The pandemic sure does not pose a very rosy picture. And if you are an entrepreneur, the burden is all the more! Anupama Jain, Head of Content & Collaborations at IWI, caught up with two splendid women last weekend, both heading their own SoHo. What makes them tick and how has the pandemic treated them? You can catch up on the conversation here

Nisha Chauhan, a green warrior, avid Hindi blogger, Home Chef, and mom started her journey as an entrepreneur when she joined hands with her husband to set up a a solar power company. She then began working with weavers from MP to start her own handloom brand. She now works with weavers across the country. During the pandemic, consignments were stuck at different stages of distribution and the weavers were left in doldrums. They began to make kaftaans at home during the lockdown. She also participated and won a nationwide contest where she prepared traditional recipes using traditional utensils. “To me success is to grow with those around us” she says, She feels her humbleness is her strength. When things are not going her way, it gives her strength to carry on, as like minded people join her in her journey at the right time.

Samaira never wanted to be a make up artist. She started her career into make up and styling with the encouragement of her husband. “Grooming is a big support to your mental health and positive energy. Another aspect very important for professional life is basic hygiene (decently combed hair, well ironed clothes for example) . She says Ethics and patience are key to success and to trust on your own journey, not comparing oneself to those around. The wedding industry, her largest base of clients, came to a stand still with Corona. With her never say die attitude, Samaira took to organising make up training online. She has worked with many celebrities and models, including Sania Mirza, and Prabhu Deva’s dance troop. “Nothing comes in a platter and needs our hardwork to sustain” she says. She began “Make up for a cause” during the pandemic, announcing classes at a minimal price. 33% of the income went towards supporting COVID patients.

We wish you both good luck and great success!

Compiled by

Nithya

Team IWI