My Entrepreneurial Journey from Corporate Professional to CEO

By Riena Shettyy, Founder, Divaaglam

 "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them," this quote by Walt Disney resonates with my journey, transitioning from a secure corporate role to spearheading Divaaglam, a burgeoning beauty startup. Navigating the competitive landscape of the beauty and personal care industry proved to be an exhilarating yet challenging endeavour. However, fueled by my dream, I embraced the journey with unwavering determination.

After spending 20 years as HR Head of a global technology company, I decided it was time to take the plunge and follow my dream of creating an online beauty platform that gives unparalleled service to its customers. I was always fascinated with the beauty and wellness sector. To add to that, my husband Sudhir has been associated with the beauty business for over two decades. It seemed like just the right thing to do.

In the year 2020, we founded Divaaglam Private Limited combining my corporate experience in management, operations and technology and Sudhir’s experience in the beauty industry. This was 2020, when COVID-19 made the whole world realize that e-commerce is such an important part of our lives. We did extensive market research, studied the competition, and identified the product mix, and finally in the year 2023 we launched our portal Divaaglam.

The decision to transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was a daunting one, marked by challenges that tested my resilience and determination. This journey, though demanding, has been a source of invaluable learning. The experience has underscored the importance of adaptability, strategic foresight, and effective decision-making in the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.

During my entrepreneurial journey so far I have learned that risk-taking along with prudent decision-making is extremely important in the formative stages of any business. One needs to balance this tightrope while manoeuvring through the day-to-day challenges of running a business.

Reflecting on this personal and professional metamorphosis, I've come to appreciate the transformative power of embracing change and stepping out of one's comfort zone. The journey has instilled in me a deep understanding of the need for continuous learning, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the ability to pivot when necessary.

To my fellow women entrepreneurs, I would say, embrace your aspirations with unwavering determination and be unafraid to challenge the status quo. Cultivate a network of support, surround yourself with mentors, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. In the face of adversity, let resilience be your guiding force, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Success in entrepreneurship is not merely about the destination but the journey itself – a journey that is uniquely yours to shape and lead.

The journey has reinforced the notion that dreams, when pursued with courage and tenacity, can materialize into reality. The convergence of corporate expertise and industry-specific knowledge, coupled with a keen awareness of market dynamics, has been instrumental in laying the foundation for Divaaglam's success. The beauty and wellness industry, while competitive, has proven to be a canvas for innovation and growth, and I am eager to continue leading Divaaglam towards new horizons.