“My first breakup during my college 1st year hit me like a big wave, washing away the simple dreams of marriage. In the midst of heartbreak, I realized that life was a canvas waiting for me to paint it with my aspirations and ambitions.

I owe a lot of my entrepreneurship learnings to MOP Vaishnav College, from where I started dreaming of becoming an entrepreneur. I charted a course that led me to IMT Nagpur. Marketing became my power, and within the walls of that institution, I learned that life’s most profound lessons often lay outside the textbooks. Even though I secured a placement through campus interviews, I came back to Chennai.

Returning home, I joined Ramco Systems and immersed myself in their global marketing team. My boss, an embodiment of inspiration, encouraged me to think beyond boundaries. In a twist of fate, this company not only shaped my career but also introduced me to the love of my life, my now-husband.

Following a year of personal and professional growth, I ventured into Zoho. Together, my husband and I embarked on a new chapter of our lives in Bangalore in 2015. My passion for my career was beyond words until the sudden arrival of the pandemic.

As I spent more time at home with my family, I noticed my grandfather (Thatha) doing a lot more for society. My grandmom, using up her nighty’s extras to make masks for the entire street, gave me an idea for my new venture – Upcyclie.

So, I decided to collect all the unwanted fabric waste and convert them into beautiful & stylish sustainable bags. Sustainable fashion indeed.

I was looking out for skilled tailors, and that’s when my Thatha gave me an idea. He asked me to empower, and teach the local women stitching as they already have the leverage of having a free tailor machine, obtained from a government scheme. This urged me to create opportunities and create impact locally. Our shared passion united women with a common purpose, making my vision their mission.

With the support of my husband and my (extended) family, we turned this venture into a resounding success.

My mother-in-law blessed us to have a child all these years of marriage. Until this year, she said, “Wishing you to have a million-dollar business soon”. I realised, life has changed to what I wish for.

Remembering our initial purpose keeps us on the path to success. Just keep working on your plan until you realise that the world has changed for you, and that is a signal to keep going.”
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