“From 15 years of being a ‘Wantapreneur’ to 15 years of being an Entrepreneur – This is my story.

As it is for most girls from a typical Indian family, society determined the course of my journey.

Right from what subject to choose after 10th, to where and how long I worked, every decision had one objective – to better my chances of finding an ‘eligible bachelor’.

From a young age, I had been nurturing the dreams of becoming a business owner. Coming from a business family, it just felt like a natural thing to do as a life goal. But my desires, aspirations and career goals were of little, rather, no consideration. Having a professional degree from NIFT, getting a job in the export house of renowned designer Ritu Kumar had no significance other than the fact that they looked good on my marital resume.

Everyone around made me believe that getting married is the ‘only’ big goal – the logical next step for me. Indeed, marriage a big milestone in a girl’s life. But intense social conditioning leaves little room to think and ask as to what you’re supposed to do once this milestone is complete. Because then it is a natural flow and taking upon of various other roles and responsibilities.

I too went along with this flow until suddenly at 30 it dawned on me that my life is just passing by and I was wondering what happened to my entrepreneurial dream?

I realized that it was now or never. That it was time to stop being a puppet and take control of my life. In 2009 I sat my family down and told them it was time for me to start my business. 

It wasn’t easy but then there was no stopping either. Entrepreneurship became my tool to do what I wanted to do in life. It helped me become the decision maker. Overtime I moved into various businesses – from ecommerce to consulting to podcast production – each having a purpose and mission of its own.

Transitioning into a new business meant facing fears of failure, constant imposter syndrome and second guessing of every action. But with self-drive, help from coaching, upskilling, and support of women communities, I could overcome these obstacles.

As I look back, I find that the hardest part of my journey was to get started. I was able to do it only because I never gave up on my dream. And as I pursued my desires – the naysayers became my biggest cheerleaders!

That’s what every woman is capable of – dreaming, daring and doing incredible things!”

Roshni Baronia is #4 of our #100careertransitionstories