At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring some of the meaningful and powerful stories from around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. This week, we invited yet another passionate women entrepreneur and women leader – Puja Sharma, to know more about her inspiring journey and the way forward. She is a Diet Enthusiast, Business Analyst, Nutrition Consultant and Founder of Faymylk. Let’s learn more about her inspiring journey, way forward and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with her:
Tell us a little bit about yourself (background) and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
Hi, I am Puja Sharma, a plant-based diet enthusiast and a free-spirited soul who loves nature and health and is on a journey to help people get fit with @faymylk. Being an analyst for 7 years and living for 11 years in different countries did extensive market research on non-dairy products, its benefits and its accessibility, developed a non-dairy brand for the Indian market and also started the “Farmers Project” to help bring economic freedom in the state of Kashmir
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
Having worked as an analyst for over 7 years. I took a sabbatical and moved back to India because one of my family members was diagnosed with blood cancer.
This made my analytic mind research more about food and health and my passion drove me to the leap of faith and become an entrepreneur.”
How do you find the industry/niche that you’re in?
Non – Dairy industry is fairly new in India and we can be the few first movers to initiate the movement of plant milk in the food category.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
My motto is to be in the present, be driven, learn and take challenges and mould them into efficient solutions in my company I founded. Sustainability is the core ethos of our company and giving good quality products to our consumers is what keeps me going every day and is my source of motivation.
There’s so much to do, so much to offer and so much to hustle every day to keep going.
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
As a business, there were initial challenges as to how to distribute the product pan India and make it a high volume business.
To identify a manufacturing plant with just a concept was the biggest challenge and to get the right formulation for the product with the shelf life was another.
We overcame these with our zest to prove them that even young entrepreneurs like us can develop a brand from home to a manufacturing plant and nothing can stop us. Another challenge was the funds to infuse to market prior to sales which we could with our teamwork and strategies.
What comes first for you – money or emotions?
I am an emotional businesswoman. It first has to convince my heart and then my brain functions it with logic. Business cannot be completely emotional nor completely money-centric. If you’re doing the best with all your passion and conviction the money comes anyway.
How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
Handling pressure is like making diamonds in a coal mine for me. The more pressure I have the more purpose-driven I become. I have been luckily mentored by many dignified business owners and family members and am also now a mentor with Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs UK who help me cope with stress. yoga and meditation that helps me reboot, clear my headspace and helps me bounce back to what is to be done.
What is one strategy that you believe has helped you grow as a person/startup?
In my journey so far what has helped me immensely is the 80:20 rule which is to identify inputs that are potentially the most productive and make them the priority.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Overcoming failures and having a growth mindset and willpower are the keys to success. Also, a strategic morning routine can define your success every day.
What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring women entrepreneur?
My favourite quote –
“A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for”
We are no less than our ship. If your a purpose-driven and believe in your business the tides will come but don’t give up because your final destination is much near than you think of. Be optimistic and strong and you can achieve what you desire for.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
