At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Pragya Mittal for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Pragya is an Entrepreneur and Founder & CFO of EVIFY. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Pragya:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I am a Chartered Accountant by qualification, but I’d say I truly learned entrepreneurship from my husband. After a 10-year sabbatical, which I took to raise my two kids, I felt it was time to start something for myself rather than join my husband in his company.
The lockdown turned out to be the black swan event that tested all businesses to their core, revealing who could stay afloat. That’s when we realized that deliveries were the only swimmers.
It was during this challenging time that the eureka moment struck: combining the resilience of logistics with the sustainability of electric vehicles. EVIFY was born not just as a business but as a mission—a way to contribute to the planet.
The hard lessons we’d learned about nature’s way of reacting only reinforced our commitment to making a difference. And so, this journey began, fueled by purpose and a desire to leave a greener world for future generations.
How did you discover your passion?
Passion doesn’t always knock on your door; sometimes, it sneaks in quietly. For me, it was during the lockdown when my second daughter was born. Holding her tiny hands, I made a promise to myself: I want to build something meaningful for her future, a world she can thrive in. That’s when the idea of sustainability truly clicked.
They say passion is like brewing tea—it takes time to steep. My journey combined a love for the planet, an eye for innovation, and the determination to turn ideas into action. EVIFY wasn’t born from a single moment but from countless reflections, and I’m glad I took the plunge.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My biggest source of motivation is my husband, who is also my mentor. His zeal to build a sustainable empire for future generations has been nothing short of inspiring. I’ve learned so much from his vision, his resilience, and his ability to see the bigger picture even in challenging times.
He’s not just a partner in life but also a partner in purpose, and his unwavering commitment to our shared goals pushes me to give my best every single day. Together, we’re building something that’s not just for us but for a better world.
What are some of the strategies that have helped you grow as a person?
First off, I’ve learned the art of staying calm amidst the chaos—a skill every parent and entrepreneur master’s eventually. I’ve also embraced the idea of lifelong learning; every challenge is an opportunity to grow. As Warren Buffett famously said, “The more you learn, the more you earn.” Staying curious and open-minded has been pivotal for my growth.
And then there’s humour. Laughter truly is the best medicine, whether it’s for parenting mishaps or business hiccups. If something doesn’t go as planned, I remind myself, “Well, at least it’ll make a great story one day!”
Lastly, setting small, actionable goals has been a game-changer. It’s like eating a big slice of cake—one bite at a time makes it manageable (and enjoyable). As the legendary Tony Robbins said, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success is a mix of purpose, perseverance, and people. You need a clear “why” to keep you grounded, the grit to navigate obstacles, and the right support system to cheer you on.
Also, never underestimate the power of failure. I like to think of it as nature’s way of saying, “Let’s try that again, but better this time.” Each setback is a stepping stone—just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes!
What advice would you give to our readers?
Believe in yourself. No dream is too big if you have the courage to chase it. Start small but think big—great things often have humble beginnings. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to laugh along the way. Life’s too short to be taken too seriously.
Lastly, think about the planet. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility. Let’s build a future we can all be proud of, one step (or one EV delivery) at a time. Remember, the road to success is always under construction—make sure yours is green!