Super Women Entrepreneurs of Mysuru – Women’s Day Special

Progressive thinking women from across the world have defied stereotypes, overcome all negative notions, and proved themselves beyond doubt in all spheres of life, including the most intricate and cumbersome world of entrepreneurship.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2017, we draw inspiration from the efforts of Mysuru’s very own women entrepreneurs—women of substance who have made a mark in the tough and competitive world and have made Mysuru proud.

A Candid Conversation with Some of Mysuru’s Super Women Entrepreneurs

Dr. Shalini Urs | Founder and Chairperson | MYRA School of Business

1. Why did you choose your respective field?I chose the education sector for primarily two reasons:
   • My belief in the power of education: For me, education is both a means to an end and an end in itself. It is an instrument of positive change for personal and societal goals. A truly educated person is empowered to find his/her path to development. Coming from an educated family, I was educated in the broadest sense of the term and the philosophy of development—“teach fishing rather than feed fish.”
   • My own expertise, experience, and exposure in the field of education, including institution building and management. Having been in academia for four decades with global exposure and international linkages, I was equipped with the competency required to venture into educational entrepreneurship.
2. As an entrepreneur, what was the hardest thing you had to face and how did you overcome it?The hardest challenge I faced was ‘trust’. With the omnipresent ‘market of lemons’ problem—proposed and popularized by Nobel Prize-winning economist George Akerlof—people inevitably end up mistrusting your intent and passion. It’s hard to believe that sincere educationists would invest their hard-earned money in an educational institution to make a difference.I overcame these challenges through unwavering focus on excellence and leading by example. I am a hands-on leader; I do, deliver, and demand. My dedication, commitment, and transparency helped convince others that we are in this not for short-term gains or profits but for long-term vision delivery. My exemplary record of public service also played a crucial role.
3. The most memorable moment of your entrepreneurship journey so far?There are many memorable moments, but one that stands out is the inauguration of the campus in November 2012 by Shri Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC. Mr. Parekh honored his commitment to me by chartering a plane to be in Mysore, despite practical hurdles due to the Cauvery agitation and the closure of the Bangalore-Mysore road. This act of generosity significantly increased my respect for this corporate icon. As Paulo Coelho says, “When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.”
4. How has Mysuru influenced your growth?Mysuru has had a tremendous impact on shaping my thoughts and actions. I am a quintessential Mysorean. As I jokingly say, “I don’t belong to Mysuru; Mysuru belongs to me.” I believe each city should be positioned with its own unique selling proposition. We need to create a brand called Mysuru. I envision Mysuru as the knowledge and educational hub—the Boston of India. MYRA is a small step in that direction.Just as Boston in the US is not a metro but a mecca of education with institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Boston University, we should develop Mysuru as a destination for excellence in education. Although Mysuru presents challenges such as connectivity and threshold issues for entrepreneurs, it also offers many advantages. Its heritage value as a former royal capital and its designation as the ‘City of Palaces’ are significant assets. Mysuru’s high number of Geographical Indicators (GI) tags, along with Karnataka’s highest number for any state, contribute to building the Mysuru brand.

   Mysuru offers the best of both worlds: the charm of a small town and the glamour of a metro, with Bangalore only 130 km away. It is somewhat of a suburb of Bangalore, being on the Bangalore-Ooty and Bangalore-Coorg highways. We can leverage this.

5. Your advice to aspiring/budding women entrepreneurs?To me, man or woman is just a gender. As Eleanor Roosevelt, the diplomat and former First Lady of the US said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. My key advice includes:
   • Be strong and gutsy, and develop a daredevil attitude. Ensure your life experiences, both good and bad, strengthen your risk appetite.
   • Develop a ‘never say die’ attitude. Giving up is easy; persistence and perseverance are the hardest. Follow the latter.
   • My formula for success: 5% inspiration + 90% sweat + 5% luck.
   • Continuous learning of knowledge, skill sets, and the right attitude are essential. Equip yourself continuously.
   • Your attitude determines your altitude in your entrepreneurial journey.

Chayaa Nanjappa | Managing Director | Nectar Fresh

1. Why did you choose your respective field?As a survival option and with the intention to create rural employment, empower the tribals, and support small farmers.
2. As an entrepreneur, what was the hardest thing you had to face and how did you overcome it?Red tape and corruption in the system were the hardest parts of entrepreneurship. Training an undereducated team to manufacture world-class products was also challenging.
3. The most memorable moment of your entrepreneurship journey so far?Replacing the 20-year monopoly of international brands with Nectar Fresh products in the high-end market, becoming the most preferred brand for the quality-conscious Ayurveda and Pharma sectors, packing for retail giants like Wal-Mart, being chosen as a speaker for the Indian Science Congress, and winning the CNBC Award are a few memorable moments.
4. How has Mysuru influenced your growth?Rajappa and I are so proud to be Mysoreans. Our sourcing of a variety of local fresh fruits for jams is a significant strength. The pollution-free environment and the ever-willing-to-learn attitude of our workforce from Mysuru gave us the confidence to diversify into various products.
5. Your advice to aspiring/budding women entrepreneurs?Nothing worth it comes easy. Believe in yourself and give your 100% to any field you opt for. Have a ‘nothing is impossible’ attitude. Determination, hard work, and passion are essential for success.

Vaishali Hanumanth | Managing Director | DRC Cinemas

1. Why did you choose your respective field?I have been interested in the film industry since childhood. My grandfather started Shantala Theatre in Mysore, and I remember going to the theatre every weekend and watching films. Growing up, I stayed up-to-date with the latest films. I believe my passion for watching films ultimately led me to this line of work.
2. As an entrepreneur, what was the hardest thing you had to face and how did you overcome it?As in any industry, there is a lot of hardship. As an inexperienced entrepreneur, I made mistakes and learned from them. One instance was when we experienced a sudden electrical surge that damaged our servers and online UPSs, causing us to cancel shows and refund money. I felt helpless as the situation was beyond my control. The support and understanding of the audience acted as a moral booster and helped me overcome the situation. Their patience and cooperation were crucial.
3. The most memorable moment of your entrepreneurship journey so far?One of the most memorable moments was opening on October 1st, 2012. The hard work had paid off, and the multiplex was ready and open to the public. I was overwhelmed by the satisfaction of seeing the multiplex take shape over the months. Another memorable moment was when Dr. Kamal Hassan personally called to thank me for screening his film Vishwaroopam, which faced a ban in Tamil Nadu.
4. How has Mysuru influenced your growth?Mysuru has greatly influenced my growth. The people of Mysuru have always supported me, and their patronage has been a source of encouragement. This support has allowed me to bring top-class technology in sound and projection to Mysuru. The success of DRC is due to Mysureans, and their welcoming attitude has always been encouraging.
5. Your advice to aspiring/budding women entrepreneurs?Today, the world is an open field with ample opportunities for everyone to start their own business. Whatever business you choose, always infuse it with your passion. I often tell people that the day I find my work boring and tiring is the day I will consider giving up. Be patient and hopeful, even when situations are challenging.

Savitha Shenoy Ranga | Founder | The Hobby Place

1. Why did you choose this field?I am not an artist, but I have always appreciated art. I believe art and sports contribute significantly to society by making us more empathetic, calmer, and tolerant. It was always my dream to be an entrepreneur and to have a place in Mysore where people of all ages and backgrounds could explore their creative sides. The Hobby Place was born out of this dream. I am also committed to making The Hobby Place as eco-friendly and socially responsible as possible.
2. As an entrepreneur, what was the hardest thing you had to face and how did you overcome it?Balancing the roles of a mom and an entrepreneur for the first time was demanding and overwhelming, yet equally rewarding. This life-altering stage taught me to prioritize, focus, plan, and organize better. Having a great support system at home and work was crucial. My husband and my team have always backed me up, which made a significant difference.Being an entrepreneur requires ongoing effort and resilience, but you must ensure that your family and team are part of the journey. Their support, love, and understanding are invaluable.
3. The most memorable moment of your entrepreneurship journey so far?Opening The Hobby Place was an incredible experience. Meeting people who share a passion for arts and crafts has been truly rewarding. My goal is to make The Hobby Place an indispensable part of Mysuru, fostering creativity and offering support to everyone.
4. How has Mysuru influenced your growth?Mysuru’s support and enthusiasm have been a major factor in my success. The city is home to a large number of art and craft enthusiasts, which has been a significant advantage. The city’s serene and supportive environment allowed me to achieve my dream and make The Hobby Place a success.
5. Your advice to aspiring/budding women entrepreneurs?The key to success is passion, perseverance, and the courage to take risks. Don’t wait for the “right” moment; take the plunge and let your passion drive you. There will always be challenges, but with dedication and resilience, you can overcome them. Your journey will be worth it.

Radha | Founder | Eventia

1. 1. Why you chose your respective field?

Constant use of creativity was the most important thing that drew me towards this field. I pursued my Master’s in Microbiology and secured a decent and secure government job at KMF, Mysore. However, I worked there for just one day and realized that I wasn’t programmed to work anywhere; monotony is not my thing, and I should start something on my own.

Soon after, when I organized a family event, everything turned out perfectly, and praises poured in. That was the moment I knew I’d probably keep doing this for the rest of my life. That’s how Eventia was born. Let’s be honest: not all events are easy. Sometimes, it feels like a roller coaster ride. But still, the feeling of bringing a long-planned event to life is simply hard to beat.

Being a woman from an orthodox family, starting something like event planning was quite an adventure. Yes, it’s a demanding job involving a lot of travel, work at odd hours, and meeting numerous people, often of the opposite gender. Adding to that are well-wishers and their criticisms. The unconventional saying ‘Try and try until you overcome the barriers and succeed’ fits well within the walls of a woman entrepreneur. Success is always sweet, especially because of the challenges faced along the way. A woman entrepreneur rarely has an easy route; it’s often the tough road that leads to success.

1. 1. The most memorable moment of the entrepreneurship journey so far?

Memorable moments aren’t always about rainbows and sunshine. In startups, they can stem from various causes. Some have a positive vibe, while others can be more challenging. Nonetheless, they are all great experiences to learn from. Reaching a milestone or making the best out of an unexpected situation is definitely worth remembering.

Getting the first client was a thrilling experience every entrepreneur can relate to. Succeeding in creating something without any previous experience is like the moment when your child is born. The feeling of showcasing your ideas and having others willing to pay for them is one of the greatest satisfactions as an entrepreneur.

1. 1. How has Mysuru influenced your growth?

Event planning is very detail-oriented and relies on to-do lists. Being in Mysore has made my job easier and more comfortable. I didn’t find it difficult to reach out to people here; in just three years, half of the city knows what Eventia is all about.

As a heritage city, Mysore is booming with destination weddings, and we handle many such events for people from all over the world. The availability of human resources, which is the backbone of any field, is easily accessible in Mysore. The city’s comfort in moving around allows us to take on multiple events in a single day. Most importantly, I found a great work-life balance here.

1. 1. Your advice to aspiring/budding women entrepreneurs?

Hey all, pretty women, don’t hesitate to test the waters of your business idea. You’ll quickly find out if it’s your cup of tea or not.

If it isn’t your cup of tea, consider something else, because you won’t be happy doing this. If it is your kind of thing, be prepared for a long, ongoing journey.

For a long time, I thought I had to do something never done before to be successful. While that’s somewhat true, sometimes innovation can be quite simple. Ideas can be basic and not necessarily involve cutting-edge technology. Success can come from simple ideas with a twist.

Don’t be a pancake. I used to describe myself as a pancake: my broad set of ideas kept me low and flat. I consistently found myself being mediocre. About three years ago, I decided to focus on one thing and put the majority of my time and effort into doing something interesting and becoming the best at it. That’s when I started Eventia, and it has granted me the success that I wouldn’t have achieved otherwise.

Swathi Bhagavat | Managing Director | SPR Thindies

1. 1. Why you chose your respective field?

Providence and destiny led me to SPR. Although I always wanted to start something of my own, I never considered opening a restaurant. A few years ago, after having friends over for breakfast, where we served South Indian dishes, they couldn’t stop raving about it. “The chutney is awesome,” “The dosa is so yummy!” That’s when it occurred to me that our delicious homemade cuisines could be the foundation for a restaurant. Finally, I had found my calling, and serving it to the community feels like a dream come true!

1. 1. As an entrepreneur, what was the hardest thing you had to face and how did you overcome it?

When we started building SPR, we had no experience in the restaurant industry, so most steps were challenging. The hardest part was finding the right cooks who could execute our recipes perfectly. We tried numerous candidates, but nothing clicked. Just days before opening, we still didn’t have anyone. It was the most nerve-wracking experience of my life! But, as destiny would have it, the right cooks eventually arrived, and they were perfect for us.

1. 1. The most memorable moment of the entrepreneurship journey so far?

The most memorable moment for me is actually a historical one. When the Maharaja of Mysore visited, I held my breath and was ecstatic when he wrote, “SPR serves the best dosas in Mysore.”

1. 1. How has Mysuru influenced your growth?

I was born and raised in Mysore. The city means the world to me! It has obvious charm and great untapped potential. As a booming tourist hotspot with top-class infrastructure, and people who love trying new things, I realized early on that if I were ever to start a business, it would be here. We designed our restaurant concept to match what we felt would work best for the people of Mysore.

1. 1. Your advice to aspiring/budding entrepreneurs?

My advice to budding women entrepreneurs is to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams wholeheartedly. I truly believe that the sky is the limit for us. There aren’t enough women entrepreneurs, and it’s up to us to change that. We possess leadership and managerial qualities that men cannot emulate. Trust yourself and go forth!