Katyayani's Resilience: How Women Entrepreneurs Channel Determination in Business

Navratri Stories

Muskaan Kapoor

Oct 8, 2024 — 6 min read

Katyayani Inspired Women Entrepreneurs on Overcoming Business Challenges

In our sixth story, we explore the influence of Katyayani, the courageous warrior who defeated the demon Mahishasura. She's the sixth of the Navadurgas, the goddesses celebrated during Navaratri.

Katyayani personifies determination and resilience, much like the incredible women entrepreneurs we've had the privilege to connect with. As they've journeyed through the business world, they've used these very qualities to tackle challenges and uncertainties.

We asked some incredible women entrepreneurs how determination and resilience have guided their leadership through the challenges and uncertainties of the business, reflecting the spirit of Katyayani.

Now, let's explore their insights and understand how they have channeled these qualities.

Tanul Mishra, CEO, Afthonia Lab

As someone who runs an incubator, I am not only responsible for my own business; our success is interlinked with the startups we incubate. Anticipating red flags and challenges, while getting into the details, has helped us pre-empt and sometimes even tackle uncertainties. During COVID, we had no idea how long things would remain that way, but our belief in adaptability—and the understanding that businesses would need us even more—enabled us to grow and scale.

Gunjan Adya, Expressive Art Therapist & Founder, Tula Journey

Drawing inspiration from Katyayani Mata, I practiced resilience when I launched the brand during the pandemic. I was determined to promote the Tula Journey Self-Help Journal, even if it had to be online. I conducted various online journaling sessions where I spoke about the power of journaling and how it helps people express themselves better.

Hema Bansal Ahlawat, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Partner, HJA & Associates LLP

Goddess Katyayani's embodiment of determination and resilience serves as a profound source of inspiration in my leadership journey. In the face of business challenges and uncertainties, I draw strength from her unwavering resolve. Determination fuels my vision and ambition, enabling me to set audacious goals and persevere through setbacks.

Resilience, akin to the goddess's ability to overcome adversity, empowers me to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing business landscape. It encourages me to learn from failures and remain undaunted by obstacles. Katyayani's qualities infuse my leadership style with a sense of purpose, reminding me that, like her, I can surmount any obstacle with unwavering determination and unyielding resilience.

Shreedha Singh, CEO and Co-Founder, The Ayurveda Co.

Determination and resilience, qualities Goddess Katyayani embodies, guide my leadership in overcoming business challenges. Rejections and obstacles are a part of the entrepreneurial journey. Rather than dwelling on what can't be done, I focus on finding solutions and learning from micro to macro levels.

Shreya Ghodawat, India Ambassador, SHE Changes Climate | CEO, Sustainable Guides

Determination and resilience have always guided how I lead and how I navigate business challenges and uncertainties. These qualities have been my pillars of strength in overcoming obstacles, especially when I get constantly trolled for my appearance because I’m a climate advocate or for my vegan values. I have built a thick skin over time but that comes from knowing you can’t please everyone, you have to be authentic and true to your cause, which will alienate a few but it will also attract the right people towards you.

Your goals will keep you determined and your strength will keep you resilient.

Akanksha Sharma, Co-founder and CEO, CITTA

The indomitable spirit of Goddess Katyayani, who embodies determination and resilience, is the cornerstone of our success. Like the goddess herself, we embrace challenges with strength and grace. When faced with uncertainty, we channel Katyayani's resolve to innovate and adapt. This steadfast approach not only helps us weather storms but also fosters a culture of perseverance within our team.

Our team, like the fierce Goddess, fearlessly forges ahead. From launching products and sourcing the finest quality ingredients to enhancing customer experience, our commitment to quality and safety remains unwavering. This Navratri, we celebrate Katyayani's strength, which empowers us to conquer every obstacle and continue nurturing the delicate skin of the little ones in the lap of luxury.

Divanshi Gupta, Director, The Marcom Avenue

Determination and resilience are at the core of my leadership approach in addressing business challenges and uncertainties. Like Katyayani, I remain steadfast in pursuing our goals, even when faced with obstacles. I believe in adaptability and a proactive response to challenges, ensuring that our team remains focused on solutions.

By fostering a culture of resilience and determination, we can effectively overcome adversity and emerge stronger. These qualities have not only guided my leadership but have also empowered our team to tackle any hurdles that come our way, ultimately leading to the continued growth and success of our business.

Naina Ruhail, Founder and Co-CEO, Vanity Wagon

In navigating the ever-changing business landscape, determination and resilience have been my trusted companions. They are like the wind in the sail, propelling me forward in this sea of constantly rising obstacles.

As a founder, I firmly believe that it's the ability to stand tall in the face of adversity and remain steadfast in your vision that truly defines success. To be honest the uncertainties transform this venture into an exciting adventure, the reward of which is matchless.

Shreya Sharma, Founder and CEO, Rest The Case

There was a time when Rest The Case had just started and it was just me. I was still in college but trying to set up my company. I didn’t want to wait any longer and just wanted to start the company because I was so happy with the idea I had. I was the head and employee of all departments, I was doing things I had never done before. I was never good at accounting, but suddenly I was making P&Ls, it was new and crazy.

Slowly I got a few people, we started talking to more people and each day this idea in my head became more and more real. There were times innumerable when I was questioned, where I questioned things, and there were times when it was easier to take a step back, but I reminded myself of the reason why I started, and quitting was never an option. It's times like these when I realised the importance of believing in myself because imagine if I can’t believe in what I have then how are the other people with me supposed to.

Smitha Jacob, Co-founder, Jolger Activewear, Founder Director, Saggian Ventures

Jolger encountered particular difficulties during the Covid era. Our market entry was postponed by 11 months due to the second and third lockdowns. This helped us become aware of all the gaps in our plan and obstacles to its execution.

However, we could tackle problems with a solution-focused mindset and a positive attitude to face difficulties that enabled us to overcome these obstacles. Finding the ideal personnel and a location to conduct operations took time due to COVID-19 limitations. But with the support of a strong team, we overcame all of these obstacles and set out on our venture.