Kavitha Srinivasan is a passionate serial entrepreneur, writer, and professional with over 30 years of experience across diverse industries. As the Founder and CEO of K&S International, she excels in creating strategies that merge profitability with social impact. She sits on the board of four more companies as a Business Advisor & Strategy Expert. Currently, as a service towards humanity and promoting inclusivity, she works as Head of Administration and Corporate Training at MyMaximus, where she advocates for inclusive vocational training for People of Determination. A storyteller at heart, she uses her platform to inspire innovation, leadership, and personal growth. She is also an award-winning author who writes across multiple genres, from prose to poetry.
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
My journey before entrepreneurship was shaped by resilience and unexpected challenges. Growing up in a humble Indian middle-class family, I was an ambitious and rebellious child with dreams of achieving beyond societal expectations. At 17, life took a dramatic turn when I moved to New York with my mother and siblings. Losing my mother shortly after meant becoming a caretaker to my siblings and shelving my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Undeterred, I pursued a qualification as a Lab Technologist, all while honing skills for a future in business. At 26, I launched my first venture, a franchise in computer education, marking the beginning of a transformative entrepreneurial journey. This phase of my life taught me to adapt, persevere, and create new paths, leading me to the challenges and successes that define my story today.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
K&S International FZCO is an initiative rooted in empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation through a global platform. As a General Trading company, we specialize in identifying and marketing unique, problem-solving products that address needs in health, wellness, environment, and technology.
A key highlight is our exclusive distributorship of an IoT-based street food vending machine, branded as “G4z,” which revolutionizes the industry and brings regional flavors to international markets. With additional products like Banda Bags, a sustainable handmade handbags line, Ta’arjah, a luxury swing range, and Torch-It, an assistive technology for the visually impaired, we strive to bridge the gap between creativity and commercialization.
My role as Founder and CEO involves formulating strategies, identifying innovative products, and supporting start-ups to overcome challenges like funding and market access. Through partnerships, mentorship, and a comprehensive global outlook, we aim to create employment opportunities, enhance sustainability, and foster a culture of inclusion and growth. By enabling entrepreneurs to scale their ventures, K&S International is committed to driving meaningful societal and economic impact worldwide.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture? (You can also talk about your recognitions/achievements here.)
The response to our products has been overwhelmingly positive from both users and stakeholders. Our IoT-based vending machine, “G4z,” has been particularly well-received for its innovation and potential to revolutionize the street food industry. Similarly, our other product lines, like Banda Bags and Ta’arjah, have garnered interest for their uniqueness and sustainability focus.
We are proud to have been featured in business magazines, highlighting our efforts to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation globally. Our gala product launch in the heart of Dubai at Radisson Blu for our handbags range was a huge success. These recognitions validate our mission to bridge the gap between profitability and purpose, driving meaningful impact.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is.
My biggest supporters are undoubtedly my partners, my spiritual guide, and my children. I am truly blessed to have such an incredible support system in my life. My business partner & COO, Mr. Khan Afzal Khan, provides me with immense respect, confidence, and inspiration. My other partner, Dr. Malik, respects me for my intellect and acumen. They’ve shown me how human beings can work together positively, supporting and uplifting each other.
I am grateful to the Supreme and the Universe for the diverse experiences that have shaped me into the leader I am today. These experiences have empowered me to share my story and achieve success.
My spiritual guide offers unwavering guidance and strength, helping me stay grounded and focused on my purpose. And, of course, my children are a constant source of joy and motivation. They inspire me every day to be the best version of myself. I believe that success comes from skills, talent, intellect, and the ability to adapt, regardless of gender or background. The strength and support I receive from these incredible individuals truly allow me to rise above challenges and continue to grow.
As a woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world, and what opportunities are you seeking?
As a woman entrepreneur, I hope to see a world where gender is no longer a barrier to access opportunities, recognition, or funding. Women, especially those with disruptive ideas, should be supported and empowered to turn their visions into reality. One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered—and continue to witness—is the dearth of funding available for women entrepreneurs, particularly those working on innovative and groundbreaking ideas. The lack of financial support often limits the potential of women-led businesses and inhibits their ability to scale and make the impact they are capable of.
What I seek is not just investment, but investment in women entrepreneurs who dare to disrupt industries and create change. I believe that when women are given the resources and opportunities to succeed, they not only elevate themselves but also uplift communities and inspire future generations. The right opportunities—especially funding—are key to enabling us to reach our fullest potential and contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic economy.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
Women’s leadership today is a powerful force for change. Women are breaking through glass ceilings, proving that leadership is not defined by gender but by capability, vision, and resilience. However, true empowerment doesn’t come from male bashing or trying to diminish men in the process. As a woman leader, I believe that leadership and empowerment are about recognizing the unique strength that both men and women bring to the table.
A truly empowered woman leader understands the importance of synergy, not competition. It’s about walking side by side with her male counterparts—neither ahead nor behind—but together as equals, complementing each other’s strengths. In my experience, this balanced partnership, where both men and women support each other, creates a dynamic and productive environment. A woman’s strength should never be seen as a threat but as a powerful asset that enhances the collective strength of the team.
Share your Website and Social Media Handles.
🔗 Website: https://trenzetters.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: Kavitha Srinivasan
🔗 Facebook: Kay Svasan
🔗 Instagram: @kavitha_kay
🔗 TikTok: @kavitha.kay11
