Commitment and Hard Work: Twins in Personality, Twin Partners in Business

Best friends sometimes grow up to become life partners. In this case, they became business partners. Even as entire businesses and most entrepreneurs were negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was an entirely different story with Shambhavi Khemka and Nandita Rao. For, they combined their wits and skills, and took advantage of the dampened economic climate to become entrepreneurs. Let’s take a peek into their exciting start-up journey as they share their story with HerMoneyTalks.

 

Shambhavi, a Journalism and Mass communication graduate, and Nandita, a Fashion Designer are two best friends with a common passion and love towards art and creativity, who turned into business partners for their start-up. These two free-spirited women entrepreneurs from two very different backgrounds of media and fashion designing set out to start their venture, Gitana Hive, a home décor and interior brand.

 

Commitment and hard work always pays off

 

In an entrepreneurial journey, struggles are inevitable. Every entrepreneur has their share of ups and downs. However, all it takes is sheer focus, commitment, and hard work to overcome them and make a place for themselves in the world of business and entrepreneurship.

 

We were awake many nights and trying new ways. Working all night till 7 or 8 am to get it right seemed like a task!

 

Nandita and Shambhavi faced their share of struggles and are still facing them since they are in the initial stages of their startup. Be it management or bridging the gap between budget and client’s expectation, they are currently trying to learn and overcome them. “The biggest challenge for us as a startup was gaining trust. Convincing the investors or clients to have that trust in us and our venture required a lot of self-belief and confidence,” shares Nandita.

 

To launch new products, the duo had to undergo many failures. “We were awake many nights and trying new ways. Working all night till 7 or 8 am to get it right seemed like a task, but when we finally made it, it felt like it was all worth it and those struggles paid off,” adds Shambhavi.

 

Finance and future goals

 

“Being two women entrepreneurs, initially we were doubted when it came to making our own financial decisions and not trusted enough,” exclaim the founders of Gitana Hive. With time and effort, they were able to gain that trust, as well as be capable enough to make their own financial decisions and manage them.

 

With women entrepreneurs emerging, we do see hope in changing the old norms and women making their own decisions.

 

They believe it is very important for every woman to make their own financial decisions. One’s financial management defines them and also gives them an identity and independence. “With women entrepreneurs emerging, we do see hope in changing the old norms and women making their own decisions,” add the entrepreneur duo.

 

Financial tips to the newbie entrepreneurs

 

Shambhavi and Nandita believe that irrespective of men and women “you gotta do what you gotta do”. They also share 3 financial hacks to all women entrepreneurs out there.

 

(1) Look into every single detail before you invest your money. Have thorough knowledge.

 

(2) Competitor analysis is very important in learning money lessons and before deciding the base price.

 

(3) Save and re-invest in your own business which will help you and your venture grow.

 

In future, they are looking at empowering artists, involving them, and creating a platform to showcase their talent. They also dream about going international by opening their own Gitana Hive store and make their brand reach homes amidst the mountains and oceans.