“There are times when it’s very easy to quit, but an entrepreneur needs a lot of dedication and consistency to stick to the path.”
Brief introduction about yourself and tell us something about ‘Ethnic Pret Line’? I am a fashion entrepreneur in the Indian Ethnic wear business. I design and sell my products through my website www.swetasutariya.com. All products in my collection are unique and have only few pieces of each design to maintain the uniqueness. I believe that each woman has her own sense of style and I design clothes that people can identify their uniqueness with.
What ignited the spark in you to start ‘Ethnic Pret Line’? I am from a management background and have worked as a marketing/distribution manager with one of India leading media houses. Indian clothes always caught my fancy and I would try to find occasions where I could wear a saree or a unique Indian outfit but fall short of options where I would get my type of Indian clothes. That’s when I started designing and thought about coming up with this business.
Please talk about your journey as an entrepreneur. Any plans for expansion? Journey as an entrepreneur has been a mix of ups and downs and lots of learning in the process. There are times when its very easy to quit, but an entrepreneur needs a lot of dedication and consistency to stick to the path. I wish to expand my production capacity and presence in the coming months and I have expanded my team to take steps in that direction.
What are your views on the thought, that as compared to male counterparts, it’s harder and more struggling for females to make a mark professionally? There are many fields that are unfortunately still male dominated, but I have never even once faced any obstacle. With many female role models to look up to and also because most industries are now globalizing; it has resulted in people being more open towards female entrepreneurs as well
What piece of advice would you like to give to the aspiring youth who wish to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur? Do not be afraid to leave a secure path and follow your dream. It’s a tough path but the rewards of taking risks are high and you will definitely lead a more fulfilling life.
According to you, what are the top three essential skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? 3 skills absolutely essential for being a successful entrepreneur are Innovation, consistency and the spirit to never give up.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life? Has the family always been supportive? I recently became a first time mother and it has been a roller-costar ride for the past few months. But I have a supportive family who has helped me out with my work during the times that I could not give much time to work. Life is slowly getting back to normal and I intend to expand my business in coming months.
What are your views and opinions towards the ambiguous need to promote women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India? There is a need to empower women as we stay in a country where household responsibilities are still considered a female’s forte. For a woman to become independent financially we need to promote entrepreneurship so that they can juggle smoothly between family and work life.
