Growing up in Kichha, a small town nestled in Uttarakhand, I never imagined I would be leading a groundbreaking venture in the world of social commerce. My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight path; it was more like a winding road with unexpected detours and exhilarating surprises along the way.
The birth of Woovly, our social commerce platform, was a turning point in my life. Alongside my co-founder, J Venkat, we embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people discover and shop for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products in India. It was daunting, to say the least, but we were fueled by passion and a shared vision for change.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I faced my fair share of skeptics and naysayers. There were moments when I questioned whether I had what it takes to succeed, but deep down, I knew I had to push forward. Failure wasn’t an option; it was merely a stepping stone on the path to success.
One of the biggest hurdles I encountered was the lack of resources and support systems for aspiring female entrepreneurs, especially those from smaller towns and cities. It was disheartening to see so much untapped potential going to waste simply because women lacked the opportunities and encouragement they needed to thrive.But adversity has a funny way of bringing out the best in people, and I was determined to turn obstacles into opportunities. With each setback, I grew more resilient and resourceful, learning valuable lessons along the way. And while the road may have been rocky at times, the destination was always worth the journey.Today, as the founder of Woovly, I’m committed to paying it forward. I believe in the power of mentorship and support in helping aspiring female entrepreneurs reach their full potential. Through our platform, we’re not just selling products; we’re empowering women to chase their dreams and defy expectations.To all the women entrepreneurs out there, especially those from smaller towns and cities, I want you to know that you are capable of achieving greatness. Embrace your uniqueness, lean into your strengths, and never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Success is not a destination; it’s a journey, and the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s remember that true empowerment comes from lifting each other up and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and build a future where women are not just surviving but thriving in entrepreneurship.
Neha Suyal is Co-Founder at Woovly.
