Raksha Rathore
Raksha Rathore is an artist and has recently moved to the UK. She is also an international trade advisor and runs her own Art gallery. She is also involved in her other things and engaged in other businesses.
She tells us that “We are dealing in all kinds of Art and crafts, paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, through which we are promoting local artisans. We also do exhibitions in India and abroad. Besides we support those artists who are differently abled and have artistic talents from NGOs for their financial support. By god grace, I won many awards and recognition in Art concern and also as a trade advisor. But life is too short to achieve all the things together. For me paintings are like a collection of thoughts.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
If I talk about my journeys, It’s a long journey obviously. I am from a defense family background. I started my professional journey from a corporate job in exports, imports, shipping , logistics and worked for Art exports and different industries. I have done my master’s in International business and degrees in foreign trade. But I am always passionate about Art and crafts and promotion of India Art. So after a long journey I took a gap and suddenly I started painting and working on my own passion. Inspired by nature , emotions, surroundings and all. And feel it’s peaceful. I always wanted a creative profession. Besides, I was working for an export company . Through Art I am involved in many things. So side by side I started my own gallery and started promoting artisans and working on new creations and increasing the different segments for handicrafts goods. And start working on different market research. But I started from small concerns and still there are many challenges . I moved to the UK so obviously the new market everything is new. I did a lot of research before starting my own work. Starting your own business is not an easy task. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and, of course, a great idea.
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 or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
Patience and self-motivation require first. Because no one can teach you if you can’t teach yourself. First you need to take initiative and lead yourself then others will follow you , support you.. You should open the door for motivation , challenges and implementation. Problems are always there in life but we need to learn how to live better in all situations and make it better for us and others. This is life.
We need to work, that’s it , I always do research on how to provide the best solution to the customers , best products to the customer, new products , unique art and designs. Painting on any object, if embroidery on clothes or any object then it should be unique and different ideas. It’s important that business owners have a strong understanding of their industry. So do more and more research.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
After working in corporates, I realized that I need to do something for the artisan and for this I need to open the doors to promote them. And there is always a limit in normal jobs but in business no limits for any assigned task. You may perform anytime for growth and development. I want to promote the local artisan on an international platform. so they don’t struggle much to sell their Artworks.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Indeed, I achieved many national and international Awards and recognitions. Also a proudly member of WEF, Celebrity club of India & Art Society IOM, UK
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?
I think the Young entrepreneurs need to learn from their surroundings. They need to know absolutely everything before taking on a challenge, but sometimes you have to dream far bigger than what you can plan for and be prepared to upgrade your skills along the way and as per your plans demand.
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 leadership today?
Yes, It’s a fact that in today’s world women are working well with the men. Female leadership matters to this society. Women are passionate, creative and resourceful. They see the world through a lens of opportunity. They are powerful agents of change. Women are authentic and practical, engage in strategic thinking and are creative & innovative. They are socialized, resilient and work well in different environments.
Women are team-orientated, inclusive and collaborative. They bring different skills, qualities and perspectives to leadership and lead differently to men at home and in profession. Our differences are recognized as sources of strength rather than weaknesses that inhibit the ability to grow, thrive or achieve success.
Strong female leaders understand this need and enjoy inspiring other women to achieve. They occupy a uniquely important role in mentorship and legitimizing the contributions of other women. They prioritize personal development and focus on developing others, supporting the individual and making a real and lasting difference in the world.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
I believe that: between ideas and achievements only one word is required and that is action. We think and wait to implement, good times will come, maybe after a perfection, maybe after a proper knowledge.. learning is a part of life. No doubt, it’s a never-ending task. Somewhere we need to take initiative. Sometimes thoughts only, fear only, once you start then only you will find the proper idea and process to achieve the goals. Make theory and then do practical, Implement that by proper action.
Any further comments?
Running a business successfully is very challenging for both genders. It’s important to be creative in every aspect of running a business. Women entrepreneurs are more in touch with their creative side and open-minded to expand new horizons and gain a fresh perspective on their business. Soft skills and emotional intelligence may prove a key competitive advantage for women in business.