Charu Mehrotra
Charu Mehrotra is an entrepreneur who is an unshakable optimist. She believes that there is a solution to every problem. At present, she is running an online magazine https://www.womenlines.com, which has earned a prominent spot on Google’s first page of search results for “Online magazines for women,” and is also listed among the top 50 women’s online magazines and publications worldwide. Womenlines is promoting health, business, and leadership excellence in women globally and is providing content marketing services.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative. [Please also share your goals, interests, and role models].
Despite having a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, the thought of becoming an entrepreneur never crossed my mind. However, as I worked with many talented women, I noticed that they struggled to utilise their skills in a professional capacity due to a lack of confidence and self-advocacy. It became increasingly clear to me that every woman possesses unique talents and abilities, but many are unable to tap into them without the proper mindset and knowledge. As I delved deeper into the success stories of women across the globe, I was struck by a common thread – the importance of showcasing women’s excellence. It was then that I embarked on my own entrepreneurial journey to create a platform solely dedicated to empowering women and amplifying their achievements. With this vision in mind, I launched Womenlines.com. I was quite inspired by Oprah Winfrey, Arianna huffington, Indira Nooyi and many other successful professionals and entrepreneurs,
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
Incubating my software startup, Earngo, at a university in Singapore and networking with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors was a truly life-changing experience. This unique opportunity allowed me to acquire invaluable skills and insights that completely transformed my mindset. I learned the importance of having a grand vision in life and developed a new perspective on how to approach challenges and opportunities in my entrepreneurial journey.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea that made you start this brand? How did such a unique idea strike you, and what motivated you to “YES, go for it?”
Before launching Womenlines, I ran several other ventures where I taught myself how to use digital media effectively. During this time, I became aware of the vast amount of life-changing content available online, specifically content that could transform women’s lives. However, I also recognized that not everyone had access to this valuable information. It was then that I had the realization that establishing a media platform that published articles and videos on personal excellence in areas such as health, business, and leadership could be instrumental in creating more women leaders around the world. I was immediately inspired to take action and say YES to launching Womenlines.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
As the founder of Womenlines.com, I am fully dedicated to building a robust media hub that reaches women across the globe. To achieve this, I am actively establishing a strong presence on major social media platforms and collaborating with other organizations on various projects. My ultimate goal is to create a dynamic space where women can access valuable resources, connect with one another, and achieve their full potential.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
As a solopreneur, the entrepreneurial journey can often feel overwhelming and lonely. It’s crucial to nurture self-belief and confidence to keep going. Personally, I find listening to inspiring speakers like Mel Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Gary Vaynerchuk, and others to be extremely beneficial. Their words of wisdom and stories of triumph motivate me to push through any obstacles and believe in myself and my vision. By taking the time to care for my self-belief, I am able to stay focused and committed to my entrepreneurial journey.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly presented significant challenges for entrepreneurs and businesses around the world. However, it has also created opportunities for startups to innovate and adapt to the evolving business landscape. As an entrepreneur, I have personally experienced the benefits of the pandemic’s acceleration of digital technologies and remote work culture. Through a digital-first strategy, I was able to grow my brand’s presence globally, tapping into new markets that were previously inaccessible. Moreover, the pandemic has reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability in business. As an entrepreneur, I had to quickly pivot and adjust to changing market conditions to stay relevant and successful. These skills will undoubtedly continue to be valuable long after the pandemic has subsided. On a personal level, the pandemic has been a challenging time for me. Not only did I have to navigate the impact on my business, but I also faced personal and family disruptions. The experience has emphasised the importance of work-life balance and self-care, and I have learned to prioritise these aspects to ensure my well-being while running my business.As we move towards a post-pandemic world, I believe that entrepreneurs who remain agile, adaptable, and innovative will be best equipped to thrive. The lessons learned during this challenging time will undoubtedly inform and shape the future of entrepreneurship, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
We are thrilled to announce that our magazine, Womenlines, has achieved a prominent position on Google’s first page of search results for “Online magazines for women.” Additionally, we are honoured to be listed among the top 50 women’s online magazines and publications worldwide. This incredible accomplishment has truly inspired our Womenlines team, driving us to continue pursuing our dreams and elevating our platform to the next level. Being recognised in such a competitive industry is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that our team pours into every article, feature, and piece of content. We are committed to providing a valuable and engaging experience for our readers, and this recognition motivates us to push the boundaries and achieve even greater success. We look forward to continuing to provide a platform for women’s voices and stories to be heard and recognized worldwide.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If given the opportunity to make a change in the world, as an entrepreneur, I would like to see a more equitable and inclusive business landscape. I believe that everyone, regardless of their gender, race, or socioeconomic background, should have an equal opportunity to succeed as an entrepreneur. To achieve this, we need to break down the systemic barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from accessing capital, resources, and support. As a society, we need to invest in programs that empower and equip women and other marginalized groups with the skills and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Reflecting on my personal and professional journey, the most important thing I have learned is the value of persistence and resilience. Life can be challenging, and setbacks are inevitable, but it is essential to stay focused, adapt, and keep moving forward towards your goals. In my personal life, I have learned the importance of prioritising self-care and maintaining a work-life balance. It is crucial to take care of your physical and mental health to be at your best and able to achieve your goals. In my professional journey, I have learned that success requires continuous learning, growth, and adaptability. The business world is constantly evolving, and to remain relevant and successful, one must be willing to learn new skills, adapt to changing environments, and embrace new opportunities. My personal motto in life is “there is a solution to every challenge.” I believe that with persistence, determination, and hard work, anything is possible.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
Women’s leadership has made significant strides in recent years, with more women occupying leadership positions in various industries worldwide. However, there is still much work to be done in breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality in the workplace.Women bring a unique perspective and skill set to leadership positions, including empathy, communication, and collaboration. Studies have shown that gender diversity in leadership teams can lead to better decision-making, increased creativity, and higher financial returns. It is crucial to continue to support and empower women in the workplace, providing them with equal opportunities, recognition, and support. This includes providing mentorship, leadership training, and creating inclusive work environments that embrace diversity and promote gender equality. However, we must continue to work towards breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality in the workplace to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To all the young women leaders reading this, I want to say that you have the power to make a significant impact in the world with your grit, determination, and passion. As an entrepreneur, I understand the challenges and obstacles that come with starting and running a business, but I also know the immense satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving your goals. My advice to you is to stay focused on your vision, remain persistent in the face of setbacks and failures, and never be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams. As a young woman leader, you have a unique perspective and voice that can bring about positive change in the world. Embrace your authenticity, be confident in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for what you believe in. In conclusion, my message to all the young women leaders reading this is to stay focused, stay determined, and never give up on your dreams.