Meet Ashima Sethi

LAJA: Tell us about your journey thus far.

AS: My Journey is from being a pampered girl to a mother and a woman learning to embrace the various imperfections in me with pride and grace.

Being married at 23 to becoming a Single Parent to a 2-year-old at 32, life has been a roller coaster ride.

I am Computers Graduate with a B.Ed. Degree that makes me eligible for a teaching profession. Additionally, I have done various certifications in Counselling, Training and allied courses.

LAJA: What are the challenges you faced in your entrepreneurial journey?

AS: Society is not able to welcome a woman entrepreneur, they have their doubts that are hard to shake off.

From finding a house to driving to travelling alone to attending workshops, I was constantly asked why I was alone.

Hence, dispelling these doubts from people’s minds was the biggest challenge in my entrepreneurial journey.

LAJA: What are the most satisfying moments in your career?

AS: At the age of 38, I transformed myself from someone who had never ever stepped out of the house into someone who could speak to anyone and also taking Skills training for groups and being acknowledged and appreciated for the same, that was a defining change for me and most satisfying for me personally and professionally.

After that being able to counsel members so that they could lead a happier and more fulfilling life gives me moments of satisfaction almost every day.

LAJA: What are some of your failures and mistakes and your learnings from them?

AS: Failures – None. Each time I was not able to accomplish what I set out for, it was an opportunity for me to learn something new, and make me stronger and more courageous.

Learnings: I have learnt to pat my back on my own and not wait for any kind of validation from others.

Nevertheless, my biggest mistake has been to not be able to complete my formal education. I abandoned my master’s degree, not once but twice due to shortage of time. Also, I believe not being able to travel enough was a drawback for me.

LAJA: How would you define success?

AS: Success, according to me is liking yourself, liking what you do and how you do it.

LAJA: What advice would you like to give your fellow woman entrepreneurs?

AS: Believe in yourself – it is you alone who can sort it all out. Secondly, better a witty fool than a foolish wit – gather knowledge in everything and anything that you do. It is never too late to start a new hobby, learn a new skill. Last but not the least Live your dreams .. sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you.

LAJA: Do you feel formal education play a role in being successful?

AS: No. Life skill does. Formal education can get you to the boardroom door, but what happens inside is purely your passion, wit and experience.

LAJA: How do you generate new ideas to keep your family happy and grow your business?

AS: Be as creative as you can, explore things – read, be on the social sites, see what’s the pulse of people, add in your spice and you are ready to roll!