or Singapore.”

 

Shailu believes strongly in giving back to the society and also being a global citizen. Hence, organizes the Charity Drive twice annually where she collects toys, stationery, winter clothing etc. for the poor in India and sends collection to GOONJ, an NGO in India founded by Mr. Anshu Gupta (based in Delhi).For the go green campaign what she loves to promote is ‘recycle used cooking oil’, and Om Vedic Heritage center is one of the collection centers for alpha biofuels.

It’s just not only about having vision for her business set up ,Shailu’s next big project in the pipeline, is to launch a “Heritage Library” with books on topics ranging from theology (Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism etc.) and complementary and alternative medicine (ayurveda, homeopathy, reiki etc). She has an excellent collection of about 1000 books already, donated to her by a Singaporean Chinese couple who spent about 20 years learning Indian Philosophy and Vedic Literature and various other complementary sciences and philosophies.

Om Vedic Heritage Centre

 

Shailu is an extrovert by nature and loves making friends. She considers TV as an idiot box in the true sense and loves spending her time reading books. Ardent fan of Carnatic music and old Hindi Songs Shailu loves spending quality time with her family. Shailu’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is “If you have a DREAM (that’s been haunting you for years) and a strong desire to make it a REALITY, ACT on it, not fearing the possibility of the obstacles that might arise enroute!”……and of course, if you need a mentor, do feel free to approach other successful entrepreneurs and I am ready to help too.”

Womenlines wishes best of luck to Shailu for her future endeavours!

Visit http://www.omvedicheritage.com.sg to know more about Om Vedic Heritage Centre or email at om@omvedicheritage.com.sg.

 

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Aug 19 2011

Lady who is in love with colours-Shalini Kapoor

Published by Charu M under Entrepreneur of the month

 

Shalini Kapoor is the Founder and Director of Little Artists, an art studio in, Singapore, which celebrates Art through children – to imbue their lives with colour, form, texture and composition. When Shalini established Little Artists, it was the confluence of two major passions-Art and Teaching children. She has special ability to train children in Art. She coordinates the entire art program, monitors the development /progress of all children and trains the staff at the studio. It is an entrepreneurial journey of 14 years which expanded without any marketing and advertisements channels but just on word of mouth publicity. At some point Shalini found it very challenging to manage the studio herself and then she started hiring teachers. Today there are 25 teachers working under her  both on full time and on freelancing basis. These teachers are professionally qualified in the field of arts and are trained specially as per requirement of the studio.A down to earth personality, Shalini finds enjoyment in every activity she gets involved, even she considers cooking as an art which has to be delivered with creativity.Womenlines is proud to share about Shalini’s journey in the field of arts with its readers-

 

1)Tell us a bit about yourself

I am an art educator and an entrepreneur, heading art studios which provide specialized art education to children (age 2 1/2 to 17) and adults. We provide full range of curriculum, at every age and stage, which is tailored to their abilities and aptitude, grow their skills, eventually train them enough to be able to succeed in school and later lead them to Art Colleges globally.I am a graduate of Sophia Institute Mumbai, specializing in Design and Art. Before embarking upon teaching, I was a full time fashion and textile designer for various buying houses, with clients like Gap, Banana Republic, Billabong, Levis, Pier 1 etc. I then took a career break to pursue my passion in fine arts and later specialized in traditional Indian art. Art has always been my passion, since childhood.I loved my career as a designer as it brought its own daily dose of excitement. However, when I came to Singapore, instead of taking up a similar job here,  I felt the need to do something that comes naturally to me and is fulfilling. I love children and had a natural ability to teach and understand them. Once I started, there was no stopping. The studio grew not because I had planned it that way but because of the response and support from keen parents. Little Artists is the outcome of parents’ appreciation and a faith in my teaching philosophy.

2.When did you start your company? Where? And what motivated you to start it?

I arrived in Singapore in 1996, as an expat wife, accompanying my husband in his career move.I started the studio in 1997. I felt there was a need in Singapore, for a good quality art education for children. When I saw how children were taught in different art classes, I could see something was missing.Another thing that got me involved in teaching is my love for children. They get along with me very well and I love their company. It is one of those non observable bonds that exist between me and children.I have always derived happiness from seeing a child develop and feel confident.I believe in everyone getting chances, so I do not give up on people or children. I know that if I have class full of kids, I would want them ALL to be successful. I believe in finding unique solution to each and every student’s problem. With all the chances I was given as a kid, I should give all of my students as many chances as they need to achieve their potential. We have had many special needs kids who had no hope in academics but were interested to learn art. With many years of learning now they have become capable enough to aspire to pursue art as their career choice. This is absolutely satisfying and motivating for me

3.Any challenges that you had to face in the initial days?

I never looked at my work as a business, but as a mission.  I consciously resisted the pressure to grow the studio at a rapid speed, in spite of high demand  at all times. We always took only those many students whom we can give full time and attention. My greatest challenge was that the demand of the program was always superseding the studio capacity. Many times parents would get upset after waiting for too long. I didn’t want to take students and don’t do my best as I carry a moral and professional responsibility.I had to also make sure that the staff working with me is also as committed and maintains the same quality of teaching.It was hard to find such people. Overall I have been fortunate to have worked with wonderful people who aligned themselves well to the ethos of the studio. Another challenging period was during the SARS epidemic and economic down turns, but we stuck to our values, did not retrench any staff, but used that period to enhance their skills.

4.How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I belong to a very close knit family and am very close to my parents. Therefore I would like my children to have the same feeling for me.  I believe in clear allocation of time for my personal and professional life.I have two kids 10 and 4. I spend daily quality time with my children, play with them ,help them with their homework’s or be present in their school  and social activity as much as possible. On the days I am not working I take them out or plan a day where they have a different kind of learning with fun. I love to paint with my sons or go to the beach cycling. I like to talk to them and listen to their day to day happenings.I believe in having a balance in life. It is very important to set your priorities, be organized and be disciplined. Nobody can be 100 % perfect every day, but I try my best to fill up my day meaningfully.

5.What would you suggest to other aspiring women, who want to venture out on their own?

I would say be passionate about what you want to do and dedicate yourself to your work. Have a strong belief in what you do If you are good the rest will happen by itself.

6.Is there any person who has mentored /supported /inspired you

My husband Sanjeev has been my greatest source of support and inspiration He has always guided me to look at the big picture and not to let small problems deter me from my path. Being himself from Business Management School (IIMB), he has mentored me very closely in many aspects of my work. I do think that I would not have reached this far without him. He has been my true friend, mentor and guide and I dedicate my work to him.

My other source of inspiration comes from my mother who has always encouraged me to be independent and my dad, who is a homeopathic physician of national fame in India. He is a very hardworking and a positive man. He is 79 and still working. He loves his work and finds joy in curing cases which were declared incurable. He has taught me to find joy in what I do. According to him your work should be your greatest source of relaxation, and then you don’t need so many holidays!!

7.What do you have in the pipeline for your company?

I would want all children who are part of Little Artists to be successful and find their path in the field of visual art. I want the studio to be always a place of quality learning, for those who are seeking for real knowledge.Till we continue to meet the above two fundamentals, the studio can   grow and shape up organically to its potential.

A believer of quote “Painting is an extension of man’s means of communication, As such,it’s pure,difficult, and wonderful.”Shalini believes in giving back to society. She has done a lot of  work with SAMH (Singapore Association of mental health) as a visiting art therapist and has received rewards and recognition  for her services . She has  also contributed to  SCARF (Schizophrenia  Research foundation). Womenlines wishes best of luck to Shalini for her future!

Visit http://little-artists.com/index.php to know about Shalini’s venture.

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Jul 29 2011

Inspiration Personified-Shobha Tsering Bhalla

Published by Charu M under Entrepreneur of the month

If you have a dream and you are passionate about it, nobody can stop you in achieving that .
Shobha Bhalla’s success story justifies this quote.  It sets a live example in front of all women entrepreneurs who share the burning desire.
Shobha has attained iconic status as a CEO of ‘India Se’ in Singapore . In an exclusive interview to Womenlines, Shobha talks of her life and work.
Shobha Tsering Bhalla – CEO & Editor-in-Chief, is an entrepreneur in field of Print media. India Se , magazine produced by Non Resident Indians (NRIs) for NRIs about NRIs, is her brain child and has recently celebrated 4 years of excellence in Singapore. It is a leading lifestyle magazine for NRIs in Singapore.
India Se – a name which was coined by Shobha herself. She dreamt of it when she presented a white paper to highlight the need for such a publication, catering to the ever growing Indian population in Singapore. She says that “Five years back Indians had reached a critical mass and a critical achievement level but, alas, there was no global media platform to talk about our achievements, aspirations, our culture or multitudes of cultures.” It was that time she conceived the launch of a magazine which does just that.

Shoba’s passion to pursue her dream project led her to resign from her cushy job and give to Singapore – ‘India Se’ on May 27, 2007. A naturalized Singaporean, veteran journalist and a former banker Shobha was prepared with all required skills to start a magazine. She was the pioneering Managing Editor of Lycos Asia – in charge of Internet content for 9 countries in Asia. Prior to that she worked as Regional Research Editor in the equities research division of ING Barings and earlier, as a Research Editor at OCBC Investment Research. From 1989 to 1997, she was also a senior correspondent in Singapore ’s oldest national daily ‘The Straits Times’ and more recently Editor of the Impact and Property sections of Singapore ’s 2nd largest circulating newspaper TODAY.
Shobha was Born in Sikkim, India. After graduating she began her working life as a management trainee and correspondent banking officer at the State Bank of India, India ’s largest bank and moved to Singapore with her businessman husband 25 years ago. Shobha’s aggressiveness towards achieving excellence in whatever work she does and hunger for success differentiates her from others. She says “Hard work is only key to success”. At present her main challenges are to get quality output for her magazine and source the require finances to keep it running. Just like herself she demands the same passion from her staff.

“As NRIs we are among the most educated and highest earning ethnic minorities in our countries of domicile – making the term NRI a metaphor for success everywhere”. While sharing about the objective of ‘India Se’ as a magazine Shobha comments “While India Se is a magazine dedicated to issues that are important to NRIs and Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) it is not restricted only to these groups of recent Indian immigrants. As a cultural and lifestyle magazine, it also seeks to connect, inform and entertain all people of Indian origin even those a few generations removed, who identify themselves culturally, ethnically and emotionally as Indians. But in doing so, it does not exclude non-Indians who may want to find out what makes Indians – especially overseas Indians – such a powerful and vibrant economic and cultural force globally.”Focus of India Se “she shares “is on informing and entertaining an international audience of highly educated readers. ”
Recently Shobha was a speaker at a forum in programe ‘Breaking Barriers 2011′, organised by Women’s Indian Network (WIN), which is part of Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry(SICCI)  and Narpani Ladies committee, where she addressed a large crowd of women entrepreneurs.There she shared how proud is she to be a woman and does believes in woman power. She says ”If women can raise lovely families they can perform better in work force undoubtedly. ”Shobha considers Anita Roddick, owner of ‘Body Shop’ as her idol and is inspired from the way Anita has set up the whole concept of ‘Body Shop’ chain.
India Se’s vision is to become Asia’s and eventually the world’s most well-read and influential magazine among overseas Indians. Believer of quote “This above all: to thine own self be true,And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man. – William Shakespeare.” Shobha is really Inspiration personified to all those budding entrepreneurs who have burning desire in their heart to prove something in life.

Womenlines wishes her best of luck and success in life!

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Jun 20 2011

Property Guru-Angela Lee

Published by Charu M under Entrepreneur of the month

Womenlines proudly presents entrepreneur of the month Ms Angela Lee who dared to venture in field of Property, which is considered to be a male dominated field and has sustained for 22 years.Its pleasure to know about her experience and  factors which still makes her enthusiastic for property field.Angela Lee, the believer of self-regulated service provider (SP), founded Lianco International Property Pte Ltd (LIP) and lunching the 1st bilingual website: www.singmarts.com in Singapore soon.  Her vast Australia experience permitted her to nurture the growth of property professionals and improve the industry standard as a whole. She emphasizes the important of social entrepreneurship in the 21st century.
  1. Please share with our readers little bit about yourself ?   

 

I am the founder of Lianco International Property Pte Ltd (LIP).  It is a service provider (SP) to clients locally as well as serving markets in the global arena. My business is unique in the sense that my company brands itself as ‘the property professionals’ instead of a property agency in which the main concern is to close deal.

The significant difference of my company is that we evaluate, analyze and educate our customers after knowing their current financial condition to invest in properties.

As the social entrepreneur, I have all the property agents as my working partners and a handful professional property team consultants who are able to dispense professional advice on top of being able to carry out their assigned duties.My business model is based on doing excellent work and holding social responsibility at my heart and trying to the best of my abilities.

2. So when did you venture into property field and what conspired or motivated  you to take a plunge into this venture. ?

I think it is due to my experiences as an overseas student counselor in the overseas students servicing department to serve overseas students in Australia 20 years ago. overseas student My major in accountancy and minor in marketing and management backed me up for my venture choice. I have the right venture for expansion now as Singapore has positioned itself  to be the global hub and my overseas experience will definitely assist our nation. Next, I am a very lucky one who had my mother as the referral as a start. She secured three cases and in just only one week entered the property market, I managed to close them and make a net profit of S$15,000/- and we take it as our working capital and expanded it till today. For the first few years, we had a good start; right timing and overseas experience make us unique to expand our network.

3.Can you share with us, some of the challenges you faced during your initial days ?

All business starts from scratch! I think most important of any business challenges exists  in  part of incorporating the value and culture of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into any business model planning from the start is the immediate move of 21st century entrepreneurs. Especially Lianco as the service provider in the present Singapore environment without any resources available thus we need to have CSR incorporated as the self regulation with our knowledge of products and services to come up with a good plan to start the business, and subsequently financing it to sustain its growth.

In year 1996, the property market overheated and a lot of government policies implemented. One of them is to implement the standard of agents’ professionalism and code of conduct. As at that time, the government even faced the dilemma that there were no Chinese lecturers able to conduct the course. I even went for extra mile assisting to translate the English materials to Chinese materials and stand out to be the first and only Chinese lady lecturer for code of conduct training for Certificate Examination for Hosing agents (CEHA) course which is the first and only examination for the Chinese educated agents in the property industry for the association. Since the start of my business, I practice as the socialpreneur and emphasis the code of conduct and to be self-regulation of the industry which I have observed the professional agents did in Australia. After nine years of implementation, as at the 01.05.2005, the government authority and the property industry required only CEHA agents are permitted to close deals and it has great improvement of professionalism is the proudest achievement we have. Finally, only recently 01.01.2011, then Council for Estate Agents (CEA) being formed! I am looking forward the property agents integrity and standards could be maintained after being mandated so for other to emulate.

In the industry for 22  years, I have experienced the worst significant event     which has made me stronger now! For the period 2003 to 2004, my business was badly affected by the market force of ‘Cash Back’ in the property market. I, as the socialpreneur, even went through to bring up the issue and alert the public of the criminal impact on individuals.  The ‘Cash Back’ issue finally ceased with the new rule imposed by the government in 1st quarter of 2005. However, my strong belief of social responsiveness brings us to further height

4.So how do you balance your personal and professional life ?

I am the person who believe in 3Ps (Planning, Process & Professional approach). As long as you have good planning ahead, the balance of personal & professional life is automatic fall in place.

5.What would you suggest to other aspiring women who want to venture out on their own ?

As the women, we have to work double hard than men to prove of our ability.  No matter where you go, women are being classified to be under male’s domination! As  a woman, we have advantages than men in service industry.  As by nature, we are more caring & have more concern for people. Just do it and bear in mind that we are  also there for mankind.  As my slogan states: “ Be With U, For U, By U!”

6.Is there any person who has mentored/supported/inspired you?

I am inspired by my mother, the unique woman in Singapore, with her strong spirit within her! Also, she is a very sharp investor I have ever seen!  I think I have inherited  her  super vision of future investments and I use the skill to advice my clients in property investments.

7.What do you have in the pipeline for your company’s/business  future development?

I still want to be in property industry for another 13 years to complete my 35 years contribution to property industry. I have the intention to write a book about Singapore property industry. Perhaps, e-books via our up-coming launched website: www.singmarts.com to share with netizens will be the immediate move for our development

8.How you keep yourself motivated every time?

I can recall that I have a special case which I had to deal with “Ah Long” (Money lender) in year 1996 for my client who purchased the property by borrowing the money from them and expecting to have immediate sub-sales and pocket the capital gain. Unfortunately, the government implemented the policy to control property price with immediate effect, which  landed  him to be in trouble and the “Ah Long” interest really killed him and made me ask where is the professionalism of this trade? I almost wanted to give up this career. However, I believed that this is not what a socialpreneur should do and I picked up and went till the CEHA course imposed half a year later, I quickly assisted the industry as a lecturer for the property agents so to improve the industry to be better career for anyone who are interested to pick it up. influence other

9.What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, jogging & thinking

10.What message you will give to womenlines readers?

 

Dear women! Learn the art of being yourself at your best in the art of unfolding your personality into U to be.  Prepare to learn, re-learn & un-learn with the right attitude toward human kinds. When you try to achieve your goals even how much obstacles lay in front you still feel energetic all the time! One of the things we have to keep in mind is that when people start to challenge us and business starts coming in, Alphabets visions: ABCDEFGHI remains a priority. A=Attitude; B=Behaviour; C=Conduct; D=Disciplines; E=Excellent; F=Fullness; G=Gratitude; H=Habit and I=Ideas!

Visit http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/profile.php?id=100000590340559&sk=info to know more about Angela.

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Apr 20 2011

Entrepreneur of the month-Malini Srivastava

Published by Charu M under Entrepreneur of the month

Womenlines presents women of substance Ms Malini
Srivastava, entrepreneur who loves to fill colours in everything related to her
life

1.Please share with our readers little bit about you?

I am an artist of varied interest right from making creative handicrafts, to canvas paintings, wooden creations, Tanjore paintings, glass paintings, clay work, fabric painting, candle making, flower making and arrangements. I was a science graduate but had a natural flair in arts & crafts. One of the professors at Agra university who was very much impressed by my paintings offered me a seat in MA fine arts course directly from science stream. I was selected as a member by Sanskar Bharti at state level for arts and crafts. In addition to my MA in fine arts I did a lot of short term courses in textile designing, computer programming, Interior decoration, beauty culture, fashion designing, arts & crafts and also passed the Government of Maharashta’s intermediate grade drawing examination. Later I taught pro-bono at Shri Varshney College Aligarh degree college as a arts teacher as a part of social service for my community.In addiion to handicrafts I have the finest collection of various brass statues and collectibles including Nandi, cow with baby, God Ganesh, Lord Krishna, Radha Krishna in a Jhoola, Buddha faces, Fine Bell with figurines of various Hindu gods , Pots with engravings, Brass Shankhs with gods embossed.

2.So when did you venture into this business? What conspired or motivated you to take a plunge into this venture ?

After marriage when I moved to Mumbai I started on my entrepreneurial journey by creating handmade Ganesha statues from coconut shells which proved to a big hit in Mumbai with the local community who kept it in their houses for auspicious reasons .Later I started my own corporate gifting company in Mumbai by the name of Anushka Gifts and Accessories and in a short span of six months it proved to a big hit with the corporate world in Mumbai. I provided a variety of gift items from key chains, T-shirts, Ties, Pens- Stands, Watches, clocks, brass figures, and leather organizers to various local and multinational companies like Pepsi, Johnson & Johnson. Pillsbury, Godrej, Kodak etc for their corporate gifting needs. Having relocated to Singapore in 2008 I have now set up my base in Singapore to cater to the Singapore market I started small from my house, then set up a registered company AnishAnuska Gifts & Accessories and have started by taking part in exhibitions at community centres, fashion events etc where I primarily display my range of artistic creations and brass works

3.Can you share with us, some of the challenges you faced during your initial days?

Some of the challenges which I faced in my early days were to give a commitment based on somebody else’s commitment and in India I found that there were a lot
of times when I faced panic situations as people did not honour their commitments especially if you were a small company. I had to pay advance upfront and when I sold to companies they would have 60 or 90 day payment terms and lot of time even after that I had to run to get my money. The lesson I learnt is always keep a sufficient margin before you commit anything because in India there can be a variety of reasons why your delivery could not be made on time or your consignment got stuck, Also you need to have deep pockets for your working capital otherwise you just cannot operate.

4.So how do you balance your personal and professional life?

Since I mostly operate from my house I am able to balance both my personal life and professional life. Most of my intricate work like Tanjore paintings or glass
creations is done at night after my little one is put to sleep. I try to keep my weekends free for my family and do most of my work on weekdays when children are in school and husband in office.

5.What would you suggest to other aspiring women who want to venture out on their own?

My advice to other women who want to start something is first and foremost it should be your passion and hobby and not another job, secondly start small keep it simple and only take on what you can with your resources. Never overstep beyond your capacity both financial and physical. Lastly enjoy what you do.

7.What do you have in the pipeline for your company’s/business future development?

In future I see my company AnishAnuska Gifts & Accessories and items website www.anishanushka.com become the first choice of Singapore Indian community for all their art, crafts, gifting, brass statues & artefacts. Finally I would love to see my items treasured in every Indian home in Singapore.

8.How do you feel being part of Udaan?

I feel proud to be a part of UDAAN team as I feel that it is a tremendous learning opportunity to meet each other, learn from one another, get new ideas and thought process and develop contacts from networking. UDAAN gives me a platform to showcase my skills and be among like minded people which acts to
motivate me whenever I feel slightly down.

Visit www.anishanushka.com

to have a look at Malini’s work.

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