How Hassle-Free Solution Made Preneet Malhotra Start Design Platform

Preneet Malhotra's entrepreneurial journey began with her finding solutions to a number of hassles. To say her entry into the high-intensity design world was both organic and consciously planned would be fair considering she knew the tricks of the trade and applied them well before becoming an entrepreneur.

Founder and CEO of Designiche, a design-led and tech-enabled, she works towards revolutionising the interior décor industry fighting one hassle at a time. In an interview with SheThePeople, Preneet Malhotra discusses the workings of her company, her entrepreneurial journey, the important role of STEM today, how she converts challenges into opportunities, and more.

Preneet Malhotra Interview

How did Designiche happen? 

Designiche is a result of my personal experience with home renovation projects. I faced challenges in finding reliable and comprehensive resources in a fragmented market and had to rely on the input of family and friends. Additionally, I also faced the challenge of managing a home renovation project while living abroad with ageing parents and limited time. However, my last interior project in Dehradun was completed entirely online and proved to be successful despite requiring considerable effort. This experience inspired me to create Designiche, a solution that streamlines the home renovation process and eliminates the hassle associated with it.

What were the challenges you initially faced in this space and what are the current challenges? 

Initially, it was all about setting up the platform and getting it up and running to be able to take the first step towards what we were trying to achieve. We aimed to get a select group of partners on-boarded and define what design services and packages made sense for our customers. Our current focus is now to push the marketing button; raising brand awareness and establishing a credible customer base to drive sales for our service and product partners.

How do you plan to digitally revolutionise the Indian market with your growth plans at the company? 

Digitally revolutionising the market is a significant and ambitious objective. At the organisation, we are committed to transforming the Indian market through our innovative and cutting-edge digital solutions. Our growth plans involve leveraging the latest technologies and design trends to create world-class products and services that cater to the dynamic needs of the Indian consumer.

Another important aspect of our growth plans is to focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). We believe that this technology has the potential to transform industries across India, and we are committed to leveraging it to create innovative solutions that can help our business stay ahead of the curve.

Drawing from your experience, how crucial is mentorship, especially at the grassroots level for aspiring women leaders?  

Throughout my career, I have had several informal mentors in the form of my bosses, both male and female. Some of my most valuable mentors were male bosses who had daughters of their own. I credit the advice, support, and career guidance that I received from all my mentors for playing a significant role in my pursuit of various opportunities.

However, my childhood experiences also had a profound impact on me. Attending an all-girls school allowed me to witness girls in leadership roles from a young age, and my passion for Kathak enabled me to perform on stages all over the world, boosting my confidence. It is essential to take advantage of every chance that is offered and learn from your experiences in life since they are the best teachers.

Mentors can come in many different forms and through many different experiences.

What more do you suggest countries and education systems can adopt when it comes to inspiring women in STEM? 

One effective strategy for encouraging girls to pursue STEM fields is to introduce them to  STEM concepts at an early age. By doing so, girls can become more comfortable with STEM-related terminology and develop a strong foundation in these subjects.

For example, I found success in enrolling my daughter in a summer program designed to expose children to technology. During the program, she created an empowerment pillow that said "Girls can code" using a Lilypad circuit connected to a battery using a conductor thread. This hands-on experience was engaging, and fun, and built her confidence to try new things. By offering opportunities for girls to engage with STEM positively and engagingly, we can help break down any barriers and inspire them to pursue their interests in these fields.

As a leader in business, how do you suggest the Indian market can empower more women in leadership positions? 

Empowerment is a multifaceted concept that involves giving individuals the necessary tools,  resources, and opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities. To foster empowerment, it is crucial to start at home by creating an environment that is conducive to growth, self-expression, and confidence building.

One of the most important aspects of this is how we treat and support the women in our lives.  It is important to ensure that our mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives have access to the necessary resources, education, and opportunities to pursue their dreams and ambitions. This includes providing them with a platform to voice their opinions and ideas, exposing them to different experiences and perspectives, and encouraging them to take on leadership roles.

By providing this support and encouragement, women can develop the confidence and self-assurance required for success. This, in turn, translates into a more empowered society where women can contribute their talents and skills to their communities and beyond. Ultimately, only by empowering women can we achieve gender equality and create a more just and equitable world for all.

What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs?

My professional advice, regardless of the specific field or industry, is to challenge oneself by stepping out of one’s comfort zone and taking calculated risks. Even if one encounters setbacks or failures, it's important to pick ourselves up and keep moving forward, recognising that mistakes and failures are often valuable learning experiences. It's crucial to overcome fear and embrace uncertainty, as there are no guarantees in life. Change is the only constant, and adapting to new situations and challenges is key to personal and professional growth. By adopting a growth mindset and being open to new experiences, one can expand horizons and achieve their goals.

Suggested reading: World Needs More Women Policymakers: Shailja Chandra, Educator And Sustainability Expert