Inspire Inclusion: Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Defying Age

his Women's Day, let's explore the inspiring stories of GetSetUp Community Members Radha D. and Padma P. Their journeys go beyond personal success, showing the power of embracing inclusion. Aligning with the 2024 Women's Day theme, "Inspire Inclusion," it's clear that when women, especially as they age, have access to education, support, and a sense of belonging, they become influencers, empowering themselves and others.

Radha D.

At 55, Radha has turned her passion for cooking into a business today, inspired by the need to create gluten-sensitive meals for her children, “I started my journey as a home chef for my gluten-sensitive children. This inspired me to bring positivity through delicious, beautifully presented meals. At home, we believe food has the power to uplift spirits."

As a woman navigating a male-dominated culinary industry, Radha encountered her fair share of challenges. Yet, her resolve remained unshaken. She refined her culinary skills, built a significant online presence, and joined forces with like-minded female chefs specializing in gluten and lactose-free options. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, she shares, "Leadership in the kitchen involves clear communication, delegation, and fostering a positive environment. Innovation comes from experimenting, while personal growth comes from pushing boundaries." One of her proudest moments was receiving great reviews for a dinner party she catered to, affirming her belief in the joy that thoughtful food presentations can bring. 

Addressing misconceptions about entrepreneurship after 50, Radha challenges the stereotype that home cooking later in life is merely a hobby, “I challenge this by treating my business professionally and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Age is just a number; experience elevates our creations." Looking ahead, Radha envisions expanding her business through cooking classes, pop-up dinners, and collaborations with local farmers, staying true to her commitment to nourishing food that brings joy. 

For those contemplating starting their own home food business, especially active agers looking to reinvent themselves, Radha advises, "Follow your passion, stay true to your style, and never stop learning. Build a support network and share your love of food with the world. At home, cooking is about nourishing both body and soul." Her journey is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and the unending pursuit of growth, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs at any stage of life.

Padma P.

Padma’s story begins with a rich career spanning 39 years at the Indian Overseas Bank, where she was affectionately known as the "Public Relation IOBian," thanks to her exceptional customer interactions. But for Padma, retirement was not the end; it was a new beginning. "My passion was people," Padma reflects. After retirement, she wanted to make a deeper impact and decided to leverage her people skills in a new direction. Determined to continue contributing, she became a "Certified Soft Skill Trainer" and founded BLOOM, a training academy with the motto: "Bloom, where you are planted."

Padma's journey was met with skepticism and doubt. "How will you do it, all alone, being a woman? Why do you want to struggle again in your old age?" were questions she often faced. Yet, Padma's spirit remained unshakable. She navigated the initial hurdles of setting up her business, from acquiring a simple license to creating a brand identity and launching her website. Her perseverance paid off, slowly but steadily making inroads as a guest faculty at banking training colleges, "My entrepreneurial journey is not a bed of roses. There were hits and misses, but I was totally satisfied as I could make a difference in people’s lives. I prefer to lead by my own personal example. To sustain in business, you must have originality, creativity, simplicity, honesty, and realism. Meeting people from various strata of society through teaching has taught me a lot for my personal growth." 

One of Padma's proudest achievements is training over five thousand individuals in three years. "The satisfaction of seeing children, young adults, and seniors with smiles at the end of our sessions and hearing the takeaways they express lets us know we have truly empowered them. It is incredibly satisfying and gratifying." Looking to the future, Padma is optimistic about enriching more lives with a positive outlook. She envisions BLOOM evolving into a beacon of prosperity, perseverance, and empowerment. 

Challenging misconceptions about entrepreneurship post-50, she asserts, "It is a misconception that older adults should just relax, stay at home, and are too weak or spent to succeed in business. To refute this, I have maintained a practical and positive approach. Being healthy is paramount; mental and emotional strength come next. Financial health is also crucial. It's important to be careful and not reckless. If we decide to age actively, we can still dream big and create a second success story.” Padma's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of lifelong learning, and the impact of leading by example. 

Radha and Padma's stories are emblematic of the incredible potential within each of us, regardless of age. Their entrepreneurial endeavors not only challenge stereotypes but also inspire a wave of active agers to pursue their passions and reinvent themselves. At GetSetUp, we celebrate these women for their business achievements and contributions to creating a more inclusive, empowering, and nurturing world.

Interested in becoming part of our vibrant community of active agers? Simply send us a ‘HI’ on WhatsApp to get started. For more inspiring stories like this, download the GetSetUp App today.