Women entrepreneurs in Mauritius are invited to submit their applications for the inaugural edition of the Women Entrepreneur Awards, as the deadline for applications is closing in – 31st May 2023. The Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) is a concept created to encourage, support and empower and celebrate Mauritian female entrepreneurs from different sectors, and to showcase their contribution in the Mauritian economy.
The Women Entrepreneurs Awards are also being supported by a range of Ambassadors with experience of entrepreneurship across a wide range of sectors. On that note, we caught up with Karuna Puri and she shares insights on her journey as an entrepreneur. Excerpts:
What inspired you to get started as an entrepreneur?
My life took a drastic change when I finally decided to quit a very promising job after years of experience at a senior level in the private sector. Trust me, it was not easy to let go all that comfort to embrace the unknown.
As I always say, life comes into stages!!
My biggest inspiration was that strong will and desire to create a business where I could think bigger and bolder.
I was fuelled by own individual goals and aspirations and saw great opportunities to create value through my leadership and relationship skills as I am so addicted to challenges of solving problems, making changes and empowering people.
Can you tell us about your business?
My company is mostly into Business development and relationship management across various industries such as hospitality, construction, PR activities, Capacity Building and mentoring for Women Entrepreneurs.
We are also into a digital platform on the move where we market and advertise a diverse portfolio of clients from financial services, FMCG, consumer electronics or even Entrepreneurs wanting to create brand awareness for their products or services.
What are some of the main challenges you have faced as an entrepreneur and how have you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges was the strain of the pandemic as my business suffered a significant decrease in the business activities and it took me much time to get up and dust all the financial issues, inadequate support system, and uncertainty in the business industry.
I had to take drastic decisions due to loss of contracts by reviewing my business model, reviewing business offerings, looking for more collaboration to survive and cutting down administrative costs, and get adjusted to the WFH concept.
I had to juggle through delayed payments, postponed projects that I find challenging to pay suppliers, local contractors, thus impacting on my business running costs.
I must say, I have known sleepless nights and fear of losing my sanity!! But the Optimistic warrior in Me never allowed me to bow down… That too shall pass I would repeat to myself hundreds of time.
What would be your advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Look to your future with Confidence whilst keeping your passion burning ardently. Embrace competition and remember to uplift as many women on your way.
Educate yourself and find a Mentor if need be to help you grow steadily in business and life. Work on your wellness and mental fitness as the road of Entrepreneurship has never been for the faint hearts
Love what you do as business is NOT only about making money but creating a relationship with your clients, you just have to CARE Genuinely.
Last but not the least … Love Yourself – It’s Magical.
Why are you supporting the Women Entrepreneur Awards as an Ambassador?
The Women Entrepreneur Awards really conquered my heart as I firmly believe in uplifting women in business from all walks of life struggling to maintain a work – life balance as well as fighting gender equity in an austere business environment.
The fact that this Award is based on Meritocracy, it helps in giving a supportive platform to network and celebrate the achievements of Women Entrepreneurs whose journey would inspire more women to follow their own dreams.
Simply being listed as a nominee for an award can improve brand awareness and promote businesses to new clients.
Winning an Award open doors to new business opportunities and new contacts.
Women Entrepreneur Awards is a FREE platform of learning that is bound to create a positive direct impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
