Diligently Onward: The Heart-warming Story of a Play Area Founder
Does a married woman face more constraints in taking business decisions than a single woman? If you are Deepti Mahesh, you will be both nodding and shaking your head. The answer is both ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Confused? When you read her life story, you may also be nodding and shaking your head. Without further ado, HerMoneyTalks brings to you the inspirational journey of Deepti, the Founder and CEO of Kydzadda, an indoor play area for children based in Bangalore.
In Deepti’s view, the difficulties in being an entrepreneur depend on a woman’s status in life. She believes that when a woman is single, she herself can take a lot of decisions. But for a married woman, there would be several constraints that hinder her growth as a business leader.
Says Deepti, “Money management is a key aspect in the life of all, not just men, but also equally for women, whether she is an entrepreneur, professional or home maker.” She also adds that people have begun to accept the reality that women can run a company and can be as successful in business as men.
The birth of a business amidst exuberance
It was six years ago that Deepti opened Kydzadda, the first indoor play area in Bangalore. Her concept of a happy place with a café and some space for celebrations was new. Deepti created a whole new ambience with her skill and hard work in her space.
Taking business decisions started with the very first one of the objective of starting the business. “When we began Kydzadda the vision was not to make money, but to ensure the happiness of every child and family who came to us.”
My confidence levels were very high from the beginning. I am working towards my vision from day one, which is the highest customer satisfaction possible.
Coming from a family of businessmen, Deepti’s husband, father, and father-in-law are her constant mentors in her journey. A lot of her inspiration and creativity come from her family itself.
“My confidence levels were very high from the beginning. I am working towards my vision from day one, which is the highest customer satisfaction possible,” states Deepti categorically.
The power of due diligence
Surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, it took Deepti two years to convince her angel investors—her family—about the working of Kydzadda and how she was going to make everything happen.
“I did a lot of research and came up with this concept. Yet, it was really hard for people to actually understand that this would generate profitable revenues. I made a huge feasibility analysis, financial plan, and several excel spread sheets, and showed everyone that this is workable,” reveals Deepti.
I made a huge feasibility analysis, financial plan, and several excel spread sheets, and showed everyone that this is workable.
Still, Deepti looks back at that phase with fond remembrance. As an entrepreneur, taking business decisions came easily to her. This super woman urges everybody to believe in themselves and never give up when things get hard.
“There is no point in sitting back and thinking that it may or may not work. Just start it and make it work,” smiles Deepti as the profound simplicity of her words hit home.
Growth pains of a fledgling business
Born into a business family, Deepti established her organization together with her own savings and the financial assistance from her family. She started taking business decisions related to finance right from day one. Here, she got immense support from her husband, who is also her business partner.
We faced the biggest financial challenge while opening a second centre of Kydzadda. We had to then borrow some money and invest in business, which later turned out to be great.
Kydzadda offers various packages considering the customer’s experiences. It provides a cafe space and organizes workshops and events, with Deepti’s commitment and deep involvement as their building block.
“We faced the biggest financial challenge while opening a second centre of Kydzadda. We had to then borrow some money and invest in business, which later turned out to be great,” chuckles Deepti.
As an entrepreneur, another challenge for her was that the kind of business she was in was quite seasonal. There would be certain months of huge profit, which would nosedive during certain other months. Deepti was unfazed. “I have now understood this pattern very well and thus plan things accordingly,” she beams.
Financial smartness a pre-requisite for businesswomen
“Financial well-being gives a woman a sense of independence, and teaches her how to manage her money and plan her future.” This one statement of Deepti reveals all there is to know about the financial manager inside of her. She also opines that if someone has no knowledge about what to do with their money, they should first gain that knowledge to become successful.
Deepti has some simple financial tips for aspiring women entrepreneurs and financial managers:
(1) Don’t spend everything that you earn; save as much as you can
(2) Plan well what you want to do with your money
(3) Invest your money in multiple assets
(4) Research on what you want to invest
(5) Make sure you are passionate about the work you do; the money will definitely come
The Kydzadda founder has one last word of advice for women looking to get financially empowered: “Attend courses and read as much as you can to become a business wizard. Also, never leave your confidence on the road.”
