'Behind Every Succesful Woman': Entrepreneurs On How Moms Shaped Their Grit

“How have the women in your life influenced you?” I asked all the entrepreneurs at the recent Digital Women Awards 2024. The question was met with diverse responses – right from the encouragement from first bosses and co-founders to the inspiring journeys of domestic helpers and nannies. Yet, amid this multitude of answers was a common thread that stood out – the everlasting support and impact of their mothers or mothers-in-law – a whole generation apart, yet playing pivotal roles in moulding entrepreneurs into powerhouses.

SheThePeople's 10th Digital Women Awards at T-Hub, Hyderabad, honoured 40 women in entrepreneurship. However, the impact and purpose of this event extend far beyond the winners as it also celebrates the women who carved a path, laid a foundation, and led the way for women today to rise, evolve, and thrive.

Mothers Who Inspired Strength And Success

Nikita Gupta, founder of Amama Jewels and winner of the Digital Women Award in the E-commerce category, expressed how the women in her life inspired her to be financially independent. “In my family, most women have been housewives. I have seen my mother and mother-in-law just working for others. But they inspired me to break the glass ceiling.”

The entrepreneur and mother-of-two also described how her success has become a cycle of inspiration where she and the women in her family mutually impact each other. “I want to show them that they can also [live] for themselves and work towards their goals. I want to tell them, ‘You need to go and achieve your dreams’,” she said.

Aditi Mullick, the founder of Prasino’s Tech Innovations, also acknowledged the enduring love and guidance she receives from her mother and mother-in-law. “Maybe not technically in the professional domain, but I have seen how they multitask and balance everything. That is the biggest strength of a woman,” she expressed.

Kanika Tekriwal, the founder of JetSetGo, finds her roots in a humble family in Bhopal. She credits her mother’s unwavering encouragement to her rise as a powerhouse in India’s private aviation landscape. Tekriwal also spoke about her mother-in-law’s support while she prioritises her ambitions and chases her goals.

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The Women That Nurtured Leaders

Motherhood is almost always associated with warmth, boundless love, and countless sacrifices. Coming from a time when women were expected to place their family’s needs before theirs, mothers either gave up on their dreams or broke many barriers so that their children could be inspired to follow their passions.

This nurturing spirit has been transformative for Malvika Jain, founder of the skincare brand Sereko, who won a Digital Women Award in the Solopreneur category. The lawyer-turned-entrepreneur described how her mother’s optimistic energy became a significant driving force during the toughest moments in her career.

“My mom has always been my pillar, my best friend, and my confidante, my rock. She is also a partner in my business. Though she is from a different generation, her mentality and approach are very forward, which I think is very important. She was my biggest support during my career transition,” Jain expressed. 

Anupama Dalmia, founder of Beyond The Box and winner of a Digital Women Award in the Impact category, shared, “I was born in a typical Marwari family where girls were traditionally not encouraged to do anything beyond being a wife or mother. But my mom always told me, ‘I want you to be independent and strong.’ She has been the figure in my life who keeps me going even today. Even now she is at home, taking care of my daughter so I can be at this event.”

For Saketha Pingali, founder of SmartPharma, women in her family have been immensely inspirational. She expressed, “My mother and aunts taught me to aim high, my grandmother taught me that education comes above everything. The majority of my goals and fundamentals have come from the women in my family.”

From the unwavering belief that women can break barriers to the invaluable lessons passed down through generations, the influence of motherhood on success was palpable at the Digital Women Awards 2024, harbouring an atmosphere of mutual support, respect, and encouragement.