Today we are lucky to interview Ms Nidhi Gupta who is the force behind Likhavat Academy Pvt Ltd. Besides the number of hats she wears, she is a strong proponent of women empowerment.
Kindly elaborate on your line of work
I am a graphologist by profession. As Director of Likhavat Academy, I conduct classes on Handwriting Improvement (both English and Hindi), Calligraphy and Graphology. I also do a lot of free lancing work for private as well as govt agencies in the field of graphology.
Last year, along with Aastha Kalra, I successfully started a Business Mates group only for women entrepreneurs. We have our hands full these days. But it is worth every moment.
Now this is something. But how did you get into this?
Firstly about calligraphy. After I got married, I once drew a lettering on paper and showed it to my husband. He asked me that is there any way to monetise it. This got me thinking, one thing led to another and here I am. Let me point out that I started offering calligraphy classes when this subject was still a hobby. Along the way I realized that I have a knack for graphology.
Last year, Aastha and myself were casually discussing about a concept of Business Networking Group. We realized that not only there is scope for such a group to be created but we can actually make it work. Today we have 35 members and two running groups and reaching our goals. We have big plans for Business Mates Delhi.
Would you consider yourself as a visionary or facilitator?
There was a time when I was struggling to get enough business for Likhavat Academy. Those times it was mostly growth and survival. Fortunately hard work paid and I was somewhat lucky too. Today I won’t say that I am secure, but I am in a position to be a visionary too. This is how I am giving back by helping women out through Business Mates.
How does Mrs Nidhi Gupta balance personal and professional life?
I have the entire family to take care of. All this would not have been possible without the support of my family. Their encouragement and support keeps me going. My husband is my pillar of strength. Children though they are grown-up now, but they are a handful.
I start my day early. Wind up my work at home and head out to my academy. The students start pouring in by 10 am. From then on its maddening and fast paced work till 2 pm when I finally start closing up. After that it is just a balancing act between giving time to my family and studies of my children and plan for the next day.
Have you ever faced negative criticism? How did you handle it?
I face criticism every day. Its now part of life. I always take it as constructive criticism. An opportunity to improve my services and come up with better options for my students. Once I got a one star review on my google page. I managed to find out the student who did it. First I felt like confronting him as to why he did it. Then I took a pause and decided to leave the review aside and convert the student in an asset. I am what I am today because of criticism. It makes me stronger. It pushes me to work harder.
There is one particular incident which I would like to highlight. Two years back I received a call from an admin of a Calligraphy group which I am a passive member. He begins with asking question about Likhavat Academy and makes many inappropriate remarks about the courses and their fee structure. I tried patiently explaining him but he was unreasonable and rude and his tone brought me to tears. He also threatened to close my academy. Then I gathered myself and told him my piece of mind in a polite and firm manner. In our line of work, as women entrepreneur, we face this situation every day. What to say. We have to be strong and ready.
You have a daughter. What ‘Sakti’ would you like to see in her or imbibe in her?
Confidence. I would like her to get more confidence than Nidhi Gupta.
Is there any personal motto or quote that you follow that has helped you lead a life so modest and yet exceptional?
I am yes to everything or rather I would say I hardly say no to anything.
Website of Likhavat Academy and Business Mates Delhi
http://businessmatesdelhi.com/
Please join our Facebook Groups
https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessmatesdelhi
https://www.facebook.com/groups/likhavat/
I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.
Women are known to have better intuition, patience, emotional focus, compassion and networking ability. The list of female strengths is endless.
Throughout history, the world has witnessed many great women of strength who managed to tap into their Everyday Power to leave an indelible mark on society. Reading words of wisdom from such amazing women can inspire you to become a strong woman yourself, who approaches life with confidence.