You're never too old to start something new: Ramandeep Kaur of Ravaiti

Ramandeep Kaur conceived Ravaiti out of love for handloom in India, with designs on cultural elements. The powerhouse entrepreneur who is a nominee at the 2019 edition of SheThePeople.TV Digital Women Awards speaks with us about her entrepreneurial journey, how digital media has transformed entrepreneurship for women, and what measures does she take to deal with self-doubt.

How did your big idea strike you?

I have always been passionate about sustainable fashion and hence started Ravaiti. I studied the Indian market for a while and realized that there is still a gap when it comes to buying different fabric dresses from all the states in our country. Ravaiti aims to bring different cultures under one roof through fabrics and hard work of Indian weavers.

How has tech and digital been an enabler in your entrepreneurship journey?

Ravaiti is a start-up of the digital era. Being an online store, technology has always been and will be our key priority. The cost efficiency and anytime-anywhere accessibility are some of the fundamental value add-ons that digital media brings along. Technology has definitely made it easier to reach consumers anytime anywhere.

I studied the Indian market for a while and realized that there is still a gap when it comes to buying different fabric dresses from all the states in our country.

At any point in your journey were you stuck with self doubt? How did you deal with it?

Being a bootstrap start-up and running the business alone from the scratch, I had some inhibitions if the brand will be understood by the customers. But things are working out fine for me as I did my research about the handloom industry and taking step by step. Customers have accepted the brand, they like the designs and fabric. Everything is working out fine so far.

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What have been your greatest challenges and struggles in your entrepreneurship journey?

Well, being a newbie in the sustainable fashion industry, starting from scratch was the biggest challenge. In a year of research and development, I also tried making contacts with Indian weavers which was definitely a challenge as to find them, talk to them, building trust and sampling.

I run my business with efficiency and do more of the things I love. Identifying what’s truly important helps me prioritize and take a much more energetic approach to dedicating time to those areas.

As a woman entrepreneur would you say you have faced discrimination in your journey? Could you share with us.

It is always challenging when you try to work towards your dreams but it is always doable if you have supportive family and friends. The same goes for me. I received immense support from all my loved ones. Also, a way to make more time is to make the work you're doing run more proficiently. I run my business with efficiency and do more of the things I love. Identifying what’s truly important helps me prioritize and take a much more energetic approach to dedicating time to those areas.

What do you think women entrepreneurs need more of, from venture capitalists, government policymakers, start up support programmes and others? And Why?

I believe the trust of budding fashion entrepreneurs, more scholar programs and more trade fairs will really be helpful.

What would you say have been your greatest learnings on the entrepreneurship journey?

A lot of patience, hard work and being humble throughout the journey is what I have learned over time.

What advice would you share with other women looking to become entrepreneurs?

I believe you are never too old to start something new. Being a PR professional for 10 years I chose to start something new I have always loved and that’s how band Ravaiti was born.

Trust your instincts, work hard and care genuinely what you believe in. There is nothing you cannot achieve. Unleash your superpowers.

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